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 on May 12, according to the North Carolina 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 Buchanan's 2019 Ram truck.
Buchanan died at the scene of the crash.
The 18-year-old driver 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, resulting in a head-on crash. In accidents such as this, crash reconstructionists examine vehicle data recorders, steering inputs, and road conditions to establish a timeline of events.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, said, "Head-on impacts are among the deadliest roadway events, often producing catastrophic injuries due to combined speeds and destructive forces."
According to the NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 5,472 people died in crashes involving large trucks in 2023. This figure includes truck occupants, other vehicle occupants, and non-motorists.
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.
"By addressing uninsured motorist coverage and protecting families from financial hardship, an attorney ensures accountability is pursued while survivors receive guidance through complex insurance disputes and liability analysis," noted Stefano Formica, who serves as a national legal analyst for Accident News and is of counsel at Bond Legal.
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.