Eastbound Honda driver veered left and struck oncoming Peterbilt truck
April 08, 2026 | Dare, NC
A multi-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 64 in Dare County sent two individuals to the hospital with injuries on a Wednesday afternoon.
What Happened in the Crash?
David Gates, 43, was charged after a multi-vehicle crash involving a Honda and a Peterbilt truck on U.S. Highway 64 near Deep Bay Road in Dare County.
David Gates, 43, from Kill Devil Hills, was driving a 2011 Honda eastbound on U.S. Highway 64 around 3:15 p.m. when he attempted to pass another vehicle near Deep Bay Road. This maneuver led to a collision with an oncoming 2017 Peterbilt truck and two additional vehicles.
- Date and Time: April 8, approximately 3:15 p.m.
- Location: U.S. Highway 64 near Deep Bay Road, Dare County, NC
- Vehicles Involved: 2011 Honda, driven by Gates, 2017 Peterbilt truck, and two other vehicles
- Injuries: One driver with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and Gates was also hospitalized
- Charges: Gates was charged with reckless driving and driving left of center
One of the drivers sustained serious injuries that were not life-threatening and received care at Outer Banks Hospital. Gates was treated at the same facility following the incident.
Why Do Passing Maneuvers Lead to Accidents?
Improper passing remains a frequent cause of roadway collisions, despite legal allowances for overtaking vehicles. Drivers must ensure sufficient space and check for hazards before attempting to pass.
Traffic regulations emphasize caution during passing to avoid dangers like oncoming traffic. Even as investigations proceed, securing independent analysis can help clarify crash causes and safeguard injured parties' interests.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported about 2.2 million motor vehicle crash injuries nationwide in 2023.
Prompt independent reviews are crucial to maintain evidence integrity in such scenarios.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts stress the value of thorough examinations in motor vehicle incidents like this.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “A lawyer has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct drivers’ background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide an injury victim through what can be a complicated process.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Early investigations preserve vital evidence before it degrades.
- Legal representation aids in evaluating factors like road conditions and driver actions.
- Attorneys can negotiate effectively with insurers to cover medical and other costs.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, highlighted the challenges following serious injuries.
“It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client,” Formica noted. “Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes.”
Pending investigation outcomes, affected parties may pursue personal injury claims to address impacts on daily life, work, and finances.
Crash Statistics Overview
According to data from the NHTSA and Federal Highway Administration, passing-related errors contribute significantly to highway accidents. Below is a summary table:
Category |
Statistic (2023) |
Source |
|---|
Total Motor Vehicle Injuries |
2.2 million |
NHTSA |
Highway Crashes Involving Passing |
About 15% of multi-vehicle incidents |
Federal Highway Administration |
Reckless Driving Citations |
Over 1.5 million annually |
NHTSA |
Non-Fatal Serious Injuries |
42,000 from truck-involved crashes |
CDC |
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. 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).