Mobile, AL — 21-Year-Old Carlos Funez Identified as Victim in Fatal Old Shell Rd Crash

Mobile, AL (February 25, 2026) — Mobile police have identified the victim of a fatal Monday, February 23, crash as 21-year-old Carlos Funez. The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. near the intersection of Old Shell Road and Cosgrove Drive.

Investigators report that Funez was standing outside his vehicle, which had its hazard lights activated and was stopped in the westbound lane of Old Shell Road.

While alongside his vehicle, Funez was struck by another westbound driver. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle that struck Funez remained at the location and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. 

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the loved ones of the deceased victim during this challenging time.

What To Do After a Family Member is Killed in a Car Accident in Alabama

In Alabama, the legal process for a fatal accident is significantly different from other states. To protect your family’s rights, you must immediately prioritize opening an estate in probate court to appoint a "Personal Representative," as this is the only individual legally authorized to file a claim.

You must also act quickly to secure evidence that prevents the "contributory negligence" defense from barring your recovery.

Under state law, individual family members, such as a spouse or parent, cannot file a wrongful death lawsuit on their own.

Instead, the court must officially name an executor or administrator to act on behalf of the deceased person’s estate.

This process should be started as soon as possible because a lawsuit cannot even be initiated until this legal standing is established, and certain notice deadlines for government-managed roads can be very short.

Once a representative is appointed, the focus shifts to preserving evidence to counter Alabama’s strict "contributory negligence" rule. Because even a small amount of fault on the part of the victim can completely prevent a family from receiving any compensation, it is extremely important to secure data from the scene immediately.

This includes obtaining the police report from the local police department and securing any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses. These details are often the only way to prove the driver was solely responsible for the impact.

It is also necessary to understand that Alabama is the only state where wrongful death damages are purely "punitive." This means the legal case will not focus on the victim’s medical bills or lost future wages, but rather on the degree of the driver’s negligence.

Since these damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter future accidents, they are paid out directly to the heirs and are not subject to the deceased person’s debts or medical liens.

This unique structure ensures that the recovery goes entirely to supporting the family rather than paying off creditors.

The legal requirements following a fatal accident in Alabama are rigid and require precise timing. At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, we can help you navigate the probate requirements and gather the evidence needed to protect your family's future.

Contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey today at 205-349-2009 to speak with our wrongful death lawyer. We provide clear information and explain available options during a challenging time.

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.