Timothy Hunter Bradford Killed in New Hanover County Acci...
A 23-year-old man died after a wrong-way driver struck his vehicle head-on along Interstate 140
Timothy Hunter Bradford, 23, was killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 140 near the U.S. 40 exit in New Hanover County early Sunday, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
A 52-year-old man driving the wrong way on the highway collided head-on with another vehicle early Tuesday, killing the driver, police said. The crash occurred at about 4:45 a.m. when the man, traveling east in the westbound lanes, struck a vehicle driven by Bradford.
Bradford died from his injuries. Paramedics transported the wrong-way driver to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where he remains hospitalized in stable condition with extensive injuries.
Troopers have not yet filed charges as the surviving driver continues to receive medical treatment. Investigators are working to determine why the man entered the opposing lanes of travel.
The crash remains under investigation by the State Highway Patrol.
Why did the driver enter the wrong lanes on Interstate 140?
The tragic loss of Bradford leaves his family searching for answers about how a driver could travel eastbound in the westbound lanes.
In wrong-way accidents such as this, crash reconstructionists examine highway signage, ramp design, and potential driver impairment.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Determining how a vehicle entered opposing traffic represents one of the most critical investigative steps in fatal wrong-way crash cases because available evidence at the scene often indicates roadway approach patterns and positioning details."
"An attorney works with affected families by reviewing all collected documentation, analyzing available photographs and scene measurements while helping navigate insurance discussions and long-term financial consequences," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the state recorded 1,732 traffic deaths in 2024, with wrong-way collisions frequently resulting in severe or fatal outcomes due to the high speeds involved.
What happens next in the New Hanover County investigation?
While the at-fault driver remains hospitalized, authorities will likely review toxicology reports and event data recorders to build a timeline of the crash. For families navigating the aftermath of a sudden loss, understanding the investigative process is important.
Families who lose a loved one in a wrong-way collision often face immediate financial and emotional burdens. Independent investigations run parallel to law enforcement efforts, ensuring that all evidence regarding the at-fault driver's actions is preserved for potential civil 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.
According to Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, "Modern vehicles record acceleration, braking, steering input, and collision forces through onboard computers, providing objective data about driver behavior immediately before impact."
"An attorney helps surviving families obtain electronic data recorder information, retains experts to interpret vehicle data, and uses technical evidence addressing liability questions," added Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News.