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.
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Durham, NC (October 11, 2025) - According to local news sources, a tragic accident occurred early Saturday morning when an SUV crashed on North Carolina Highway 147, killing a teenage passenger. The incident took place around 4:00 a.m. near Exit 3B on the northbound side of the highway.
Investigators reported that a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban was speeding when it collided with a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup truck preparing to exit the highway. The force of the impact caused the SUV to veer off course, hit a guardrail, and overturn multiple times. The crash resulted in the ejection of 18-year-old Josh Aldolfo Rodriguez-Higinio of Asheboro, who was seated in the third row of the vehicle. He was transported to Duke University Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
The driver of the Suburban, 19-year-old Samuel Salinas-Salinas, also from Asheboro, was arrested at the scene. Authorities charged him with felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired, and driving after consuming alcohol while being under the age of 21. Officials noted that his blood alcohol content measured 0.17, more than twice the legal limit for adults over 21. Salinas-Salinas allegedly admitted to drinking before the crash, and officers detected the smell of alcohol when they arrived at the scene. He was released on a $50,000 secured bond later that same day.
No other injuries were reported in the crash, and police have not disclosed the number of passengers in the SUV at the time of the accident. The driver of the pickup truck involved in the collision has not been identified, and no further details about that individual’s condition have been made available.
Rodriguez-Higinio had recently graduated from high school and planned to pursue a career as a welder. A fundraising campaign launched to assist his family had raised more than half of its $14,000 goal by Monday afternoon.
The Durham Police Department has requested that anyone with additional information contact Investigator J.W. Lanier at 919-560-4935, extension 29447.
Working with a Personal Injury Attorney in Durham, NC
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a serious accident, it can feel like your entire world has been turned upside down. From medical bills and missed work to emotional stress and uncertainty, the aftermath of a crash brings challenges that no one should have to face alone. That’s where a personal injury attorney in Durham, NC can step in to offer real, meaningful support.
When you connect with an experienced attorney in your area, you gain more than just legal representation. You gain someone who understands how the local court system works, how to push back against insurance companies, and how to build a strong case for the compensation you deserve. Whether you're recovering from injuries or mourning the loss of a loved one, a personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process while you focus on healing.
Why Hiring a Durham Personal Injury Lawyer Can Make a Difference
A personal injury lawyer in Durham, NC does more than just file paperwork. They actively investigate the details of your case, gather evidence, and work with professionals like accident reconstructionists and medical experts to strengthen your claim. When it comes time to negotiate, they advocate fiercely on your behalf, making sure that insurers don’t take advantage of your situation.
They can help recover damages for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
- Ongoing therapy or rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages or future earning potential
- Funeral costs in wrongful death cases
Many people don’t realize how quickly evidence can disappear or how important it is to act fast after an accident. A local personal injury attorney knows what steps to take and when to take them, increasing your chances of a better outcome.
Choosing a Personal Injury Law Firm in North Carolina
When choosing a personal injury law firm in North Carolina, it’s important to find a team that is well-versed in state laws and committed to their clients. Firms that focus on personal injury claims understand what’s at stake. They can evaluate your case quickly and help you decide the best course of action without overwhelming you with legal terms or pressure.
Working with a Durham personal injury attorney also means you’re getting someone who knows the community. They are accessible, reliable, and ready to meet you where you are, whether that’s at home, in the hospital, or in their office. That local presence can make all the difference when you’re going through something difficult.
How a Durham Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Crash
Car accidents in Durham, NC can lead to long-term consequences. Some people suffer from physical injuries, others face serious financial burdens, and in the most tragic cases, lives are lost. A car accident lawyer in Durham can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the compensation that may be available to you.
It’s not just about fixing a car or covering an emergency room visit. Many victims face extended time off work, expensive follow-up care, and emotional trauma that lasts well beyond the crash. That’s why it’s important to have a lawyer who knows how to address all aspects of your loss.
When to Call a Durham Car Accident Attorney
You should consider reaching out to a Durham car accident attorney if:
- You were injured in a collision and need help with medical expenses
- The other driver was under the influence or behaving recklessly
- The insurance company denied your claim or offered too little
- You lost a loved one in a fatal crash
- You’re unsure of your legal options
These situations are not easy to navigate on your own. A Durham car accident attorney can manage all communication with insurance providers and handle the legal details so you can focus on getting better.
Benefits of Working with a Car Accident Law Firm in North Carolina
Choosing a car accident law firm in North Carolina gives you access to a team of legal professionals who know what steps to take and how to fight for your best interests. These firms understand how to gather critical documentation, work with healthcare providers, and push for fair compensation in negotiations or in court.
Their goal is to make the process less stressful and more effective by offering clear advice, answering your questions, and standing with you every step of the way. Whether the crash involved speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving, having a lawyer with real experience makes a significant difference.
The sooner you speak with a Durham car accident lawyer, the sooner you can begin to feel in control of the situation again.
Why Rosensteel Fleishman Is a Smart Choice for Durham Car Accident Cases
Accidents like the one on the Durham Freeway can leave families overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of where to turn. The legal process might seem intimidating when emotions are high and grief is still fresh. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers understands how difficult this time can be. They’re here to support people in Durham and across North Carolina who have been affected by serious crashes, including those caused by impaired or reckless drivers.
Whether you were hurt in the accident or lost someone close to you, having a local legal team by your side can make a big difference. This is especially true when the case involves a DUI charge, as laws around underage drinking and impaired driving can be complex. Rosensteel Fleishman is experienced in dealing with these types of personal injury and wrongful death claims, and they are ready to walk you through each step of what comes next.
Starting with a free consultation, their team can look at your situation and explain your legal rights. You don’t need to worry about what it costs to talk to someone. What matters is that you take that first step to protect yourself or honor your loved one’s memory. Call 1-704-714-1450 to get started.
Why Legal Support Is Important After a Personal Injury Accident
When serious accidents happen, like the DUI crash that tragically took the life of Josh Rodriguez-Higinio, it’s not just about dealing with the immediate aftermath. Families face medical bills, funeral expenses, time away from work, and emotional pain. Hiring a personal injury attorney in Durham, NC, can help ease those burdens by making sure you don’t have to handle everything on your own.
Benefits of Hiring a North Carolina Injury Law Firm to Handle Your Durham Car Accident Case
A law firm like Rosensteel Fleishman brings experience and resources to the table. They know the local laws, how insurance companies work, and how to fight for fair compensation. For families dealing with the loss of a loved one, they can pursue wrongful death claims while handling all legal paperwork and court deadlines. This helps relieve pressure on grieving families and gives them time to focus on healing.
They also help individuals who have been injured and are struggling with medical costs or lost wages. The firm works to make sure clients are not taken advantage of by insurance adjusters offering quick settlements that don’t cover the full impact of the accident.
What Does a Durham Accident Lawyer Do? How Can They Help?
A Durham personal injury lawyer does more than file paperwork. They investigate the crash, collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and consult with experts if needed. They also negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, file lawsuits to make sure clients receive what they’re legally owed.
In DUI cases involving underage drivers, a personal injury attorney can help uncover whether the driver was overserved at a bar or party, and if third-party liability may apply. They can also bring attention to traffic safety concerns in the community to help prevent similar crashes from happening again.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Be Helpful After a Car Accident in Durham, NC
After a car accident, victims and their families are often bombarded with questions from police, insurance agents, and medical providers. A personal injury attorney in Durham, NC, can serve as a buffer between you and all that noise. They answer those questions for you, represent your best interests, and handle the complex legal side of things.
Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers also takes on the burden of gathering medical records, accident reports, and financial documentation to build a strong case. Their goal is to reduce the stress on you while working hard to get justice for what happened.
How Rosensteel Fleishman Can Support Families Affected by the Durham DUI Crash
The DUI crash on North Carolina Highway 147 that resulted in the tragic death of Josh Rodriguez-Higinio is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can be changed forever. For families in Durham and surrounding areas who are now dealing with grief, uncertainty, and financial stress, Rosensteel Fleishman is a trusted choice for guidance and legal support.
They understand the emotional toll that fatal accidents have on loved ones, and they approach every case with respect and compassion. The firm helps families pursue wrongful death claims to hold negligent parties accountable. In cases involving underage impaired drivers, the legal process can be particularly complicated, and Rosensteel Fleishman has experience addressing those challenges.
Whether it's helping a family obtain compensation for medical expenses and funeral costs or supporting individuals with long-term injuries, the firm’s team works to ensure clients feel seen and heard. The law firm is committed to pursuing justice and making sure that families receive the support they need without having to go through the legal system alone.
Choosing Rosensteel Fleishman for Your Accident and Injury Case in North Carolina
Accidents are never planned. When something as devastating as the loss of a young life occurs because of someone else’s careless decision, families deserve both answers and support. That’s where Rosensteel Fleishman steps in. Based in Charlotte, this personal injury and car accident law firm works with people across the entire state, including Durham, providing straightforward, trustworthy legal help.
Clients appreciate the way the attorneys explain things clearly and walk them through the process with patience. Whether it’s filing a wrongful death suit or handling insurance claims after a crash, they bring a calm, steady approach that’s focused on doing what’s right for each individual.
“We never want families to feel like they have to figure this out alone,” said Corey Rosensteel. “Our job is to carry the legal weight so they can focus on what matters most—healing.”
When you're searching for a personal injury lawyer near me or a car accident attorney in Durham, NC, it helps to know there’s a team that’s already helped many others in similar situations. Rosensteel Fleishman brings a thoughtful and thorough approach to every case, always putting clients first.
Start Your Free Consultation with a North Carolina Injury Law Firm Today
If you or your loved ones are dealing with the effects of a serious car accident, now is the time to explore your options. The sooner you speak with a personal injury attorney in Durham, NC, the better your chances of protecting your rights and recovering the compensation you deserve. The consultation is free, and the guidance can make a real difference in how you move forward.
Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers is just a call away. You can reach them today at 1-704-714-1450 to schedule your free consultation. Whether you’re looking for a Durham car accident lawyer or a personal injury law firm in North Carolina, they’re ready to help with care, experience, and professionalism.
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