Bicyclist Struck and Killed Overnight on Chalkville Rd and Grayson Valley Pkwy in Birmingham, AL

Birmingham, AL (June 27, 2026) – A 31-year-old man was killed early Thursday morning after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle at the intersection of Chalkville Rd and Grayson Valley Pkwy in Birmingham. The crash occurred at approximately 12:39 a.m. on Thursday, June 25.

Brian Austin White was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:18 a.m. The driver remained at the scene and notified law enforcement following the crash.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the wreck. 

We extend our deepest condolences to Brian Austin White's family and all those who loved him.

What Can a Family Recover After a Fatal Bicycle Crash in Birmingham, AL?

When a cyclist is killed in a collision with a vehicle in Birmingham, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Alabama law.

In many cases, a spouse, children, or parents may be eligible to bring that claim when a death results from another person's negligence.

As the investigation moves forward, determining exactly how the crash occurred becomes one of the most important parts of the process.

Questions about whether the driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or failed to notice the cyclist can all play a role in establishing liability. The circumstances surrounding the collision, including traffic conditions and visibility at the time, often become key pieces of evidence.

Unlike many states, Alabama's wrongful death statute focuses primarily on punishing the conduct that caused the death rather than compensating families for specific financial losses. Because of this, the nature and severity of the driver's actions can significantly influence the value of a claim. 

In crashes involving cyclists, investigators may also examine issues such as roadway lighting, the visibility of the bicycle, the presence of reflective equipment, and whether the driver was operating the vehicle safely, given the surrounding conditions. Driver statements, witness accounts, and physical evidence gathered at the scene can all become important in building a clear picture of what happened.

At the same time, Alabama's pure contributory negligence rule can make these cases more complicated. Insurance companies may attempt to argue that the cyclist shared some degree of responsibility for the collision, whether due to visibility concerns or other circumstances surrounding the ride. Even a small finding of fault attributed to the cyclist can affect a family's ability to recover compensation.

Gathering evidence early, preserving witness statements, and carefully addressing any contributory negligence arguments can therefore become critical parts of the case.

Reviewing the available evidence and developing a clear account of how the collision occurred may help families protect their interests while navigating Alabama's unique wrongful death laws.

At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, we know how difficult the days following a sudden and unexpected roadway tragedy can be. Our team can help explain how insurance coverage, medical records, and potential compensation may affect your situation and what options may be available moving forward.

If you want clear information about your options, you can contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey at 205-349-2009 to speak with our wrongful death lawyer and discuss your situation.

Notes: Our writers relied on secondary sources to create this article. Our staff has not independently verified all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, if you find any incorrect information, please contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP immediately so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available. The post may be deleted upon request.

Disclaimer: This post's content is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice. The image used in this post was not taken at the described accident scene. This post is not intended as a business solicitation.