Jefferson Co., AL – Woman Killed, Child Injured in Crash on Hwy 79

Jefferson County, AL (October 10, 2025) – A devastating collision on Friday, October 10, claimed the life of a woman and left a young girl injured in Jefferson County. Authorities report that the crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Highway 79 (Pinson Valley Pkwy) between Carson Road and Jefferson State Park, involving a car and a dump truck.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, emergency personnel from the Center Point Fire District were among the first to arrive at the scene. They discovered a severely damaged passenger vehicle and a dump truck that had come to rest blocking portions of the roadway. Tragically, the woman driving the car was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials have not yet released her name pending notification of her family.

A juvenile girl who was also inside the car sustained non-life-threatening injuries. She was immediately treated by paramedics and transported to Children’s of Alabama Hospital for further evaluation and care. Her current condition has not been disclosed.

The roadway was closed for several hours following the crash as deputies and accident reconstruction teams worked to document the scene and clear debris. Both northbound and southbound lanes of Hwy 79 were shut down, causing significant delays for morning commuters. Traffic was rerouted through nearby surface streets until authorities completed their investigation and reopened the highway.

The cause of the collision remains under active investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division. Early reports indicate that weather and visibility were normal at the time of the crash, though authorities have not ruled out other contributing factors. Officials plan to conduct further analysis, including reviewing potential dashcam footage and witness statements.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased victim.

Understanding Fatal Truck Accidents in Alabama

Tragic collisions involving dump trucks and passenger vehicles often lead to catastrophic outcomes due to the size and weight disparity between the two. Highways such as Hwy 79 (Pinson Valley Pkwy) are frequently used by commercial vehicles, increasing the risk of severe accidents when traffic is heavy or conditions change suddenly.

According to data from the Alabama Department of Transportation, crashes involving large trucks account for a significant portion of fatal accidents statewide each year. These incidents can occur due to driver fatigue, blind spots, improper loading, or mechanical issues such as brake failures. When smaller vehicles are involved, the impact forces are often devastating.

Victims and families affected by truck accidents face emotional trauma, medical expenses, and financial strain in the aftermath. In fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to seek accountability and compensation for losses such as funeral costs, medical bills, and the loss of financial and emotional support.

Our compassionate wrongful death attorney can help investigate these complex cases, determine liability, and work to ensure justice for the victims. In some instances, both the truck driver and the trucking company may be held responsible if negligence, inadequate maintenance, or unsafe operating practices contributed to the collision.

At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, our attorneys understand the profound impact of losing a loved one or sustaining serious injuries in a crash. We are committed to standing by Alabama families through the most difficult times, providing compassionate legal guidance and aggressive representation. Our firm works tirelessly to uncover the truth and secure fair compensation for those affected by negligent or reckless behavior.

If someone you love has been tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey today at 205-349-2009 or visit our webpage to speak with our experienced wrongful death attorneys. Our team is here to help you pursue justice and recovery with compassion and dedication.