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Fatal I-40 Collision Claims Lives of DJ Wimley, Elijah Brown, and Marcus Phifer in Winston-Salem on October 12, 2025

Published Date: October 16, 2025

Note: Our firm’s mission is to help people injured in accidents. Because we do this work, we see the consequences of these accidents on the victims and the families. Through these articles, we aim to foster a safer community and provide support to those affected by such tragedies. 

Our firm respects the privacy and dignity of those involved and is willing to amend or remove content at the request of affected parties. To contact us use 704-714-1450 or send us a message.
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Winston-Salem, NC (October 12, 2025) - According to local news reports, a devastating crash on Interstate 40 West in Forsyth County claimed the lives of four men and temporarily closed the highway on Sunday morning. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has confirmed that the collision remains under investigation due to the complex nature of the incident.

The accident took place near Union Cross Road and caused significant disruptions on I-40 West. Emergency services, including the Winston-Salem Fire Department, responded swiftly to the scene, and a traffic camera in the area showed a heavy presence of emergency vehicles.

Families of the victims have identified the four men who died as DJ Wimley, Elijah Brown, Marcus Phifer, and a fourth unnamed individual. Each of these men left behind grieving loved ones who traveled to the crash site in search of answers. The families have since received confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office regarding their sons’ passing. All four were transported to Virginia for burial.

DJ Wimley had recently begun his freshman year at Howard University, pursuing a future in sports medicine and earning a spot on the university’s football team. His mother shared that the first alert came from an Emergency SOS notification on his phone, which indicated a crash had occurred. His family drove nearly five hours to get to the crash site, hoping for a different outcome.

The families of the other victims also endured similar anguish. The mother of Elijah Brown recounted the heartbreaking moment of receiving the news and expressed the emotional difficulty of losing her son. Meanwhile, Marcus Phifer’s family shared his faith, remembering his frequent reassurance that “God’s got me.”

Four wooden crosses have been placed at the crash site as a tribute to the lives lost. These crosses now stand as symbols of love, memory, and the deep grief left behind.

At this time, the State Highway Patrol has not provided additional details regarding the cause of the crash but has promised updates as the investigation continues.


Working With a Personal Injury Attorney in Winston-Salem, NC

Choosing to work with a personal injury attorney in Winston-Salem, NC can make a major difference in how smoothly your recovery process goes after an accident. Whether you’ve suffered physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial setbacks, having the right support helps take the pressure off so you can focus on healing. A good attorney doesn’t just handle paperwork—they step in as your voice when it matters most.

Accidents in Winston-Salem can happen in the blink of an eye. From busy intersections to workplace mishaps, the aftermath often leaves victims trying to navigate insurance claims, lost wages, medical bills, and sometimes long-term care. A personal injury lawyer in Winston-Salem understands the local legal system and how to move a case forward efficiently while also making sure no detail is missed. This includes gathering evidence, speaking with medical providers, and working with insurance companies on your behalf.

Another benefit of hiring a personal injury attorney in Winston-Salem, NC is access to straightforward advice. These attorneys know that not every case requires a lawsuit. Sometimes, a fair settlement can be reached quickly. Other times, more aggressive steps are needed to protect your rights. Either way, it helps to have someone who knows when to push and when to negotiate.

Understanding the Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Winston-Salem

A personal injury lawyer in Winston-Salem helps guide accident victims through every step of the legal process. This includes helping clients understand what compensation they may be entitled to, such as coverage for medical expenses, missed time at work, and pain and suffering. For those dealing with permanent injuries, these attorneys also consider future needs like rehabilitation and ongoing care.

They also handle communication with the other side. Whether it’s another driver’s insurance company or a business’s legal team, your attorney manages the back and forth so you don’t have to. This helps prevent accidental statements that could hurt your case and ensures your rights are protected at every turn.

Most importantly, a personal injury law firm in Winston-Salem works on your behalf, not for the insurance company. Their goal is to secure fair compensation while removing the burden from your shoulders. For many people, this kind of support is what helps them move forward after an unexpected and difficult event.

Hiring a Winston-Salem Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Crash

Car accidents are one of the most common reasons people reach out for legal help in Winston-Salem, NC. Between distracted driving, speeding, and heavy traffic, collisions happen frequently in this area. When they do, a car accident lawyer in Winston-Salem can step in to help victims figure out what to do next.

Even if the crash seems straightforward, the claims process can get complicated fast. Some insurance companies offer low settlements in hopes that victims will take the money and move on. Others may delay decisions or argue about who was at fault. A car accident attorney in Winston-Salem, NC knows how to handle these tactics and ensure you’re not shortchanged.

A good law firm also understands how car accidents affect more than just your vehicle. Injuries can range from minor to life-changing. You might need weeks of recovery, and in some cases, long-term therapy or surgery. The financial pressure builds quickly. That’s where legal support becomes crucial.

What a Winston-Salem Car Accident Attorney Does for You

A Winston-Salem car accident attorney handles more than just paperwork. They take on the responsibility of proving what happened and why you deserve compensation. This can involve reviewing crash reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting accident reconstruction experts if needed.

They also make sure no deadlines are missed. In North Carolina, there’s a limited window of time to file a claim after a car accident. If you miss that window, you might lose the chance to recover damages altogether. An experienced lawyer will stay on top of these details so you don’t have to worry.

You’ll also benefit from clear, honest communication. A car accident law firm in Winston-Salem won’t promise results they can’t deliver. Instead, they’ll give you realistic expectations based on your case and explain each step as you go. This takes the mystery out of the legal process and helps you feel more in control during a stressful time.

Why Choosing Local Legal Help in Winston-Salem Matters

Working with a local attorney means having someone who understands the roads, courts, and community in Winston-Salem, NC. They know how insurance adjusters operate here, and they’re familiar with local medical providers and accident trends. That kind of insight can speed up your case and help you get better results.

Local lawyers also tend to be more accessible. You can meet in person, ask questions, and get updates without going through layers of assistants or automated systems. When you're dealing with the aftermath of a crash, having that kind of personal support is a big deal.

Whether you're searching for a car accident lawyer near me or looking for a personal injury attorney in Winston-Salem, working with someone who knows the area makes it easier to get the help you need when it matters most.

Rosensteel Fleishman Offers Support After Car Accidents in Winston-Salem

Accidents like the tragic crash on I-40 are sudden, shocking, and deeply painful for everyone involved. For families in Winston-Salem dealing with loss or serious injuries, it can feel overwhelming trying to manage everything that follows—insurance paperwork, phone calls, legal procedures, and unanswered questions. That’s where having a trusted law firm like Rosensteel Fleishman can make a real difference.

This firm handles car accident and personal injury cases throughout North Carolina and is familiar with what families go through during these difficult times. Whether someone is coping with the loss of a loved one or dealing with injuries that impact their ability to work and live normally, Rosensteel Fleishman steps in to ease that burden.

When families are already emotionally drained, trying to handle insurance companies or legal claims on their own is not only frustrating but risky. A misstep can delay compensation or result in less than what is deserved. That’s why it’s smart to have a local team like Rosensteel Fleishman looking out for your interests. They are accessible, easy to talk to, and focus on helping people understand their options without pressure.

One of the things that sets this law firm apart is how approachable and attentive they are. They don’t make you jump through hoops or wait days for a callback. A quick phone call to 1-704-714-1450 is all it takes to set up a free consultation. It’s not just about filing a claim—it’s about making sure you’re not alone during one of the hardest chapters of your life.

Why Legal Support is Important After a Personal Injury Accident

After a serious car accident, especially one involving fatal injuries, legal support becomes more than just helpful—it’s often essential. In cases like the one that unfolded on I-40 in Winston-Salem, families may be dealing with multiple layers of trauma. The emotional side is hard enough, but there are also practical concerns that need attention right away.

Benefits of Hiring a North Carolina Injury Law Firm to Handle Your Winston-Salem Car Accident Case

A good legal team helps ensure that insurance companies don’t cut corners. Many people don’t realize how often insurers attempt to settle for far less than what a family may need to cover medical bills, funeral costs, or lost income. A personal injury law firm in North Carolina like Rosensteel Fleishman understands how to calculate the full scope of damages—economic and emotional—and will fight for what’s fair.

Additionally, these types of law firms handle all the complicated legal procedures so that families don’t have to. From investigating the crash to gathering documents and negotiating settlements, a Winston-Salem personal injury lawyer can help simplify the process during a very difficult time.

What Does a Winston-Salem Accident Lawyer Do and How Can They Help?

A car accident attorney in Winston-Salem doesn’t just file paperwork. They build a case, communicate with medical providers, and speak directly with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. They also offer guidance about timelines and deadlines so no opportunities are missed.

The value in having someone local is that they are familiar with North Carolina’s legal system and can often move more efficiently than larger, out-of-state firms. This helps make sure nothing slips through the cracks while giving families the peace of mind to focus on healing and grieving.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Be Helpful After a Car Accident in Winston-Salem, NC

A personal injury attorney in Winston-Salem, NC can help with every step from start to finish. After a tragic crash like the one on I-40, families may not know where to turn or how to begin the process of filing a wrongful death claim or securing support for any injured passengers.

This is where Rosensteel Fleishman comes in. They offer free consultations and don’t require any upfront fees, which means you can talk to someone about your case without any risk or pressure. The team listens, explains things clearly, and helps families make informed decisions that protect their rights and future.

Compassionate Legal Help for Families Affected by the I 40 Crash in Winston-Salem

The accident that took place on I-40 in Winston-Salem devastated multiple families and left an entire community grieving. When tragedies like this occur, legal support can provide a small but meaningful sense of stability. Rosensteel Fleishman helps families take care of the complex legal aftermath, so they can concentrate on remembering their loved ones and beginning the slow process of healing.

For families who are now facing an uncertain future, this law firm offers more than just legal advice—they offer clarity and direction. Whether it’s helping with insurance claims or taking on a wrongful death case, they work to make sure that no family has to go through it alone.

Rosensteel Fleishman is there for people who never expected to need legal help. When the unexpected happens, having someone you can trust makes a difference.

Why Choosing Rosensteel Fleishman for Your Accident and Injury Case in North Carolina Makes Sense

It’s not easy to think about legal options right after an accident, but waiting too long can lead to more stress down the line. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, based in Charlotte, NC, help people all across North Carolina—including families in Winston-Salem—get the answers and support they need after a crash.

What makes this firm a good choice is their personal, client-focused approach. They’ve built a reputation by helping people one-on-one, without confusing legal talk or hidden surprises. Their team listens first, then helps you figure out what steps make the most sense for your situation.

Attorney Corey Rosensteel once said, “People come to us at the hardest moment of their lives. Our job is to make things simpler, not harder.” That mindset is why so many clients feel comfortable and cared for from the very beginning.

If you’ve lost someone in a crash or are dealing with serious injuries, you don’t need to handle it all by yourself. Getting help from a law firm that truly understands North Carolina’s laws and has experience with local cases can give you a better chance at fair compensation and peace of mind.

Start Your Free Consultation with a North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Today

When you’re ready to take the next step, Rosensteel Fleishman makes it easy. There’s no need to wait or second guess. You can call 1-704-714-1450 and speak directly with someone who’s ready to help. They’ll listen, explain your options, and give you a clear idea of what to expect next.

Their experience with personal injury and car accident cases across North Carolina, including in Winston-Salem, means you’ll have someone on your side who knows how to get results. Whether you're searching for a personal injury lawyer near me or a car accident attorney in Winston-Salem, NC, this firm is here to support you.

Starting a free consultation is simple, and it could make all the difference. Let Rosensteel Fleishman help you move forward with confidence.

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Disclaimer: This article is compiled from various secondary sources to provide insights into recent accidents. We have not been able to independently verify all details. Our firm respects the privacy and dignity of those involved and is willing to amend or remove content at the request of affected parties. We understand the emotional and physical toll of traffic accidents and extend our deepest sympathies to those affected. If you find any discrepancies or outdated information, or if you are an affected party, please contact us at 704-714-1450 or send us a message.

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