Deadly Crash Near Salem Drive Shuts NC 18 on October 21, 2025

Wilkes County, NC (October 21, 2025) – According to local news reports, a tragic crash on NC 18 in Moravian Falls resulted in one fatality and one critical injury Tuesday morning. The accident occurred around 9:00 a.m. near the intersection of NC 18 and Salem Drive when a northbound 2003 Ford Expedition crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Ford Expedition was driven by 64-year-old Roosevelt Carlton Jr. of North Wilkesboro. Authorities confirmed that Carlton died at the scene due to the severity of the impact. The driver of the Hyundai, later identified as 26-year-old Alexander Michael Leshock of Waxhaw, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Atrium Wake-Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem for emergency treatment.

Officials with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol conducted the initial investigation and stated that neither speed nor impairment were contributing factors in the collision. The cause of the accident appears to have been Carlton’s vehicle drifting across the centerline, though no additional contributing circumstances were mentioned. As a result, no charges will be filed in connection with this incident.

Traffic on NC 18 was closed in both directions for approximately two hours as troopers and emergency crews responded to the scene and conducted a thorough investigation. The closure led to significant delays for morning commuters in the Moravian Falls area.

This fatal crash has left both families and the broader Wilkes County community reeling. With one life lost and another individual facing a long recovery, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise even in everyday travel conditions.

Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney in Wilkes County, NC

Accidents can leave people feeling overwhelmed, especially when they involve serious injuries. In Wilkes County, NC, having a reliable personal injury attorney can make a real difference in how smoothly the recovery process goes—both physically and financially. Whether someone is dealing with a head-on collision, a slip and fall, or another type of injury, the legal system can feel like a maze. A good attorney helps clear the confusion.

One of the biggest advantages of working with a personal injury attorney in Wilkes County is having someone who understands the local court system, community, and how insurance companies operate in North Carolina. That local knowledge, combined with legal experience, helps ensure every aspect of your claim is handled carefully and professionally. Attorneys in this field work to protect your rights and ensure that no detail is overlooked—whether it’s medical costs, lost income, or long-term care needs.

If you've suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to know your options. A local personal injury attorney can walk you through the process, offering guidance that’s not only informed but also grounded in real-world experience. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or preparing for court, they’ll be focused on getting a fair outcome that reflects the impact the injury has had on your life.

Why Choosing a Local Personal Injury Lawyer in Wilkes County Matters

Hiring a personal injury lawyer near you can offer more than convenience—it builds trust and stronger communication. Local attorneys are often easier to meet in person, and they’re familiar with the types of cases common in Wilkes County. They understand how certain roads may be more prone to accidents, how local insurers handle claims, and how judges and courts tend to operate in the area.

A personal injury lawyer in Wilkes County, NC is not just representing you—they're advocating within a community they know well. That familiarity can speed up the process and create more confidence for the client. When someone hires a local attorney, they gain a partner who knows what to expect and how to prepare for it.

What a Personal Injury Attorney Can Do After an Accident

After an accident, a personal injury attorney helps manage more than just paperwork. They take on the burden of communicating with insurance companies, coordinating with doctors, gathering evidence, and building a strong case. They also help determine what a fair settlement looks like—not just now, but also considering the future impact of the injury.

For example, if someone has long-term physical therapy needs, that must be factored into the claim. A personal injury attorney knows how to calculate those costs and fight to include them. They also help clients understand the timelines and expectations at each stage of the legal process. Their role is to keep things moving forward while allowing the injured person to focus on healing.

How a Wilkes County Car Accident Lawyer Can Support You

Car accidents in Wilkes County can range from minor fender-benders to devastating head-on collisions like the recent one on NC 18. When the damage is serious and injuries are involved, having a car accident lawyer becomes incredibly valuable. They help ensure that your legal rights are protected, especially when dealing with aggressive insurance companies or unclear fault.

A Wilkes County car accident lawyer steps in to review the accident details, gather police reports, and consult with experts if needed. Their main goal is to make sure the injured party receives fair compensation for their medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages, and emotional distress. They understand North Carolina’s laws and how they apply to your specific case.

It’s not just about filing paperwork—it’s about making sure someone is looking out for your interests every step of the way. A car accident attorney can also help determine whether the at-fault driver should be held accountable for additional damages, especially in more serious or fatal crashes.

Why Working with a Car Accident Attorney in Wilkes County, NC Is Important

Wilkes County has its share of winding roads, rural intersections, and high-speed zones that contribute to accidents. A car accident attorney who works in this area is familiar with the unique risks drivers face here. That knowledge is important when building a case and presenting it to an insurance adjuster or courtroom.

Working with a local attorney also improves communication. Clients can stop by the office, have face-to-face conversations, and feel more connected to their legal representation. This kind of personal service makes the legal process less intimidating and more manageable.

What to Expect When You Hire a Car Accident Law Firm in North Carolina

When hiring a car accident law firm in North Carolina, the process usually begins with a free consultation. During this meeting, the attorney will ask about the accident, review any documentation you have, and explain your options. From there, they’ll begin gathering evidence, handling all interactions with the insurance companies, and building a claim that reflects the true impact of the crash.

Clients can expect regular updates and straightforward answers. A good firm keeps you informed and helps you understand every stage of the case. In some situations, the case may be settled without going to court. In others, a trial might be necessary. Either way, your legal team will be with you the entire time, working to get the best possible result for your situation.

Whether you're searching for a "car accident lawyer near me" or need someone to step in quickly after a serious crash, hiring a local Wilkes County attorney ensures you’re not facing the process alone. Their knowledge, commitment, and familiarity with the area can help you move forward with confidence.

Why Rosensteel Fleishman Is a Smart Choice for Car Accident Cases in Wilkes County

Car accidents can flip life upside down in seconds. In situations like the one reported in Wilkes County, the aftermath often leaves families overwhelmed with grief, medical bills, and legal questions. That’s where having a dependable law firm like Rosensteel Fleishman makes a real difference. They are known across North Carolina for their thoughtful and practical support in car accident and personal injury cases.

What stands out about Rosensteel Fleishman is their approachable style and real-world understanding of what accident victims go through. Whether someone was injured on a local highway or lost a loved one in a head-on crash, the legal and emotional toll is often immense. This firm offers a calm presence, a steady voice, and experience that comes from helping North Carolinians through challenging times.

Their team works hard to help clients make sense of the process. From explaining how insurance claims work to dealing directly with the other driver’s insurer, their goal is to take stress off the client’s shoulders. If someone in Wilkes County has been seriously hurt or lost a loved one in a crash, speaking with Rosensteel Fleishman is a smart first step. Starting with a free consultation, they guide people with no pressure, just honest, clear advice.

Benefits of Hiring a North Carolina Injury Law Firm to Handle Your Wilkes County Car Accident Case

Getting legal help after a serious car accident isn’t just about filing a claim. It's about having someone who knows the process and who can deal with the details while you or your loved one focuses on recovery. A personal injury law firm in North Carolina like Rosensteel Fleishman knows how to work with insurance companies, gather the right evidence, and protect the rights of their clients from start to finish.

For a crash like the one that occurred on NC 18, a law firm would review police reports, gather witness statements, and potentially consult accident reconstruction experts if needed. All of this helps to build a solid case for compensation, whether it's for medical bills, long-term care, or pain and suffering.

Most people don’t expect to need a lawyer after an accident. But when bills pile up or insurance companies push back, that legal support becomes essential. A law firm like Rosensteel Fleishman knows North Carolina law and brings that knowledge to every case they take on.

What Does a Wilkes County Accident Lawyer Do? How Can They Help?

A Wilkes County car accident attorney helps level the playing field. When dealing with injuries, hospital stays, or even funeral arrangements, most families don’t have time or energy to fight with insurance companies. A lawyer handles that pressure for them.

Here’s what a personal injury lawyer can do after a crash:

• Review all accident documentation and gather new evidence
• Handle all communication with insurance companies
• Evaluate the full value of your claim, including future costs
• Represent you in court if needed
• Keep you informed and involved in every step

From the outside, the legal process might seem complex. But with the right attorney, it becomes much easier to manage. Having a local car accident law firm helps make sure no detail is missed and that you’re not pressured into a settlement that’s too low.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Be Helpful After a Car Accident in Wilkes County, NC

After a crash as serious as the one on NC 18, families often deal with more than just the immediate trauma. Ongoing rehabilitation, lost income, and long-term medical expenses can add up quickly. A personal injury attorney in Wilkes County, NC can help make sure those costs are accounted for in any legal claim.

An experienced law firm doesn’t just focus on the surface-level issues. They look deeper, asking questions like: Will the injured person be able to return to work? Will they need future surgeries or therapy? These answers impact the value of a claim, and the attorney ensures that the injured party isn’t left short.

Rosensteel Fleishman’s work often begins with listening. They want to understand what happened, what’s changed, and what you need moving forward. Their job is to turn those conversations into action so that clients can focus on healing while they focus on securing fair compensation.

Helping Families Recover After the Wilkes County Crash on NC 18

The crash on NC 18 that took the life of Roosevelt Carlton Jr. and left Alexander Michael Leshock critically injured is the kind of event that no family ever wants to face. When tragedy strikes, families are often left not just grieving but also struggling with unexpected costs, unanswered questions, and uncertainty about the future. A law firm like Rosensteel Fleishman steps in during these difficult times to provide guidance and relief.

They understand that after a fatal car accident, there are both emotional and financial consequences that need to be addressed. Whether it’s helping a family pursue a wrongful death claim or assisting an injured survivor with the long road to recovery, they bring clarity and professionalism to the process. Their legal team knows how to move cases forward with care, making sure all the paperwork, deadlines, and communication with insurance adjusters are handled correctly.

For families in Wilkes County who are grieving or trying to help a loved one recover, the last thing they should have to worry about is navigating the legal process alone. Rosensteel Fleishman works hard to make sure every client feels supported and informed from start to finish. They’ve helped countless North Carolinians through situations just like this one, and they are ready to help families move forward after this heartbreaking accident.

Why Rosensteel Fleishman Is a Good Choice for Accident and Injury Cases in North Carolina

Choosing the right legal team matters, especially after a life-altering car accident. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers is based in Charlotte, NC, but they help clients from all over the state. Whether you’re in Wilkes County or anywhere else in North Carolina, their team makes it easy to get help when it matters most.

What really sets them apart is how approachable they are. From the first phone call, they aim to explain everything in plain English and offer realistic advice. Corey Rosensteel said it best: “We believe every client deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and honesty. That’s how we practice law, and that’s how we help people rebuild after an accident.”

Their firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, wrongful death claims, and serious injury cases. They’ve built a strong reputation through years of experience and a commitment to doing what’s right for their clients.

Whether you’re trying to understand your rights after a crash or just want to know if you have a case, Rosensteel Fleishman offers a free consultation. You don’t need to have all the answers—they’re ready to help you find them.

Start Your Free Consultation with a North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident in Wilkes County or anywhere in North Carolina, don’t wait to get the answers and support you deserve. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and fight for fair compensation. It starts with a simple conversation.

Call 1-704-714-1450 to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation and no pressure—just a chance to talk to someone who knows how to help. When you’re ready to take the next step, Rosensteel Fleishman is here to walk beside you.