Daylen H. Buchanan Killed in Watauga County Truck Accident
18-year-old driver charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle following head-on collision on NC 105
Daylen H. Buchanan, 20, of Bakersville, was killed in a head-on truck accident on NC 105 near the Avery County line in Watauga County, North Carolina, on May 12, according to the State Highway Patrol.
The driver of the other vehicle, an 18-year-old Zionville man, was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and reckless driving after his southbound 2017 Ram truck crossed the center line and struck the victim's 2019 Ram truck.
Buchanan died at the scene of the crash.
The 18-year-old driver, identified as Alex Gil Hernandez, was taken to Watauga Medical Center with minor injuries. Investigators do not suspect speed or impairment as cause.
Troopers closed NC 105 for several hours to conduct an on-scene investigation.
Why did the pickup cross the center line on NC 105?
While authorities have ruled out speed and impairment, investigators are working to determine exactly why the southbound pickup drifted into oncoming traffic. In truck accidents such as this, crash reconstructionists examine vehicle data recorders, steering inputs, and road conditions to establish a timeline of events.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "A skilled attorney can protect a victim's family from trucking companies, which often send their investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize in an attempt to defend a negligent truck driver."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,354 people died in large truck crashes nationwide in 2023, highlighting the severe consequences of heavy vehicle collisions.
What are the legal implications of a reckless driving charge?
The criminal charges filed against the at-fault driver establish a foundation for liability, but criminal proceedings operate separately from civil claims. Families of victims like Buchanan often face immediate financial burdens alongside their grief.
"We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one," said National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. "If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve."
Independent investigations help preserve critical evidence, ensuring that all cause are documented before the crash scene is cleared.
North Carolina wrongful death statute
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. North Carolina applies contributory negligence. The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of services and companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.