Reginald Lamar Barber Killed in Gastonia Car Accident

Q: What do charges like misdemeanor death by vehicle mean?

Misdemeanor death by vehicle in North Carolina typically applies when a driver's unlawful act, such as a traffic violation, causes a death. In this case, the charges of reckless driving, unsafe passing, and driving left of center are specific traffic violations that investigators believe led to the fatal crash on Shannon Bradley Road.

Q: How do investigators determine fault in a no-passing zone crash?

Investigators examine several factors, including physical evidence at the scene, witness statements, and vehicle damage. Skid marks, debris fields, and the final resting positions of the vehicles can indicate the point of impact and the direction of travel. In a no-passing zone, crossing a solid yellow line is a clear violation, which helps establish the sequence of events leading to the collision.

Q: What is the significance of the April 15 filing date?

The official filing date of April 15, nearly a week after the April 9 crash, indicates the time needed for investigators to gather initial evidence and determine the appropriate charges. This period allows for accident reconstruction, interviews, and a thorough review of the circumstances before formal charges are brought against the driver.

Reginald Lamar Barber car accident on Shannon Bradley Road, Gastonia, North Carolina

18-year-old driver faces misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving charges after crossing center line

Updated April 17: An 18-year-old driver was charged in connection with the car accident that killed Reginald Lamar Barber.‍‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‍

Barber, 37, was killed and a passenger was critically injured in a car accident on Shannon Bradley Road near Knollwood Drive in Gastonia on April 9, police said.

The 18-year-old driver was booked into the Gaston County Jail early April 16 on charges of misdemeanor death by vehicle, reckless driving, unsafe passing, and driving left of center, according to reports. Warrants were issued after investigators determined the teen crossed a yellow line to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone, police said.

Barber was pronounced dead at the scene following the 9:45 p.m. crash.

The case was officially filed on April 15 following the initial collision investigation, police said.

The investigation into the crash that killed Barber on Shannon Bradley Road near Knollwood Drive in Gastonia focuses on the actions of the 18-year-old driver. Police reports indicate the driver crossed a yellow line to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone, leading to the 9:45 p.m. collision. This detail is central to the charges of misdemeanor death by vehicle, reckless driving, unsafe passing, and driving left of center.

National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently," Bond said.

National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. "Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth," Formica stated. "However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly."

What do charges like misdemeanor death by vehicle mean?

How do investigators determine fault in a no-passing zone crash?

What is the significance of the April 15 filing date?

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.