Driver was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and stop sign violation, officials say
ALBEMARLE, NC, (August 29, 2024) - A Thursday evening crash on St. Martin Road claimed the life of an Albemarle man and led to the arrest of a driver accused of a stop sign violation, authorities said.
Albemarle resident David Lowder tragically lost his life as a result of a two-vehicle collision on St. Martin Road on Thursday evening, according to the Highway Patrol.
According to the N.C. Highway Patrol, a Honda was traveling east on Hazard Road around 4:30 p.m. when the driver failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of St. Martin and collided with a Ford going south on St. Martin. The collision caused the Honda to overturn while the Ford ran off the roadway and struck a tree, the report said.
David Lowder, a passenger in the Ford, died from injuries, the Highway Patrol stated.
The Honda driver was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and stop sign violation.
This is an active investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for The Legal Advocate.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of David Lowder may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
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(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).