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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Haywood County, NC (April 21, 2025) - According to local news reports, a tragic accident took place on the evening of Monday, April 21, along Jonathan Creek Road (U.S. 276) in Haywood County, North Carolina. The collision claimed the lives of 57-year-old Margie Roberta Rathbone and her eight-year-old granddaughter, Ryelie Ponder.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol (NCHP) reported that the crash occurred at approximately 5:12 p.m. when Rathbone attempted to make a left turn onto SR-1310 from eastbound U.S. 276. Her Nissan vehicle was struck on the passenger side by a northbound pickup truck that was traveling along U.S. 276 toward Interstate 40. The impact of the collision forced both vehicles into a driveway on Jonathan Creek Road, where they came to rest.
Details of the Incident and Crash Scene
Troopers and investigators from the NCHP stated that Rathbone entered a median break while trying to turn onto Asbury Road. This portion of the highway includes a grassy median with openings for left turns and U-turns, but lacks lane markings or dedicated turn lanes. These breaks are commonly used by drivers to wait for a gap in traffic, but they often lead to visibility issues and close-quarter maneuvering.
According to Trooper Luke Pate, “He didn’t even have time to hit his brakes,” referring to the truck driver involved in the crash. Initial findings from the Highway Patrol’s investigation indicate that the driver of the pickup truck was not found at fault.
Pate explained that several vehicles were also stopped in the median at the time, possibly obscuring Rathbone’s view of the approaching truck. As she began crossing the highway, the pickup struck the right side of the Nissan, directly where her granddaughter was seated.
Impact on the Victims and Local Community
Eight-year-old Ryelie Ponder was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Rathbone, her grandmother and the driver of the Nissan, was transported toward Mission Hospital but was declared deceased en route. Ryelie was a student at Jonathan Valley Elementary School and would have turned nine the following month.
Dr. Trevor Putnam, Superintendent of Haywood County Schools, expressed the school community’s sorrow, stating, “Our school community is grieving the loss of one of our precious students. Our hearts and minds are with her family and friends.” In response, the school activated its crisis plan and dispatched grief counselors and support staff to help students cope with the loss.
Highway Safety Concerns and Planned Road Improvements
The fatal crash has brought renewed attention to ongoing safety concerns along U.S. 276 in the Jonathan Creek community. Local reports highlighted that a $38.5 million road redesign project led by the North Carolina Department of Transportation is now underway. This project aims to increase safety for motorists by eliminating five median crossings and redesigning others to include clearer lane markings and dedicated turn lanes.
The current road design has long been criticized for creating dangerous conditions where vehicles from opposite directions must navigate undefined areas of the median. These factors have contributed to numerous incidents and pose a persistent risk for accidents like the one that claimed the lives of Rathbone and her granddaughter.
How a Personal Injury Attorney in Haywood County, NC Can Support You
When you’re dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a serious accident, a personal injury attorney in Haywood County, NC can be a critical ally. They help you make sense of what just happened and provide clear steps toward recovery. Whether you’re struggling with medical bills, lost wages, or long-term injuries, a good attorney can step in and take that pressure off your shoulders.
It’s not just about the legal paperwork. Personal injury lawyers in Haywood County are familiar with how local cases are handled and what strategies work best when dealing with insurance companies or other involved parties. They know how to build a solid case that reflects your pain and losses without adding more stress to your life.
A personal injury attorney can also help investigate the full circumstances of your accident. They work to uncover all relevant details, gather medical reports, consult with experts, and make sure nothing gets overlooked. With their help, you can focus more on healing and less on worrying about how to manage the legal side of things.
What a Haywood County Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
A personal injury lawyer in Haywood County, NC offers more than just legal knowledge. They serve as your go-to person when you need answers, reassurance, and a path forward. From helping you understand your rights to communicating with doctors and insurance companies, they handle the details so you don’t have to.
These attorneys also know the importance of timing. There are deadlines to file a claim, and missing one could seriously impact your ability to recover compensation. That’s why they act quickly and efficiently on your behalf. Every step they take is meant to protect your well-being and position your case for the best possible outcome.
Hiring someone local who understands how courts and insurance processes work in North Carolina can make a huge difference. They’ll know which evidence will hold weight and how to push back against unfair settlement offers. That local insight can give your case an edge.
Why a Personal Injury Law Firm in North Carolina Matters After an Accident
Working with a personal injury law firm in North Carolina means you’re not facing the system alone. Whether your injury happened in Haywood County or another part of the state, a firm with a strong track record can guide you through every stage of the process. They’ll provide a structured plan and stay connected with you from the first phone call through to the final resolution of your case.
Firms like these often have a full team available, which means more resources and more time dedicated to your situation. From legal assistants to case managers and attorneys, everyone is working with the same goal—getting you the help and compensation you deserve.
You don’t need to have all the answers right now. A phone call to a personal injury law firm near you can be the first step to feeling more in control after your accident.
How a Haywood County Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Crash
Car accidents are stressful, and the aftermath can be even more confusing. That’s where a car accident lawyer in Haywood County, NC comes in. They step in to help you handle everything from property damage to personal injury claims so you can focus on getting back to normal. Their job is to simplify the process and make sure your side of the story is heard.
A Haywood County car accident attorney is trained to identify who’s at fault, gather the needed evidence, and communicate with the insurance companies. That means you’re not left alone to make tough decisions during an already difficult time. With the right support, you can avoid common mistakes that often hurt accident claims.
Whether you were a driver, passenger, or even a pedestrian, a car accident attorney can help ensure you’re treated fairly. They make sure all medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering are fully accounted for.
Why Legal Help Matters After a Haywood County Car Accident
After an accident, emotions run high and facts can get lost. A car accident lawyer in Haywood County steps in with a clear plan. They begin by thoroughly reviewing the crash report, speaking with witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts if needed. Their goal is to get an accurate picture of what happened and make sure the legal response matches that reality.
Even in accidents that seem clear-cut, like the one on Jonathan Creek Road, legal help ensures that the victim’s rights are protected. Sometimes insurance companies move quickly to settle, hoping you’ll take a lower offer before understanding your full medical needs or legal options. A lawyer won’t let that happen.
By choosing someone who knows North Carolina’s traffic laws and injury claims process, you can move forward with more confidence. That local knowledge combined with legal experience helps protect your financial and personal recovery.
Why Rosensteel Fleishman Is a Smart Choice for Car Accident Cases in Haywood County
When a devastating car accident happens, the aftermath can feel overwhelming for victims and their families. From handling medical bills to understanding insurance coverage and coping with emotional trauma, it’s a lot to carry. That’s where having someone on your side can make all the difference. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers focuses on helping families in North Carolina navigate these moments with care and clarity.
Whether you're in Haywood County or elsewhere in the state, working with a legal team that understands what you’re going through can bring a real sense of direction. They’ve helped people who’ve been in similar situations get the answers they need and the support they didn’t even know was available. When emotions are high, and decisions need to be made, it helps to know that experienced professionals are available to walk you through it.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious crash in Haywood County, such as the one on Jonathan Creek Road, Rosensteel Fleishman is available for a free consultation. Their team knows what questions to ask, how to investigate a crash properly, and how to communicate with insurance companies so you don’t have to handle it all alone. Just give them a call at 1-704-714-1450.
Benefits of Hiring a North Carolina Injury Law Firm to Handle Your Haywood County Car Accident Case
Having a legal advocate after an accident offers more than just courtroom representation. A personal injury law firm in North Carolina, like Rosensteel Fleishman, understands both the local laws and the unique challenges of handling accidents in places like Haywood County. From the start, they take on the hard parts—collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing accident reports—so you can focus on healing.
One of the biggest benefits is knowing someone is fighting for your compensation. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering can take a toll, but a trusted law firm knows how to pursue the recovery you're entitled to under the law.
What Does a Haywood County Accident Lawyer Do? How Can They Help?
A personal injury lawyer in Haywood County, NC plays a key role from the moment you contact them. They begin by evaluating the facts of the crash, often uncovering critical details that insurance adjusters might overlook. They also communicate directly with the insurance companies involved, so you’re not caught in back-and-forth conversations that can lead to frustration and confusion.
In the case of complex accidents, especially fatal ones, an attorney also ensures that all available evidence is preserved and analyzed. That includes police reports, witness statements, and any video or photo evidence from the scene. Their experience can make a big difference in how quickly your case progresses and how fair your settlement turns out to be.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Be Helpful After a Car Accident in Haywood County, NC
After a serious car accident, many people feel unsure about what steps to take. A Haywood County personal injury attorney helps guide you through everything from filing a claim to understanding what compensation may be possible. This can include hospital expenses, long-term treatment, property damage, or even wrongful death claims.
Their goal is to make things easier—not harder. You won’t have to worry about legal documents, court filings, or negotiations. Instead, you’ll have a team that’s there to answer your questions and keep you updated while they handle the technical details. For anyone dealing with a traumatic event like a fatal accident on Jonathan Creek Road, that support can be a lifeline.
Legal Help for Families Affected by the Haywood County Car Accident
The tragic accident involving Margie Rathbone and Ryelie Ponder has left a deep impact on the Haywood County community. For families facing similar tragedies, the support of a dedicated legal team can provide clarity and direction in an otherwise overwhelming time. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers offers help to those dealing with the emotional and legal consequences of serious accidents like this.
When a collision claims lives or causes severe injuries, there are often complex legal matters to address. From dealing with insurance adjusters to pursuing wrongful death claims, the right attorney can shoulder the burden so grieving families don’t have to. This support includes evaluating the scene, examining possible road design factors, and ensuring the full truth is brought to light—just as the ongoing U.S. 276 redesign highlights broader safety issues.
Rosensteel Fleishman brings practical experience and empathy to families who are trying to understand what happened and what can be done next. While no amount of legal action can undo the loss, having trusted support during a difficult chapter can offer some measure of relief and direction.
Why Choosing Rosensteel Fleishman for Your Accident & Injury Case in North Carolina Makes Sense
When people in North Carolina are dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, they want someone dependable in their corner. That’s where Rosensteel Fleishman stands out. They’re based in Charlotte but work with clients all across the state, including in places like Haywood County. Their attorneys understand the real challenges people face after an accident and how quickly things can become overwhelming.
They’ve helped countless North Carolinians manage everything from hospital bills to lost work time and serious emotional stress. According to attorney Corey Rosensteel, “When someone calls us, we treat it like it’s our family. We walk them through what’s next and make sure they never feel lost in the process.”
It’s that straightforward, people-first attitude that helps clients feel supported—not just legally but personally. From the moment you make the call, you’ll feel that someone is there to guide you through it.
Start Your Path Forward by Speaking With a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you've been affected by a car accident in North Carolina and don’t know where to turn, reaching out is easy. Rosensteel Fleishman offers free consultations and makes the process simple. Their team listens first, then helps you figure out the right legal steps. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Haywood County or closer to Charlotte—help is just a call away.
To learn more or to schedule your consultation with a car accident attorney in North Carolina, just call 1-704-714-1450. You’ll talk directly with someone who’s ready to listen and help you get started.
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