Cumberland County, NC — January 6, 2026, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 10 a.m. on U.S. Highway 13/Fayetteville Highway.

Authorities said a westbound 2008 Ford Explorer and a 2025 International semi-truck collided while passing each other near the intersection with Wrench Road. The impact forced the SUV into the ditch.

The Ford driver, whose name has not been made public yet, died at the scene of the crash east of Godwin, according to authorities.

The truck driver complained of minor injuries after the crash, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Cumberland County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people read about a deadly crash between a semi-truck and a family SUV, one of the first questions they often ask is: How does something like that even happen? On a clear road, during daylight hours, what circumstances could lead to a fatal collision between two vehicles simply passing each other?

At this point, we’re told that the SUV and the 18-wheeler were traveling in opposite directions and collided while passing near an intersection. That’s about it. But from a legal standpoint, that bare description leaves more questions than answers.

Most critically, we don’t yet know how contact occurred. Did one vehicle drift out of its lane? Was either driver attempting a turn or a pass? Were road conditions a factor? Depending on whether the truck crossed the center line or the SUV veered off-course, entirely different legal responsibilities might apply.

To find out what really happened, investigators would need to look beyond the crash scene. For the truck, that means pulling the engine control module data to see speed, braking and steering inputs just before the crash. It also means checking for in-cab cameras, many newer trucks have them, to determine whether the driver was distracted or failed to respond appropriately to road conditions.

Driver cell phone records can also be crucial. I’ve worked on cases where a trucker was texting or talking on the phone at the exact moment of impact. Without a court order, that kind of evidence tends to stay buried.

It’s also important to examine the trucking company’s role. What kind of training did the driver receive? Was there a meaningful road test, or just a quick check-the-box evaluation? I’ve handled cases where a driver with a history of accidents or job firings was still hired because the company looked the other way. When that happens, it’s not just a driver mistake; it’s a company failure.

For now, we don’t know who or what caused this crash. But what I do know is that answers won't come from a two-paragraph press release. They come from gathering hard data, examining company practices and holding the right parties accountable once the facts are known.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s unclear how the SUV and semi-truck came into contact. Lane positioning and driver actions matter greatly.
• Truck ECM data, in-cab cameras and cell phone records can provide critical evidence in determining fault.
• The truck driver’s history and the company’s hiring/training practices may also come under scrutiny.
• A full investigation should focus on evidence, not assumptions or early narratives.
• Legal responsibility depends on who had control, who failed and what could have been prevented.