Wilmington, DE (March 6, 2025) – A fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 495 early Tuesday morning claimed the life of a man from Bear, Delaware. The driver responsible has been arrested on vehicular homicide and other charges.
According to the Delaware State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 12:22 a.m. on the southbound side of I-495 near Edgemoor Road. Investigators say 58-year-old Marvis Branch was driving a silver 2004 Lexus RX300 northbound in the southbound lanes when the vehicle collided head-on with a white 2019 Toyota Corolla. The driver of the Toyota, a 43-year-old man from Bear, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his identity, pending family notification. Branch was taken into custody and faces charges of vehicular homicide and multiple traffic offenses. The crash remains under investigation, and police have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time.
Fatal Car Accidents in Delaware
Wrong-way crashes are among the deadliest types of accidents on Delaware roads. According to state data, these collisions are often linked to driver impairment, reckless speeding, or confusion at highway exits. The force of impact in a head-on crash frequently results in life-threatening injuries or fatalities.
For those who have lost a loved one in a tragic accident, here are some critical aspects to keep in mind:
- Wrong-Way Driving Dangers – Many wrong-way crashes occur on highways, where high speeds make it difficult for drivers to react in time to avoid a collision.
- Potential Causes of Wrong-Way Crashes – These incidents are often associated with driver impairment, distracted driving, or failure to recognize road signs. Investigators work to determine if any of these factors contributed to the crash.
- Legal Options for Families – When a fatal accident is caused by negligence, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
- Criminal and Civil Cases – A driver facing criminal charges for a deadly crash may still be held financially responsible in civil court. Families can seek justice through both legal avenues.
Losing a loved one in a sudden crash is a heartbreaking experience. Seeking legal guidance from a Wilmington wrongful death attorney can help families understand their rights and explore options for holding negligent drivers accountable.
At Murphy & Landon, we understand the immense pain families experience after a tragic loss. Our compassionate legal team is dedicated to helping victims’ families pursue justice and financial security in the wake of a devastating crash. If you have lost a loved one due to another driver’s reckless actions, call us at 302-472-8112 for a free consultation. We are here to guide you through this difficult time and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Note: Our law firm utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. Contact Murphy & Landon if you locate any inaccurate information. We will update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at this accident scene.
