According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, 62-year-old Melvin Smith, Jr. was a passenger in a vehicle that left the roadway and collided with a tree.
The crash occurred around 10:45 p.m. on Alabama River Parkway, about two miles east of Prattville.
The driver, a 23-year-old woman from Millbrook, sustained injuries and was transported to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery for treatment.
Emergency responders pronounced Smith deceased at the scene. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
Depending on the findings, Smith’s family may have the option to pursue a wrongful death claim. Families of wrongful death victims can seek compensation for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
“Losing a loved one in an accident can be an incredibly overwhelming experience,” said Candice Bond, an attorney and Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
“We recognize the challenges families face and the importance of protecting their rights. A wrongful death attorney will monitor the investigation and ensure their legal interests are safeguarded.”
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System documented 33,654 fatal motor vehicle crashes nationwide, resulting in 36,560 deaths.
“Factors such as road conditions, visibility, and lighting are carefully examined during an investigation,” Bond explained.
“Sometimes, accident reconstruction specialists are needed to determine what happened. These resources are essential in helping victims’ families secure compensation for their loss,” she added.
