A tragic work zone crash in Eden, North Carolina, claimed the lives of four utility workers on April 24, 2025. Authorities say a City of Eden dump truck, driven by 48-year-old Michael Vernon, plowed into a work zone, fatally striking four linemen and injuring four others, including himself.
The deceased victims have been identified as Doug Sides, Madison Carter, Will Evans, and Matthew Lockwood. All were working near the road when the dump truck entered the area and failed to stop, running over multiple workers. 911 calls from the scene describe the urgency and horror of the moment, with one caller pleading, “We need everyone… five me down.” While others described a possible fire and chaos, as bystanders rushed to help.
Vernon is now facing four counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, as well as charges for failing to stop at a stop sign and operating a commercial motor vehicle without a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). The City of Eden has since terminated Vernon and two senior public works officials. A full investigation is ongoing, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to release a preliminary report soon.
If your loved one was killed or injured in a work zone crash, your family may be entitled to compensation. Contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation.
The Dangers Linemen Face
Utility workers, often called linemen, work in high-risk environments that require strict safety protocols. They spend hours repairing and maintaining power lines in all conditions, which are frequently in or near active roadways where distracted or negligent drivers can turn a routine job into a life-threatening situation.
The dangers linemen face on the job are compounded when basic safety measures are ignored, such as requiring drivers of heavy trucks to hold a valid CDL. Operating a commercial motor vehicle without one is not only illegal, it also puts lives at risk. CDLs are essential for truck drivers to have because:
- They require rigorous training on vehicle control, safety procedures, and hazard recognition
- Drivers are required to pass medical exams and undergo background checks
- Without one, drivers may lack the skills, training, and awareness to safely operate large, heavy trucks
“This crash should have never happened,” says Robert Saunooke, attorney at Singleton Schreiber personal injury law firm. “Our hearts go out to the families of these linemen, who were doing essential work in dangerous conditions. It’s inexcusable for an unlicensed driver to be behind the wheel of a city-owned dump truck, and we are committed to helping the affected victims and families find answers and accountability.”
While early reports point to driver error and the lack of a valid CDL, investigators have not ruled out other contributing factors, such as a possible medical emergency or mechanical failure. A full investigation will be necessary to determine the complete picture of what happened.
What Legal Options Are Available to the Victims and Their Families?
In the aftermath of a catastrophic crash like this, grieving families and injured survivors are left to face not only emotional pain but also overwhelming financial burdens. Fortunately, civil law provides a path toward justice and accountability through personal injury and wrongful death claims.
For the families of Doug Sides, Madison Carter, Will Evans, and Matthew Lockwood, a wrongful death lawsuit may allow them to pursue compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support and future earnings
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
Meanwhile, the utility workers who survived the crash may be entitled to personal injury compensation, including:
- Medical expense (both immediate and long-term)
- Lost income due to missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Costs related to rehabilitation or permanent disability
It is worth noting that the surviving victims may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits since the linemen were performing their job duties at the time of the crash. However, workers’ compensation claims do not always fully cover the full extent of damages sustained, which is why a third-party injury claim may be pursued as well.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in this accident, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your legal options. Call (336) 396-3300 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys.
