Raleigh, NC (June 20, 2026) - Local reports and police statements indicate that a deadly crash occurred Saturday morning on I-540 eastbound near the Neuse River Bridge in Wake County. The crash was reported shortly before 9:45 a.m. in the eastbound lanes just east of U.S. 401, in an area between two bridge spans over the Neuse River and a nearby greenway.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a 2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup truck and a 2017 Dodge Charger were both traveling east on I-540 toward the Neuse River Bridge when the F-350 reportedly suffered a blown tire. Troopers said the pickup truck driver, identified as 36-year-old Joshua Phillip Lewis, overcorrected and moved into the left lane, where the truck sideswiped the Dodge Charger.

The F-350 then went off the left side of the roadway, struck the median guardrail, and overturned down a steep embankment. The truck came to rest on its roof below the bridge area, between the two spans and near the river and greenway. Fire and rescue crews, including the Knightdale Fire Department and New Hope Fire Department, responded to the scene. Raleigh fire crews also reported that the pickup truck had gone off the roadway between two bridges before falling into the embankment.

Troopers said a 13-year-old front seat passenger in the pickup truck was pronounced dead at the scene. Lewis was taken to WakeMed for treatment of his injuries. The driver of the Dodge Charger was not injured, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The crash led to significant traffic impacts on I-540. Reports stated that eastbound lanes were closed for several hours while emergency crews worked at the scene and the pickup truck was recovered from below the bridge. Around 10:45 a.m., the highway was briefly closed in both directions, and at least one westbound lane was also affected near Exit 20. Crews later pulled the damaged pickup truck back up to I-540 during the afternoon before removing it from the scene.

Authorities said Lewis has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and unsafe tires. As of the latest available reports, the crash remains under investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Understanding What Usually Follows A Serious Roadway Collision

Crashes involving severe injuries or loss of life often lead to several layers of review beyond the emergency response at the scene. Investigators may examine vehicle condition, roadway evidence, witness statements, medical records, and traffic conditions to better understand how events unfolded. When more than one vehicle is involved, the sequence of impact and the condition of each vehicle can become especially important.

In a car accident, clear records often help explain how injuries have affected a person’s daily life, work, transportation needs, and medical care. Families may also need organized documentation when they start your car accident claim with a lawyer, especially when insurance questions depend on the facts gathered after the crash.

North Carolina’s contributory negligence rules can make factual details especially important because even small disputes about responsibility may affect how a claim is evaluated. For that reason, police reports, repair records, photographs, medical notes, and communication with insurers can all play a role in shaping the direction of a claim after a serious collision.

What Raleigh Families May Face After A Fatal Car Accident

After the initial investigation, families may be left sorting through insurance paperwork, medical billing, vehicle damage issues, and questions about accountability. In a serious car accident, structured communication can help reduce misunderstandings between families, insurers, and other parties involved. Attorney Matthew Fleishman has noted, “After a serious crash, people need to understand both what is happening right now and what may affect them months from now. Protecting immediate needs and future stability often starts with getting the facts organized.”

Reviewing Raleigh Car Accident Questions With A Clear Process

Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers works with individuals and families who are trying to make sense of the claim process after a crash. Timing can affect how evidence is preserved, how insurance discussions develop, and how negotiation positions are evaluated, which is why it can be helpful to review helpful car accident claim information before making major decisions.

A careful review can help identify what records matter, what questions remain unanswered, and how damages may be documented over time. For families dealing with a serious collision, having a steady process can make the next steps easier to understand while the investigation and insurance review continue.