One Killed, Another Injured in Two-Vehicle Collision on Morgan Rd in Bessemer, AL

Bessemer, AL (October 13, 2026) – One person was killed and another injured in a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning, October 13.

The wreck occurred around 8:20 a.m. in the 2500 block of Morgan Road. One driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other driver was taken to UAB Hospital for treatment.

Authorities have not released further details about the people involved or the circumstances leading to the fatal crash.

We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who lost their life and wish the injured driver a full recovery.

How Can Families File a Wrongful Death Claim in Bessemer, AL?

When someone dies in a car accident caused by another party's negligence, surviving family members may have questions about whether they can pursue a wrongful death claim.

In Alabama, wrongful death lawsuits follow specific legal rules governing who can bring a claim, when it must be filed, and how the case proceeds.

Unlike many states, Alabama generally requires a wrongful death lawsuit to be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. This representative may be named in a will or appointed by the probate court. 

Eligible family members do not typically file the lawsuit individually; instead, the personal representative brings the action on behalf of the deceased person's estate under Alabama law.

A wrongful death claim may arise when a fatal crash results from negligent or wrongful conduct, such as distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, or failure to obey traffic laws. 

However, the cause of a crash must be established through evidence. Police reports, witness statements, photographs, vehicle damage, available surveillance footage, and expert analysis may help clarify how the collision occurred and whether another party may be legally responsible.

Alabama's wrongful death law differs from that of many other states because damages are generally punitive rather than compensatory. This means the claim focuses on deterring wrongful conduct rather than reimbursing the family for specific financial losses, such as funeral expenses or lost future income. 

The recoverable amount depends on the facts and applicable law, and Alabama's rules of inheritance generally govern distribution rather than compensation for individual financial losses.

Time limits are especially important. Alabama generally requires wrongful death lawsuits to be filed within two years of the death, although specific circumstances can affect how deadlines apply. 

Delays can also make it more difficult to preserve evidence, locate witnesses, and obtain records. Families should consider seeking legal guidance early to understand the process and protect potential claims.

If you lost a loved one in a crash in Alabama, we can provide clear information. Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey has extensive experience reviewing fatal and injury-related crash cases.

Contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey at 205-349-2009 to speak with our wrongful death lawyer and discuss your case 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.