Winston-Salem, NC (May 17, 2026) - Local reports indicate that two people were killed in a crash on the US-311 exit ramp to I-40 West early Sunday morning in Winston-Salem.

According to police, officers responded to the area of US-311 and the I-40 West exit ramp at about 1:59 a.m. after receiving a report of a crash. When officers arrived, they found 54-year-old Shawn Dereck Arthur and 36-year-old Karen Bibb Arthur dead at the scene.

Investigators reported that Shawn Arthur and Karen Arthur were inside a 2008 Toyota that had stopped and become disabled on the right shoulder of the exit ramp. Police said a 2013 BMW traveling westbound on the ramp ran off the roadway to the right for reasons that had not been determined and struck the Toyota.

Authorities identified Shawn Arthur as the driver of the Toyota and Karen Arthur as the passenger. The driver of the BMW, 32-year-old Crystal Robles, was not reported injured.

The Winston-Salem Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit is continuing to investigate the crash. Police asked anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators or submit information through available tip lines.

Understanding What May Follow A Serious Winston-Salem Car Accident

Crashes like this are often reviewed from several angles once the initial response is complete. Investigators may continue looking at vehicle positions, roadway conditions, driver statements, emergency response records, and any available witness information to better understand how the collision occurred.

When a car accident involves a disabled vehicle or a crash on an exit ramp, reviewing the circumstances may involve several stages. Families may also need time to understand how insurance coverage, medical documentation, and official reports are evaluated, and some may choose to consult a car accident lawyer while sorting through those questions.

Insurance carriers may also examine policy terms, accident reports, photographs, repair information, and other records before making decisions connected to a claim. As more information becomes available, the overall understanding of an incident can change, which is why careful documentation often matters after a serious roadway collision.

Next Steps After A Winston-Salem Car Accident

After a serious car accident, families often face practical questions about reports, insurance communication, expenses, and what information should be gathered. Clear communication can make that process easier to follow, especially when people are dealing with grief, injuries, or uncertainty about what may happen next. Attorney Corey Rosensteel has said, “People deserve to understand what is happening with their case in plain language. Good legal help should make the process feel more manageable, not more confusing.”

Talking With A Winston-Salem Attorney About Your Options

Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers serves individuals and families throughout North Carolina after serious crashes. The firm helps clients review accident details, communicate with insurance companies, organize important records, and better understand the choices available to them after a car accident.

People affected by the crash described above may have questions about investigation records, insurance coverage, and how next steps are handled after a fatal collision. Speaking with an attorney does not take control away from a family. It can help them make informed decisions at their own pace. For those who want to discuss their situation, Rosensteel Fleishman offers a free consultation and can be reached at 1-704-714-1450.