Jackson Man Killed in Head-On Crash on Hwy 17 in Washington Co., AL

Washington County, AL (June 10, 2026) – A 32-year-old Jackson man was killed on Sunday afternoon, June 7, after his vehicle collided head-on with a pickup truck on Highway 17 near the 55-mile marker south of Chatom.

Tha'one S. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene after his 2010 Ford Mustang collided head-on with a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Caleb B. Davis, 20, of Tibbie. Davis was hurt in the wreck and transported to University Hospital in Mobile.

Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Highway Patrol Division are investigating the crash. 

We extend our deepest condolences to Tha'one Johnson's family and all those who knew him.

What Are the Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Claim in Alabama?

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the deceased person's death, and missing that deadline permanently eliminates a family's ability to pursue compensation regardless of the strength of their case. 

This makes time one of the most critical factors for surviving family members to consider after a fatal crash in Alabama, and consulting a wrongful death attorney as early as possible, well before that two-year window closes, is one of the most important steps a family can take.

Acting early not only protects against missing the deadline but also allows an attorney to preserve evidence, gather witness accounts, and build a thorough record while the details of the crash are still fresh and accessible.

Although understanding the statute of limitations is important, it is only one part of a broader timeline that shapes how a wrongful death claim unfolds in Alabama. The investigation may produce findings that are directly relevant to a civil claim, including determinations about speed, lane position, and the actions of each driver in the moments before impact.

These findings can take time to become available, and an attorney can help a family monitor the investigation as it progresses while simultaneously taking steps to build the civil case independently of the official inquiry.

Waiting for the investigation to conclude before contacting an attorney is a common mistake that can result in the loss of critical evidence and unnecessary pressure as the legal deadline approaches.

Beyond the timing considerations, Alabama's wrongful death law operates differently from that of most other states in one important respect.

Wrongful death damages in Alabama are focused on punishing the wrongful conduct that caused the death rather than compensating for specific financial losses.

This means that the nature and severity of the at-fault driver's conduct can be directly relevant to the value of a wrongful death claim, and building a strong evidentiary record of what happened is especially important. 

When you are grieving the loss of a loved one, trying to understand complex legal rules is the last thing you should face alone.

A wrongful death attorney can carry that burden for you, explaining how Alabama's laws impact your situation, gathering the necessary details, and protecting your family's interests while you focus on healing.

Our legal team at Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey is here to provide the dedicated advocacy you need. Call 205-349-2009  today to speak with us today and learn how we can help protect your family's rights. 

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.