Reginald Lamar Barber Killed in Gastonia Car Accident
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 Thursday, 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.
Why was the 18-year-old driver charged in the Gastonia crash?
While criminal charges address the state's case against a driver, families of those killed in collisions often face a separate legal process to secure accountability. In car accidents such as this, crash reconstructionists rely on digital evidence to confirm witness accounts of reckless driving.
"It's incredibly scary when a simple commute ends with a trip to the hospital," said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "In car accidents, modern cars have black boxes that capture your speed and braking in the five seconds before a crash, which helps prove what happened."
What are the legal options for the passenger injured on Shannon Bradley Road?
Victims who survive severe collisions face extensive medical recoveries while managing complex insurance claims.
"Dealing with injuries from a car accident is often a full-time job that leaves you feeling drained," said Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal. "Most don't realize that road maintenance records can show if the pavement was properly cared for before your tires lost traction."
How do criminal charges impact civil liability?
When a driver faces charges such as misdemeanor death by vehicle, the police investigation often provides foundational evidence for parallel civil claims. Individuals involved in car accidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
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.