Statesville, NC (September 5, 2020) – A 62-year-old man from Statesville is dead after a crash that took place Thursday afternoon on Garner Bagnal Boulevard. The collision reportedly occurred near the intersection with Newton Drive.
According to investigators, Michael Henry Watkins was traveling northbound on Garner Bagnal in a 2004 Jeep Cherokee when he tried to make a left turn onto Newton Drive. As Watkins turned, his vehicle collided with a southbound tractor-trailer driven by 37-year-old Latoyia Spears of Salisbury.
Rescue crews rushed to the scene to render aid following the crash. Both Watkins, as well as an unidentified passenger, were killed in the accident. Spears was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. There is no update on her condition at this time. The crash caused Garner Bagnal to shut down for several hours. Motorists in the area were urged to find alternate routes of travel and to avoid the scene if possible.
No additional information surrounding the crash has been released at this time.
We extend our most sincere condolences to the family of Michael Watkins and his passenger who were killed in this accident. Our thoughts are with Latoyia Spears as she makes her recovery from her injuries.
Fatal Car Accidents in North Carolina 
North Carolina’s roadways can be a very dangerous and deadly place for motorists. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there were more than 1,400 fatalities reported in traffic accidents during the year 2019. This amounts to about three people killed each day. North Carolina car accidents are responsible for the death and serious injuries for numerous victims every day across our state. Many of these victims will suffer injuries as a result of the actions of negligent motorists.
Following a car accident in North Carolina, it is important to have a full understanding of your legal options. If you or your loved one has been affected by the accident, you are obviously experiencing a very difficult time. As the unexpected medical expenses are accruing, it is easy to feel as though you are trapped with no way out. The accident can quickly turn into a nightmare that can affect every aspect of your daily life.
During this time, there is help available to you. Under the law in North Carolina, accident victims and their families have the right to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the negligent driver who caused their injuries. These claims ask for compensation, such as payment of medical bills and wages, to help you get through this difficult period and onto the next chapter of your life.
At Burton Law Firm, North Carolina car accident attorney Jason M. Burton stands ready to help when you have been affected by a crash anywhere in our state. Mr. Burton proudly assists injured North Carolinians who have been victimized by the poor choices of others.
We are here to help at any time. To schedule your free consultation with our firm, please contact us using the link on our website or give us a call at (833) 623-0042.
Note: Burton Law Firm utilizes a variety of outside sources in the creation of these accident news posts. These sources include news bulletins, police reports, first-hand accounts, news stories, as well as additional outside sources. For this reason, the details surrounding this accident have not been independently verified by our office or writing staff. If you find information that is not correct about an accident that we have written about, please contact our firm as soon as possible so that we can promptly correct the information. If you would prefer that we remove the story, contact us directly and we will make every effort to remove the story in a timely manner.
Disclaimer: Our team of personal injury lawyers at Burton Law Firm has taken pride in being active members of our local business community for more than 8 years. We are always striving to improve the quality of life for our community members and improve the overall safety and well being of all North Carolinians. We hope that by providing this information about the dangers of driving that we will bring added awareness and drivers will use increased caution when operating a motor vehicle. Our thoughts are with everyone who may have been affected by this incident. This post is not a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post should be misconstrued as medical or legal advice. The photos in this post are not a depiction of the actual accident scene.
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