One person dead, one inured after Muscle Shoals crash

A sport utility vehicle crashed into the back of a large tractor-trailer on a recent Wednesday in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The truck was hauling a big piece of equipment at the time of the collision. According to Alabama troopers, the crash was reported to 911 at 11:49 a.m.

Tragically, a 22-year-old woman died as a result of the accident. Troopers indicate that the deceased woman was rushed to the hospital, but doctors were unable to save her and she later died at the medical facility. The 19-year-old woman who was driving the sport utility vehicle survived the crash, but not without serious injuries that required her to be flown to Huntsville Hospital from the crash site. As of last Wednesday afternoon, she received surgery and was said to be in critical condition.

Three dogs were also riding in the sport utility vehicle, and they survived. Only one of the animals had a scratch on its nose. All three of the dogs were safely transported by officers to the Colbert County Animal Shelter.

According to police reports, the accident happened when the semi-truck was stopped at a train crossing waiting for a passing train. Lights and bells were illuminated at the train crossing at the time. It appears that the SUV drove into the back of the semi at full speed as witnesses reported that the collision was violent and there were no signs of skid marks.

When a fatal accident happens in Alabama, authorities will try to piece together why it may have occurred. Unfortunately, with the rise of smartphones and social media, many fatal accidents are happening as a result of distracted drivers. Family members who have lost loved ones because of a negligent and distracted driver may want to pursue wrongful death claims to seek justice and restitution relating to their family member’s death.

Source: TimesDaily, “One killed, one injured in Muscle Shoals wreck,” Tom Smith, Dec. 08, 2016