By: Sandy Actionable September 8, 2026

Boy Dies, 3 Seriously Hurt After Crash on NC 96 in Wake Co., NC

Accident News

Wake County, NC (September 8, 2026) – A single-vehicle crash killed a 10-year-old boy and seriously injured three other people on NC Highway 96 near Doyle Road in Wake County on Saturday, September 5.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, a 2017 Ford Escape was traveling south on NC 96 when it drifted left of center. The SUV then left the road and hit a tree.

Troopers said the driver left the scene after the wreck. They later found him with help from the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.

Five people were inside the SUV at the time of the crash. The 10-year-old boy died at the scene, while an adult passenger and two children, ages 7 and 4, were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The driver faces three felony hit-and-run charges, two misdemeanor child abuse charges, and misdemeanor death by vehicle. He is being held without bond, and more charges may follow.

The crash remains under investigation.

We extend our sympathies to the boy’s family and wish the three injured people full recoveries.

How Do Wrongful Death Claims Work After a Fatal Crash Involving a Child in Wake County, NC?

After a child dies in a crash in Wake County, the personal representative of the child’s estate, usually a parent, files the wrongful death claim. The claim seeks payment from the at-fault party, and any recovery goes to the child’s legal heirs.

Once a claim begins, it usually moves through the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance. If the driver was a relative or lived in the same household, the insurer may question coverage, and your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply.

In Wake County, the personal representative generally has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If that deadline passes, the family may lose the right to bring the claim.

After a loss like this, a wrongful death lawyer can identify every insurance policy that may apply and communicate with the insurance company on your family’s behalf.

At Brent Adams & Associates, we help families in Wake County and across North Carolina after fatal crashes. Our attorneys explain your options clearly and guide your family through every step of the legal process.

If you lost a child or another loved one in a crash in Wake County, you can call Brent Adams & Associates at (910) 249-6891 for a free consultation. We will listen to what happened and walk you through what your family can do next.

Note: This article is based on information gathered from publicly available sources and reports. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, some details may change as additional facts become available. If you believe any part of this content is inaccurate or incomplete, please contact Brent Adams & Associates so it can be reviewed and updated accordingly.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. Reading this article does not establish an attorney-client relationship, nor should it be interpreted as a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured or require legal guidance, you should seek immediate medical care and consult a qualified attorney. Any images used are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual individuals, vehicles, or locations involved in the incident.

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