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Fatal Three-Car Collision Involving Wrong-Way Driver Claims Life in Wake Forest on May 20, 2025

Published Date: May 22, 2025

Note: Our firm’s mission is to help people injured in accidents. Because we do this work, we see the consequences of these accidents on the victims and the families. Through these articles, we aim to foster a safer community and provide support to those affected by such tragedies. 

Our firm respects the privacy and dignity of those involved and is willing to amend or remove content at the request of affected parties. To contact us use 704-714-1450 or send us a message.
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Wake Forest, NC (May 20, 2025) - According to local news reports, a deadly crash occurred late Tuesday night involving three vehicles on Capital Boulevard (U.S. 1) near Star Road in Wake Forest. The collision, which took place around 11:15 p.m., resulted in the death of one woman and left three other individuals injured.

Authorities say that 74-year-old Willie Gene Coleman of Philadelphia was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Capital Boulevard when his vehicle collided with two others. The forceful impact tragically took the life of 24-year-old Katana Perry, a Raleigh resident who was a passenger in one of the vehicles struck. She died at the scene due to her injuries.

The other two drivers involved were identified as 36-year-old Barrett Carter of Raleigh and 19-year-old Quidasiah Teachey of Franklinton. Carter was hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, while Teachey suffered minor injuries. All individuals were promptly transported for medical treatment.

The Wake Forest Police Department, working alongside the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, conducted an immediate investigation into the incident. They concluded that Coleman was responsible for driving the wrong way on a divided highway, resulting in the fatal crash. He has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and driving the wrong way on a dual-lane highway.

As of the latest update, Coleman remains hospitalized in critical condition. Officials have stated that he will be formally served with the charges upon his release. Investigators have ruled out impairment as a contributing factor in the crash.

Due to the severity of the incident, all northbound lanes of Capital Boulevard at Star Road were shut down from approximately 11:45 p.m. until around 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday to allow for investigative and cleanup operations. Authorities advised drivers to avoid the area during those early morning hours.

The investigation into the full circumstances of the wreck is still ongoing. Police have asked that anyone with relevant information contact the Wake Forest Police Department at 919-554-6150.


Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Wake Forest NC

Getting hurt in an accident can be overwhelming, especially when medical bills pile up and insurance companies seem impossible to deal with. If you’re in Wake Forest, NC, working with a personal injury attorney can ease that stress and help you take the right steps toward recovery. A personal injury lawyer in Wake Forest knows how to guide you through the legal process while making sure you understand your rights and what compensation you might be entitled to.

Personal injury cases often involve more than just physical injuries. They can include emotional stress, time away from work, and unexpected costs. When you have a personal injury attorney on your side, they can handle communication with insurance adjusters, gather important evidence, and negotiate for fair settlements. You shouldn’t have to figure it all out alone, especially while trying to heal or support someone who is.

Choosing a local Wake Forest personal injury lawyer also means you’re working with someone who understands the courts, the area, and the community. That can make a big difference in how smoothly your case moves forward. Whether the accident happened on a busy road like Capital Boulevard or in a neighborhood, having the right legal support can help you move forward with confidence.

How a Wake Forest Personal Injury Lawyer Can Support Your Recovery

After an accident, your focus should be on getting better. But the reality is, you also have to deal with insurance claims, lost wages, and sometimes even long-term care needs. A Wake Forest personal injury attorney steps in to handle the legal side, allowing you to focus on healing. They can explain your options in simple terms, help file claims, and fight for a resolution that reflects the impact the injury has had on your life.

Local attorneys are also familiar with the kinds of injuries common in the area, from traffic-related crashes to slip and falls. If someone else’s actions caused your injury, a Wake Forest personal injury law firm can help you hold them accountable in a professional and straightforward way.

Whether your case settles outside of court or needs to go to trial, your attorney will be by your side the entire time. They’ll work with doctors, witnesses, and legal experts to make sure your voice is heard and your needs are met.

Finding a Car Accident Lawyer in Wake Forest NC

Being involved in a car accident can flip your day upside down and leave you wondering what to do next. That’s where a car accident lawyer in Wake Forest, NC, becomes a key resource. They understand the unique challenges that come with crash-related injuries and can help you navigate the legal steps that follow. Whether it’s a fender bender or a serious collision like the wrong-way crash on Capital Boulevard, having a lawyer can make a real difference in how your case is handled.

Car accident cases often involve several parties, from drivers to insurance companies, and each one has its own interest in the outcome. A Wake Forest car accident attorney knows how to cut through the confusion and focus on protecting your rights. They can evaluate what happened, determine who was at fault, and work to get you fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and more.

Working with a local attorney also helps when gathering evidence. They’re familiar with nearby roads, intersections, and police procedures. That local knowledge helps them spot key details that might otherwise be missed.

Why a Wake Forest Car Accident Attorney Is a Smart Call After a Crash

After a serious accident, especially one with injuries or vehicle damage, it’s easy to feel lost. A Wake Forest car accident lawyer brings clarity and experience to the situation. They know how to interpret accident reports, assess injuries in legal terms, and communicate effectively with all parties involved.

Many people assume insurance will handle everything, but that’s not always the case. Insurance companies may offer low settlements or deny claims altogether. A car accident law firm in Wake Forest fights to make sure your claim is taken seriously and you receive what you deserve.

If your accident involved a complex situation like multiple vehicles, a fatality, or a wrong-way driver, your case may need additional attention. That’s where a Wake Forest car accident lawyer becomes even more important. They’ll manage the legal side so you can concentrate on recovery, helping you move forward with peace of mind and support.

Why Rosensteel Fleishman Is a Smart Choice for Car Accident Cases in Wake Forest

A sudden accident can be terrifying. It can flip your world upside down in a matter of seconds. When you're caught in a situation like a serious car crash in Wake Forest, you need to know there’s someone you can turn to. That’s where Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers step in. They’ve been helping people across North Carolina, and their experience with personal injury and car accident cases makes them a reliable legal team to call.

The legal process after an accident isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about making sure someone is standing up for you, helping you understand what’s going on, and making sure you don’t have to fight alone. Rosensteel Fleishman helps people who are feeling overwhelmed, unsure of what to do next, or worried about paying bills while healing from an injury.

Getting help shouldn’t be hard. With one quick call to 1-704-714-1450, you can set up a free consultation and talk to someone who knows how to handle these cases. If you’ve been in an accident in Wake Forest, or someone you love has, don’t wait around trying to figure it all out alone. There are professionals ready to help guide you through the process, every step of the way.

Why Legal Support Is Important After a Personal Injury Accident

When a serious crash happens, like the tragic wrong-way accident in Wake Forest, victims and their families are often left facing medical bills, time off work, and a lot of confusion. It’s not just about what happened at the scene. It’s about what happens next and how to move forward. That’s where a personal injury attorney can really make a difference.

Benefits of Hiring a North Carolina Injury Law Firm to Handle Your Wake Forest Car Accident Case

A local law firm understands the unique legal processes and court systems in North Carolina. They are familiar with state laws and how local courts handle personal injury cases. When you work with Rosensteel Fleishman, you’re not just getting someone who knows the law. You’re getting a team that understands how to handle claims in towns like Wake Forest.

They can help gather key evidence, talk to insurance companies, and push for fair compensation. This allows victims to focus on healing while the legal side is handled by someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. It’s especially helpful when facing a crash caused by reckless driving, like driving the wrong way.

What Does a Wake Forest Accident Lawyer Do? How Can They Help?

A car accident attorney helps accident victims by reviewing police reports, working with medical professionals, and negotiating with insurance companies. After a crash, you may feel overwhelmed with paperwork and deadlines. A lawyer steps in to handle all those details, making sure nothing slips through the cracks.

In the Wake Forest crash, the situation involved multiple injured parties and a fatality. Cases like that require clear communication, expert handling of legal documents, and protection of the victim’s rights. That’s exactly the kind of work a car accident attorney in Wake Forest does every day.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Be Helpful After a Car Accident in Wake Forest, NC

Hiring a personal injury attorney means getting someone in your corner who knows how to deal with the unexpected challenges that follow a serious crash. They can help estimate the true value of a claim, which includes medical costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.

For victims of the Capital Boulevard collision, or others like them in Wake Forest, having someone who can break down the legal process in plain English and guide them through it can ease the stress. An experienced attorney knows how to protect your interests and make sure the responsible party is held accountable.

How Rosensteel Fleishman Can Help Victims of the Wake Forest Car Accident

In the aftermath of the Wake Forest car accident, families are left searching for answers and support. The emotional toll of losing a loved one or coping with injuries can be overwhelming. That’s where Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers can truly be helpful. They understand what it’s like to deal with the sudden impact of a tragedy and offer dependable legal guidance to those affected.

When a wrong-way driver causes a fatal accident, like the one involving 74-year-old Willie Gene Coleman, victims and their families often face complicated legal steps. Insurance claims, medical costs, and potential compensation are not always easy to sort through, especially while grieving or recovering. Rosensteel Fleishman is experienced in handling these types of cases across North Carolina. They work with families to pursue fair outcomes without adding stress to an already painful time.

They can assist with investigating what happened, speaking with witnesses, and gathering critical information. Whether someone was seriously injured like Barrett Carter, or lost their life like Katana Perry, the legal process can be exhausting to manage alone. Rosensteel Fleishman is committed to making sure every victim has a clear path forward. They’re a strong choice for families in Wake Forest who want support from a team that truly knows how to manage personal injury and wrongful death cases with care and respect.

Why Rosensteel Fleishman Is a Trusted Law Firm for Accident Cases in North Carolina

Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers have built their reputation by consistently supporting people throughout North Carolina during their most difficult times. Although their office is based in Charlotte, they handle car accident and injury cases in towns and cities across the state, including Wake Forest. Their familiarity with local laws and their straightforward approach have made them a go-to for many injured individuals seeking help after an accident.

As Matthew Fleishman puts it, “Every person who walks through our doors deserves to feel heard, supported, and protected. Our job is to make sure they’re not alone in this.” That kind of attitude is exactly what you want when the stakes are high and your future feels uncertain.

From handling wrongful death cases to helping people get compensation for injuries, Rosensteel Fleishman brings a mix of compassion and legal know-how that people really appreciate. They take on the hard stuff so you don’t have to, making the entire process a lot less stressful.

Get Help Now With a Free Consultation From a North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or someone you care about has been affected by a car accident in Wake Forest or anywhere else in North Carolina, don’t wait to get legal advice. The team at Rosensteel Fleishman is ready to help you understand your options, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process with care and professionalism. It only takes one phone call to get started. Reach out today at 1-704-714-1450 for your free consultation and find out how a personal injury attorney in Wake Forest, NC, can help you move forward with confidence.

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Disclaimer: This article is compiled from various secondary sources to provide insights into recent accidents. We have not been able to independently verify all details. Our firm respects the privacy and dignity of those involved and is willing to amend or remove content at the request of affected parties. We understand the emotional and physical toll of traffic accidents and extend our deepest sympathies to those affected. If you find any discrepancies or outdated information, or if you are an affected party, please contact us at 704-714-1450 or send us a message.

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