Blountsville, AL - Juvenile Killed, 5 Injured in Blount Co 55 Crash

Blountsville, AL (May 19, 2025) – A heartbreaking collision unfolded late Friday afternoon in Blount County, taking the life of a 10-year-old and leaving five others with injuries.

The two-vehicle accident happened on May 16 around 5:06 p.m. along Blount County 55, just north of Black Road, about two miles from Blountsville. Authorities say a 2009 Honda Civic and a 2007 Ford Explorer collided under circumstances that are still under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division.

According to the initial reports, the Honda Civic was being driven by 34-year-old Tabbatha Shanae Christine Jackson of Hayden. A 10-year-old child riding as a passenger in the Honda was critically hurt and rushed to a local hospital. Sadly, the child died from injuries the following day, Saturday, May 17.

Jackson also sustained injuries and was taken to the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham. Two more juveniles, aged 10 and 15, were passengers in the Civic and were hospitalized following the crash. The Ford Explorer was being driven by 67-year-old Richard E. Rucker Jr. of Addison. He and his passenger, 60-year-old Annette Dean Clark Rucker, also of Addison, were both injured and transported to Cullman Regional Medical Center for medical care.

Emergency crews responded swiftly and assisted the victims at the scene before transferring them to nearby medical facilities. Authorities have yet to release further updates on the investigation as they continue to piece together the cause of this tragic crash.

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the decease victim's family. We also hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.

Car Accidents in Alabama

Alabama sees thousands of car accidents each year, many resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were over 134,000 vehicle crashes in 2022 alone, with more than 30,000 injuries reported. Fatalities have also been on the rise, highlighting the ongoing challenges of road safety across the state. Understanding why these accidents happen can help reduce future risks. Below are some common types of injuries associated with serious motor vehicle accidents in Alabama:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs occur when a violent blow or jolt to the head causes brain dysfunction. In car accidents, these can happen from hitting a dashboard, window, or steering wheel. Even mild TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive issues and require extended treatment and rehabilitation.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord often results in partial or complete loss of movement and sensation below the injury site. Victims may face paralysis, requiring long-term care and home modifications. Recovery is typically slow and expensive.

• Broken Bones: Fractures are among the most common injuries and can range from minor cracks to complex breaks requiring surgery. In severe crashes, victims often suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones, which can significantly impact daily life and mobility.

• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a crash can damage internal organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen. These injuries are not always immediately visible but can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention.

• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD are often overlooked but can be just as debilitating. Accident victims may need therapy and support to cope with emotional distress caused by the event.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash, it’s vital to act quickly. Call our wrongful death attorneys at Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey today. Speaking with a legal advocate early can help protect your rights and preserve important evidence. Our team understands the emotional and physical toll these events bring and is here to assist you through the legal process with compassion and clarity.

Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey is here to support victims and families after serious motor vehicle accidents. We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and determine the best path forward. Our dedicated attorneys have a long history of helping Alabama families recover the compensation they need. We handle each case with care and close attention. You don’t have to go through this alone—let us stand by your side. Reach out today to discuss your case with a trusted Blountsville car accident attorney. Call our team at 205-349-2009.

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.