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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Williamston, NC (April 10, 2025) – According to local news reports, a tragic two-vehicle crash in Martin County early Thursday morning resulted in the death of one driver and left another seriously injured. The accident occurred at approximately 7:52 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 17 and Ralph Taylor Road, just outside of Williamston.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that 38-year-old Samantha Shepherd of Williamston was traveling westbound on Ralph Taylor Road. As she attempted to make a left turn onto Highway 17, her vehicle collided with another car traveling north on the highway, driven by 39-year-old Rakimah Lopez, also a resident of Williamston.
Shepherd, a mother of three, was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency personnel responded quickly and transported Lopez to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, where she was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Officials stated that no charges would be filed in relation to the crash. Troopers concluded that Shepherd failed to yield the right-of-way, which led to the fatal impact. Investigators have not indicated any signs of impairment or distraction in the incident.
In the wake of the tragedy, Shepherd’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and to support the care of her three children. Community members have already begun showing support through donations and messages of condolence.
The incident marks a somber reminder of the importance of cautious driving at intersections, particularly on high-speed roads like Highway 17. Authorities continue to urge drivers to exercise extra vigilance and patience at all traffic control points.
Why Rosensteel Fleishman Is a Smart Choice for Car Accident Cases in Williamston
Car accidents can shake up every part of your life—from your physical health to your finances to your ability to care for your family. In places like Williamston, when tragedy strikes, it’s important to know where to turn for support. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers are here for North Carolinians when the unexpected happens on the road. Whether it’s a major highway collision or a less severe crash, having a team that understands the legal system and cares about real people makes all the difference.
They’ve worked with families who never thought they’d need a lawyer. Many are just trying to get back on their feet after losing a vehicle, dealing with hospital bills, or worse, mourning someone they love. What makes this Charlotte-based law firm stand out is their commitment to guiding people through what can be a very overwhelming time.
Starting a case doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to know legal terms or have everything figured out. With just one call to 1-704-714-1450, you can talk to someone who listens, who asks the right questions, and who genuinely wants to help. That initial conversation is completely free—and it’s often the first real step toward clarity and support.
Why Legal Support Is Important After a Personal Injury Accident
When you're in a car accident, it’s more than just the crash. You’re dealing with the aftermath—doctor visits, lost income, insurance adjusters asking tough questions, and the pressure of trying to figure out your next steps. That’s where a personal injury law firm can help ease the load.
Benefits of Hiring a North Carolina Injury Law Firm to Handle Your Williamston Car Accident Case
Rosensteel Fleishman brings years of focused experience helping injured people across North Carolina. Their lawyers understand the laws that apply specifically to personal injury and car accident claims in the state. When you’re recovering, it’s comforting to have a legal team that knows how to move quickly and effectively.
With a local car accident lawyer in Williamston, you get someone who understands the area, the roads, and even the local courts. That familiarity can make a big difference when building a case and moving through the legal process.
A few key reasons to work with a personal injury law firm in North Carolina include:
- They manage communication with insurance companies.
- They collect evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
- They help you calculate the full value of your damages.
- They keep track of legal deadlines and paperwork.
- They work to maximize your compensation.
What Does a Williamston Accident Lawyer Do? How Can They Help?
After a crash, you might wonder what exactly a lawyer does for you. A car accident attorney in Williamston can guide you from the moment of your first call all the way to a settlement or court decision. They investigate the facts of your case, gather witness statements, review medical records, and negotiate with the insurance company. If needed, they’ll also represent you in court.
Their goal is to protect your rights. While you focus on getting better or supporting your family, a Williamston personal injury lawyer works behind the scenes to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. And because Rosensteel Fleishman works on a contingency basis, you don’t pay unless they win your case.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Be Helpful After a Car Accident in Williamston, NC
In the days after an accident, many people try to “wait and see” how things go. But small injuries can turn into bigger health problems. Lost wages start to pile up. And the insurance company might not be offering enough to cover what you’ve really lost. A personal injury attorney in Williamston, NC steps in to make sure you're not left trying to handle everything on your own.
They help you understand what you’re entitled to and how to get it. Maybe you need help paying medical bills, replacing a vehicle, or getting compensated for time missed from work. Whatever the case, a skilled personal injury law firm in North Carolina knows how to build a case that gets results.
How Rosensteel Fleishman Can Help Families Affected by the Williamston Crash
The fatal accident in Williamston on April 10, 2025, has left a lasting impact on the community, especially on the family of Samantha Shepherd and the injured driver, Rakimah Lopez. For families facing such life-altering events, the road ahead can feel unclear. In these situations, Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers offers a steady, reliable source of support and legal guidance.
Dealing with the loss of a loved one or the consequences of serious injuries is overwhelming. Often, families are left juggling medical expenses, funeral costs, and the sudden absence of income—all while trying to grieve or recover. Having legal help from a trusted personal injury attorney, can provide clarity and relief during this stressful time.
Whether the goal is to seek justice, secure financial assistance, or simply get honest answers about what comes next, Rosensteel Fleishman is available. They assist with everything from filing insurance claims to determining whether there are legal grounds for a wrongful death or personal injury case. Their team works closely with families to explain each step in plain terms and act in their best interest from day one.
With years of experience handling car accident claims across North Carolina, the firm knows how to build a case that reflects the real impact on a victim’s life. For families affected by the Highway 17 crash, the right legal team can make a meaningful difference—not just in the outcome of a case, but in how supported and understood they feel along the way.
Why You Should Choose Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers
Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers has earned the trust of clients across North Carolina by staying focused on what matters most: helping people get their lives back on track. From their home base in Charlotte, they handle cases throughout the state, including in towns like Williamston where serious accidents happen with little warning.
Their team’s approach is personal. Clients aren’t treated like files—they’re treated like real people going through real problems. Whether it’s a wreck on a rural road or a busy highway crash, they understand how to investigate, build a case, and communicate clearly at every stage. That’s what sets them apart.
As attorney Corey Rosensteel puts it, “People come to us after one of the hardest moments in their lives. We don’t take that lightly. We work hard to make sure they feel heard and supported the whole way through.”
They also make things easy to start. A free consultation means there’s no pressure, no obligation—just a chance to talk to someone who knows what they’re doing and wants to help. And since they only get paid if you win, there’s no risk in reaching out.
Talk to a Lawyer Who’s Ready to Help You Move Forward
When you’ve been in a car accident, time matters. Medical bills start to show up, insurance adjusters start calling, and the stress can build quickly. Whether you’re dealing with a personal injury, the loss of a loved one, or both, Rosensteel Fleishman can help you figure out what to do next.
Their team of experienced car accident attorneys in Williamston and across North Carolina is ready to listen and help. If you or someone you love was involved in a serious accident like the one in Martin County, don’t wait to get legal advice. Call 1-704-714-1450 for a free consultation with someone who knows how to help and cares about doing it right.
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