Driver attempted unsafe passing and struck another vehicle on Shannon Bradley Road
April 09, 2026 | Gastonia, NC
A tragic two-vehicle crash on April 9 claimed the life of a 37-year-old man and left Dexter Biggers with serious injuries, according to the Gastonia Police Department.
Dexter Biggers was seriously injured after a driver crossed into oncoming traffic and caused a crash on Shannon Bradley Road near Knollwood Drive in Gastonia.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. when an 18-year-old driver attempted to pass another vehicle on Shannon Bradley Road in a no-passing zone near Knollwood Drive. The maneuver caused the vehicle to cross into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on collision.
- Location: Shannon Bradley Road near Knollwood Drive, Gastonia, NC
- Time: Approximately 9:45 p.m. on April 9
- Vehicles Involved: Two passenger vehicles
- Injuries: One fatality, a 37-year-old man, and Dexter Biggers was seriously injured and hospitalized
- Driver Status: The 18-year-old driver was arrested and charged with death by vehicle, reckless driving, unsafe passing, and driving left of center
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Improper passing remains a leading cause of roadway collisions, often occurring in restricted zones where visibility or space is limited. Drivers must adhere to traffic laws to prevent such tragedies.
Common Causes of Passing-Related Crashes |
Statistics (NHTSA, 2023) |
Prevention Tips |
|---|
Unsafe passing in no-passing zones |
Contributed to 15% of fatal crashes |
Yield to oncoming traffic and check signage |
Reckless driving maneuvers |
Over 1.3 million injuries annually |
Maintain safe following distances |
Driving left of center |
2.2 million total motor vehicle injuries |
Use mirrors and signals before passing |
Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations following motor vehicle crashes to ensure accountability and support for those affected.
“In cases such as this, it's important to have an independent investigation conducted sooner rather than later to better preserve any evidence,” 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.”
- Hire an attorney promptly to secure evidence and protect rights in crash investigations.
- Independent investigations can reveal contributing factors beyond initial police reports, such as road conditions or driver history.
- Legal representation helps navigate insurance claims, ensuring victims receive fair compensation for medical costs and lost wages.
“Pending the results of the investigation, injured parties may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “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.”
Analysts stress that insurance companies often prioritize profits over victim support, making professional advocacy essential.
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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).