Fatal Crash Claims Life of Shigeaki Hattori in Huntersville on April 5, 2025

Huntersville, NC (April 05, 2025) - According to local news reports, Shigeaki “Shige” Hattori, a championship-winning NASCAR Truck Series team owner and former IndyCar driver, died in a tragic two-vehicle collision in Huntersville, North Carolina, on Saturday morning. The crash occurred around 9:15 a.m. on April 5, 2025, on NC Highway 73 near the McGuire Nuclear Station.

Huntersville Police confirmed that Hattori, 61, was driving a 2025 Toyota Crown westbound when his vehicle veered across the centerline and collided head-on with a 2024 Lexus GX550 traveling in the opposite direction. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash and pronounced Hattori dead at the scene. The driver of the Lexus sustained injuries but was transported to a nearby hospital with conditions described as non-life-threatening. Authorities stated that neither speed nor impairment appear to be contributing factors in the crash, which remains under investigation.

A native of Okayama, Japan, Shigeaki Hattori moved to the United States in 1995 to chase his dreams in professional racing. He began his American motorsports journey in the Indy Lights Series, where he earned two wins in 1998. He made two starts in the Indianapolis 500 and later transitioned to NASCAR, competing in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2004 and 2005. His on-track driving career led him to a broader vision—team ownership.

In 2008, Hattori launched Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE), a team that would go on to compete in both the Xfinity Series and Truck Series. Under his leadership, the team claimed 14 Truck Series victories and achieved its greatest success in 2018, winning the Truck Series championship with driver Brett Moffitt. Hattori also supported future NASCAR talents like Austin Hill, who added eight wins to HRE’s record. The team also participated in the ARCA Menards Series and supported international outreach, including a NASCAR training initiative in Japan.

In a heartfelt statement released Monday, Hattori Racing Enterprises confirmed, “We are heartbroken to confirm that Shigeaki ‘Shige’ Hattori was pronounced deceased on the morning of Saturday, April 5, following a motor vehicle accident. He was 61.”

NASCAR expressed its condolences in a statement: “Shigeaki Hattori was a passionate racer and highly successful team owner, but beyond all his team’s statistics — which includes a NASCAR Truck Series championship — Shige was a genuine, beloved member of the garage who worked tirelessly to lift our sport and his people. We are deeply saddened by his tragic passing. NASCAR extends its thoughts and prayers to his family and many friends.”

The incident brought an outpouring of grief across the motorsports community, with fans and colleagues alike honoring Hattori’s commitment, competitive spirit, and positive personality. Online tributes remembered him as a devoted team leader and a vital presence in NASCAR's continued international growth.

Police are still investigating the collision and have asked anyone with additional information to contact Sergeant Bryan Gantt at 704-464-5371.

Working With a Personal Injury Attorney in Huntersville, NC

If you’ve been hurt in an accident in or around Huntersville, NC, talking to a personal injury attorney can help you understand your next steps. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or another incident where someone else’s actions caused harm, it’s natural to have questions—about medical bills, time off work, or even how to deal with insurance adjusters. A personal injury attorney in Huntersville, NC can walk you through all of it and take care of the legal details while you focus on feeling better.

Legal cases after an accident can be more complex than they seem at first. What you say to insurance companies, how you document injuries, and when you file certain paperwork can all affect your outcome. A good attorney makes sure every step is handled correctly and on time. You won’t be left wondering what to do next—they’ll guide you through it in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.

Personal injury cases are about more than just getting paid back for medical costs. They can also involve compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, future care, and emotional distress. An attorney knows how to calculate those damages and build a case that reflects what you’ve really lost. By working with someone local, you also get the advantage of someone who knows the courts and the community in Huntersville.

Why Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Huntersville Matters

After an injury, most people just want to get back to normal life. But recovery takes time, and the financial pressure can hit fast. A personal injury lawyer in Huntersville helps you stay on track by dealing with insurance companies and negotiating fair settlements. They understand how to make your claim stand up, whether it settles outside of court or goes to trial.

Attorneys familiar with North Carolina law know the specific rules about negligence, timelines, and what it takes to prove liability. That local knowledge can make a big difference in how quickly and effectively your case moves forward. Plus, having a lawyer near you means easier communication and in-person meetings when needed.

When you work with someone who’s focused on this area of law, you’re not just getting paperwork filed. You’re getting support, strategy, and someone who genuinely wants to help you get what you need to move forward. For anyone recovering from an accident in Huntersville, reaching out to a personal injury lawyer is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

How a Huntersville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Crash

Getting into a car accident is scary, even if it’s a minor one. When the damage is more serious—especially involving injuries—it’s easy to feel lost in the aftermath. A Huntersville car accident lawyer can step in and help make sense of everything, from medical treatment to insurance claims and legal options. If the crash wasn’t your fault, they’ll help hold the responsible party accountable and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.

Car accidents often involve more than just two drivers. There might be passengers, multiple vehicles, and unclear liability. Sorting all that out isn’t always easy, especially when insurance companies are focused on minimizing what they pay. A lawyer brings clarity and protects your rights by making sure your side of the story is fully heard and backed by solid evidence.

From the initial police report to medical records and repair costs, every piece of documentation matters. A Huntersville car accident attorney gathers all of it, connects with the right experts if needed, and builds a case that reflects what really happened. That attention to detail is key in reaching the outcome you deserve.

Finding the Right Car Accident Attorney in Huntersville, NC

Choosing a car accident attorney in Huntersville, NC is about more than just hiring someone who understands the law. It’s about working with a team that understands what you’re going through and can explain your rights in a simple, straightforward way. Whether you’re dealing with whiplash, a totaled car, or ongoing pain, they’ll help you determine what your claim is worth and how to pursue it.

Huntersville lawyers know how the local court systems work, which can save time and reduce complications. They’ve handled cases like yours before and can spot the kinds of tactics insurance companies use to lower payouts. That insight can be the difference between a quick, low offer and a settlement that actually covers your needs.

One of the biggest advantages of working with a local car accident law firm is accessibility. You can meet face-to-face when it matters, and you’re never left in the dark about what’s happening with your case. It’s legal help that’s close to home and tailored to your situation. If you’ve been in a crash, reaching out to a Huntersville car accident lawyer might be one of the most important steps you take toward getting back on track.

Why Rosensteel Fleishman is a Smart Choice for Car Accident Cases in Huntersville

Accidents are sudden, disorienting, and often leave people feeling overwhelmed. In the aftermath of a serious incident like the one that occurred in Huntersville, families and survivors are left to deal with not only physical and emotional impacts but also logistical and legal hurdles. That’s where having the right support matters most. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers in Charlotte, NC, provides clear, compassionate guidance for those affected by auto accidents across North Carolina, including the Huntersville community.

The firm understands that behind every case is a person or family trying to recover and regain a sense of stability. With years of experience focused on car accident and injury claims, Rosensteel Fleishman helps individuals understand their legal rights, recover compensation, and avoid getting overwhelmed by insurance companies or paperwork. Whether someone was injured in a head-on crash or a more minor collision, knowing a trustworthy law firm is in your corner makes a difference.

If you or someone you care about was involved in an accident in or near Huntersville, calling 1-704-714-1450 to schedule a free consultation with Rosensteel Fleishman is a simple step toward clarity. You’ll speak with someone who listens and takes your concerns seriously, without the pressure or confusion that can often come with legal matters. Support is only a phone call away.

Why Legal Support is Important After a Personal Injury Accident

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

Injuries from car accidents can affect every part of your life—from your health and job to your family responsibilities. Trying to sort out medical bills, insurance claims, or lost wages on your own can be confusing and exhausting. That’s where a personal injury law firm in North Carolina like Rosensteel Fleishman steps in. They bring local knowledge and legal insight to help victims and their families manage the aftermath and make informed decisions.

Here are a few reasons why working with an injury law firm near you is worth considering:

• They know the laws specific to North Carolina, including local road regulations and accident liability rules.
• They can handle negotiations with insurance adjusters who might otherwise offer less than fair compensation.
• They ensure proper documentation and filing of legal paperwork, keeping everything on track.
• They help you understand what your case might be worth based on medical costs, pain and suffering, and more.
• They allow you to focus on recovery while they take care of the legal details.

Having a knowledgeable team on your side ensures your case doesn’t get overlooked or underpaid, especially in serious cases like head-on collisions.

What Does a Huntersville Accident Lawyer Do? How Can They Help?

A car accident lawyer in Huntersville is your direct advocate after an incident. They begin by reviewing your case, collecting evidence, and helping determine who was at fault. Whether it’s analyzing crash reports or speaking to witnesses, they work to build a strong claim so you don’t have to.

More than that, they manage all communication with insurance companies so you’re not caught off guard by lowball offers or complex jargon. If necessary, they can also represent you in court, although many cases are settled favorably outside the courtroom. Their main goal is to secure the compensation you need to cover medical treatment, property damage, and other expenses.

The team at Rosensteel Fleishman also brings a local edge. As lawyers who operate out of Charlotte but work across the state, including in Huntersville, they understand the court systems, the communities, and how to move cases forward effectively.

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

A personal injury attorney in Huntersville, NC, goes beyond just filing paperwork. They become a key part of your recovery journey, helping you reclaim control over your life. From explaining your legal rights in plain language to making sure no deadlines are missed, they make the legal process less intimidating.

They also know that every case is different. Some clients need help accessing the right medical experts, while others need advice on handling car repairs or lost job time. With a good legal team, all of those pieces come together under one roof. You don’t have to chase answers—they’re ready to help you from day one.

Rosensteel Fleishman’s lawyers are experienced in addressing the many challenges people face after an accident. Their goal is to help you get the right outcome with less stress and more support, so you can move forward.

Supporting Victims of the Huntersville Accident and Their Families

When a tragic event like the crash that killed Shigeaki Hattori shakes a community, the ripple effects are felt far beyond the accident site. Families are left grieving, communities lose meaningful members, and survivors must grapple with unexpected trauma. At times like this, having someone who can handle the legal side of things gives people space to focus on healing.

Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers offers just that—legal clarity during chaotic and painful times. Based in Charlotte and serving communities like Huntersville, the firm helps families affected by serious collisions understand their rights and what options they have. Whether someone needs to pursue a wrongful death claim or manage hospital bills and income loss, Rosensteel Fleishman works to ease that burden.

In cases like the Huntersville crash, where investigators are still piecing together what happened, the firm can help families get the facts they need. They can work with police reports, gather witness statements, and ensure that any claims are backed by solid evidence. That type of reliable support can help families feel less alone in such an overwhelming time.

Knowing that professionals are looking out for your legal interests allows victims and their families to focus on the things that matter most—recovering, remembering, and rebuilding.

Choosing Rosensteel Fleishman for Your Accident & Injury Case in North Carolina

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, you want a legal team that understands not only the law but also the people behind the cases. That’s where Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers stands out. Based in Charlotte and helping clients across North Carolina, the firm has built its reputation by being dependable, approachable, and efficient in how they handle accident and injury cases.

One of the firm’s founding attorneys, Corey Rosensteel, puts it this way: “We don’t treat cases like numbers. Every person who walks through our door has a story, and it’s our job to make sure their voice is heard.” That philosophy is woven into every case the firm takes on.

Whether you live in Charlotte, Huntersville, or another nearby area, Rosensteel Fleishman understands how local courts work, what insurance companies tend to do, and what needs to be done to protect your rights. Their personal approach, paired with years of experience handling car accident and injury cases, helps make the process smoother for their clients.

Start Your Free Consultation with a Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were affected by a car accident in North Carolina, don’t wait to find out what your legal options are. Talking with a car accident attorney near you can provide helpful answers, and at Rosensteel Fleishman, the first consultation is always free. There’s no pressure, just a straightforward conversation about what happened and how they might be able to help.

Their legal team includes experienced professionals who focus on personal injury and car accident claims, with a deep understanding of how North Carolina law works. Whether it’s helping with a claim from Huntersville or another nearby town, they’re ready to listen and provide the direction you need.

Call 1-704-714-1450 today to speak directly with a lawyer. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in how your recovery moves forward.