Cyclist Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash on Cloverdale Rd in Florence, AL

Florence, AL (July 27, 2026) – A cyclist was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash on Cloverdale Road near Dutch Bros Coffee in Florence on Friday night, July 24.

The cyclist was airlifted to a hospital for additional medical treatment due to the severity of the injuries. 

Surveillance footage reportedly showed the driver leaving the scene and traveling southbound on Cloverdale Road after the collision. Police later located the suspected driver and identified the vehicle as a silver Toyota RAV4 with damage consistent with the crash.

Authorities said 19-year-old Scarlet Montgomery was arrested and faces charges including driving under the influence, first-degree assault, and leaving the scene of an accident with injury.

The investigation remains ongoing.

We hope the injured cyclist makes a full and timely recovery.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Florence, AL?

In Alabama, people injured in a hit-and-run accident generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Because certain circumstances may affect the deadline, reviewing available options early may help preserve important evidence and legal opportunities.

Hit-and-run accidents can require additional steps to identify the responsible driver and document what happened.

Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, police reports, photographs, and vehicle damage records may become especially important when investigating a collision where the driver initially left the scene.

In addition to identifying the driver, injured individuals may need to document the impact of the crash. Medical records, hospital bills, rehabilitation information, lost income records, and other accident-related expenses may help show the physical and financial effects of the injuries.

Although Alabama generally provides a two-year filing period for personal injury claims, some situations may involve different requirements depending on the facts of the case. A prompt action may help preserve evidence while it is still available and allow more time to evaluate insurance coverage, including possible uninsured motorist benefits.

Reviewing the circumstances of a hit-and-run accident with a lawyer familiar with Alabama law can help clarify which filing deadlines may apply and what legal options may be available based on the facts of the case.

Legal guidance may also assist with reviewing documentation, communicating with insurance providers, and evaluating whether additional steps may be appropriate. 

At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, we assist crash victims across Alabama with their cases. We can help you navigate Alabama's tough contributory negligence laws and fight to identify every available insurance policy to cover your recovery.

Do you have questions after a serious crash in Alabama? You can contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey at 205-349-2009 to speak with our Alabama personal injury lawyer today.

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.