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JOHNSTON COUNTY

Deleon Lee, Christina Garner hurt in head-on accident near Camil Drive

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Nissan Frontier crosses centreline on Princeton-Kenly Road

December 22, 2025 | Princeton, NC

Deleon Lee, 55, and Christina Garner, 55, both from Benson, North Carolina, were hospitalized after a head-on collision near Princeton in Johnston County.

What Happened in the Crash?

police lightsDeleon Lee, 55, and Christina Garner, 55, both of Benson, were injured after a Nissan Frontier crossed the centerline and struck their Lincoln MKX in Johnston County.

The incident occurred at 6:56 p.m. on Dec. 22 when a northbound 2014 white Nissan Frontier, driven by a 31-year-old man from Princeton, crossed the centerline on Princeton-Kenly Road near Camil Drive. It struck a southbound 2007 red Lincoln MKX driven by Lee, with Garner as the front passenger.

  • Location: Princeton-Kenly Road near Camil Drive, Princeton, NC
  • Date and Time: Dec. 22, 2025, around 6:56 p.m.
  • Vehicles Involved: 2007 red Lincoln MKX, southbound, and 2014 white Nissan Frontier, northbound
  • Injuries: Lee and Garner were hospitalized with injuries, and the Nissan driver was also injured and hospitalized
  • Investigating Agency: North Carolina State Highway Patrol
  • Status: Investigation ongoing, and charges pending

Why Do Head-On Crashes Happen?

Head-on collisions represent a small percentage of accidents but cause a disproportionate number of fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these crashes account for about 2% of all motor vehicle incidents, yet over 10% of crash-related deaths in the United States.

Common contributing factors include:

  • Driver error, such as crossing the centerline
  • Distracted driving
  • Fatigue
  • Speeding
  • Poor road conditions
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which is the leading cause

FactorPercentage of Head-On Crashes (NHTSA Data)Source
DUI (Alcohol/Drugs)40%NHTSA
Distracted Driving25%NHTSA
Speeding20%NHTSA
Fatigue10%NHTSA
Road Design Issues5%Federal Highway Administration

Legal Insights

Newsline consulted national legal analysts for their perspective on motor vehicle crashes like this one.

"In cases such as this, a range of factors can lead to head-on collisions, from driver inattention to impairment. Holding those responsible accountable is essential for road safety," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.

Key takeaways from analyst insights:

  • Adept witnesses and background checks can clarify fault in complex investigations.
  • Victims should review insurance coverage thoroughly to ensure fair compensation.
  • Legal representation helps navigate interactions with law enforcement and insurers.

"Victims in collisions may pursue claims for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. Insurers often push for low settlements, so professional advocacy is crucial," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.

Preliminary reports suggest liability lies with the Nissan driver for crossing the centerline, but a full investigation is needed.

Potential Personal Injury Claims

Lee and Garner may be eligible to file personal injury claims once the investigation concludes. Such claims can address expenses like hospital bills, ongoing treatment, income loss, and pain and suffering.

Complications arise when multiple parties assess fault without comprehensive reviews. An attorney can advocate against undervalued settlements from insurance providers, ensuring victims receive equitable outcomes.

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Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.


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).

Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, North Carolina, Princeton NC crash, head-on collision, Johnston County accident, Nissan Frontier wreck, Lincoln MKX

The staff of Newsline would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Deleon Lee, Christina Garner and family

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