New Hanover County, NC (July 12, 2026) - Information from local news reports and North Carolina State Highway Patrol statements indicates that 23-year-old Timothy Hunter Bradford of Wilmington was killed in a head-on collision involving a wrong-way driver on I-140 near the US-40 exit and Military Cutoff Extension.

Troopers were dispatched after receiving a report of a wrong-way vehicle at approximately 4:47 a.m. Another local report placed the collision at about 4:50 a.m. Most accounts identified the crash date as July 12, although one report listed July 11.

Investigators said 52-year-old William Francis Raybourn of Belville was driving a black Jeep truck eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-140. His vehicle collided head-on with a white Mitsubishi driven westbound by Bradford.

Bradford died from injuries sustained in the collision. One report stated that he was pronounced dead at the scene. Raybourn was transported to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center with extensive injuries. Reports differed regarding his condition, describing him as either critical or stable while hospitalized. He had not been taken into custody while receiving medical treatment.

A citation reportedly estimated that Raybourn was traveling approximately 80 mph. Weather and visibility were described as clear at the time of the crash. The citation identified his wrong-way travel as the cause of Bradford’s death.

Raybourn was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, reckless driving to endanger, driving the wrong way on a dual-lane highway, and exceeding the posted speed limit. Authorities had not released information explaining how he entered the wrong side of I-140. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the circumstances surrounding the collision remained under investigation.

What Typically Follows A Wrong Way Car Accident

A collision of this nature can raise practical questions that extend beyond the initial police report. Investigators may review vehicle damage, roadway evidence, witness statements, traffic camera recordings, emergency response records, and any available information about the drivers’ actions before the impact. Insurance companies may conduct separate reviews while waiting for official reports and supporting documentation.

In a car accident involving a forceful head-on impact, early medical examinations may not reveal every injury immediately. Symptoms involving the neck, back, head, or soft tissue can develop or become more noticeable over time, and a auto crash lawyer can help explain how medical records and treatment history may become part of the claims process.

Families may also receive requests for documentation from insurers, medical providers, and government agencies. Keeping copies of reports, bills, correspondence, and benefit statements can make it easier to understand what has been submitted, which expenses remain unresolved, and whether additional information is being requested.

Long Term Recovery After A Serious Car Accident

Recovery from a traumatic collision may continue well after emergency treatment ends. Rehabilitation can involve medical follow-up visits, physical therapy, pain management, mobility work, and gradual efforts to rebuild strength and endurance. Maintaining motivation can be difficult when progress is uneven, so treatment plans often rely on realistic milestones rather than a single expected recovery date.

Understanding the claims process may also help people organize the financial and administrative issues that can accompany a car accident. Choosing to speak with a car accident attorney can provide additional information about records, insurance communications, medical expenses, and the factors commonly reviewed when a claim is evaluated.

Longer recovery periods may involve attention to:

  • Follow-up appointments and updated medical assessments
  • Physical therapy goals and documented progress
  • Changes in work duties or scheduling
  • Transportation and household assistance needs
  • Emotional health and sleep-related concerns

How Recovery Can Reshape Daily Routines

Long-term adjustment may require changes to work, family responsibilities, transportation, exercise, and routine household activities. A person who previously handled tasks independently may need temporary help while rebuilding mobility, concentration, or physical stamina.

Rehabilitation can support a gradual return to independence by focusing on practical movements and activities used throughout the day. Progress may include walking longer distances, driving again when medically appropriate, returning to work with modified duties, or resuming family and community activities at a manageable pace.

Practical Next Steps After A New Hanover County Car Accident

Once the investigation and medical response are underway, the next stage often involves reviewing police findings, insurance coverage, treatment records, expenses, and the circumstances that may affect a claim. Examining prior case outcomes can help identify the types of evidence that influenced earlier decisions, although every car accident must be evaluated according to its own facts, injuries, coverage limits, and available documentation.

Rosensteel Fleishman is a Charlotte law firm that assists people with questions arising after serious roadway collisions. We review accident reports, insurance communications, medical records, and other available information so individuals and families can better understand the process and make informed decisions about what may come next.