BELHAVEN — A man was airlifted to Vidant Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon after a motor vehicle accident east of Belhaven, but he is expected to recover.

Vernon Cahoon was driving east along U.S. Highway 264 near St. Paul Road around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday when he crossed the centerline and struck a tractor-trailer traveling west, according to N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Blake Riggs.

Cahoon’s Chevrolet pickup truck then veered off the road and came to rest on the shoulder, Riggs said.

The tractor-trailer driver, who was not identified, sustained no injuries. He ran to Cahoon’s truck and called 911, according to Riggs.

Cahoon sustained serious injuries and was taken to the helipad at Belhaven’s multispecialty clinic for transport to Greenville via East Care helicopter. Riggs said he spoke with the family Tuesday night, and Cahoon was in stable condition.

Authorities believe he may have experienced a medical problem, which caused him to cross the centerline.

“Some people in the community and the family said he was doing real bad before the wreck,” Riggs said.

Charges are pending against Cahoon. He could face an infraction, Riggs said.

Belhaven Volunteer Fire Department, Ponzer Volunteer Fire Department and the Highway Patrol responded to the scene Tuesday. Authorities did not leave the scene of the accident until close to 6 p.m.