Hugh Smith dies after Tallassee two-vehicle collision, ALEA reports

FATAL TWO-VEHICLE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

Vehicle crashes remain a significant public safety concern in Alabama. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, a traffic crash occurs approximately every three to four minutes statewide. Each year, the state records about 155,000 crashes, resulting in more than 36,000 injuries and nearly 1,000 fatalities.

Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney, said that conducting a timely independent investigation is important in cases such as this to help preserve evidence and protect the rights of victims’ families.

“As attorneys, our responsibility is to provide legal guidance and information to families who have lost a loved one in a crash,” said Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Accident Injury News. “We help protect their rights while working to ensure that statements made to police or insurance companies are not unfairly used against them.”

Bond added, “An attorney will carefully examine the factors that may have contributed to the collision and has the resources to retain expert witnesses, conduct driver background checks, identify witnesses, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, legal counsel can compassionately assist families during this difficult time while protecting their legal rights and interests.”

Each year, roughly 36,000 people die in motor vehicle accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding remains the leading cause of fatal crashes, followed by alcohol, drugs or medication, failure to stay in the proper lane, failure to yield the right of way, and distracted driving.

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Hugh Smith may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

“An incident may be considered a wrongful death when a person or entity commits a negligent or wrongful act that results in another person’s death,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “When fatal motor vehicle crashes are caused by unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or impaired driving, surviving family members may have the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)