Mikayla Love Langhirt Injured in Fayetteville Car Accident
The single-vehicle collision occurred when a speeding driver failed to negotiate a turn onto the Interstate 295 ramp.
Mikayla Love Langhirt, 26, of Fayetteville, was injured in a car accident on Raeford Road near the Interstate 295 south entrance ramp in Fayetteville, North Carolina, late Friday, according to the Fayetteville Police Department.
A 2013 Dodge Charger was driving east at a high rate of speed when the driver failed to negotiate a right turn onto the highway ramp. The vehicle then crashed, leaving the 36-year-old driver dead at the scene.
Langhirt, who was a passenger in the car, was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. She is currently listed in stable condition.
The department's Traffic Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the wreck. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact investigators.
Why did the Dodge Charger fail to negotiate the turn on Raeford Road?
Investigators are working to determine exactly how fast the vehicle was driving before it missed the Interstate 295 entrance ramp. While the cause and liability of a crash are being investigated, legal professionals emphasize the importance of independent accident reconstruction, especially in single-vehicle crashes involving excessive speed. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, of Counsel at Counsel at Bond Legal, noted that "In car accidents such as this, analyzing the vehicle's event data recorder and tire marks is crucial to determining the exact speed and trajectory before the loss of control."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is a cause in approximately 29% of all fatal traffic collisions nationwide, significantly reducing a driver's ability to steer safely around curves or obstacles.
What are the legal options for injured passengers in North Carolina?
Passengers injured in single-vehicle crashes often face complex insurance claims, particularly when the at-fault driver does not survive the collision. Insurance adjusters frequently begin evaluating these claims within days of the crash, before the full extent of a passenger's medical costs are known. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "In car accident cases where the at-fault driver is deceased, injured passengers can still pursue compensation for medical expenses and recovery through the driver's estate and auto insurance policies."
Under state law, individuals injured due to another party's negligence may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A thorough investigation helps ensure the rights of the victim are protected throughout the claims process.
North Carolina personal injury claims
Injured victims may be entitled to recover costs associated with emergency medical care, ongoing rehabilitation, and lost wages. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in North Carolina is generally three years from the date of the accident. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help clarify these rights and ensure that all potential avenues for compensation are thoroughly evaluated.