Opelika, AL - 28-Year-Old Woman Killed in Crash on I-85 Near Exit 57

Opelika, AL (August 15, 2025) – A fatal accident occurred late at night along Interstate 85 in Opelika, leaving one woman dead following a multi-vehicle collision.

Shortly before 11:40 p.m. on August 13, Opelika Police and emergency medical personnel responded to the southbound lanes of Interstate 85 near Exit 57. Upon arrival, they found two passenger vehicles and a semi truck involved in the crash. The incident began when a Honda sedan reportedly struck a metal mattress spring that was lying on the roadway. After the impact, the driver exited the vehicle and began attempting to remove the metal object, which was sparking beneath the car.

As this occurred, a semi truck came to a stop on the roadway. A Kia SUV then collided with the back of the semi. Tragically, the driver of the Kia, a 28-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name has not been released as authorities work to notify her family.

The southbound lanes of the interstate remained closed for several hours as officers with the Opelika Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit began their investigation and worked to clear the scene. The surrounding area experienced traffic delays into the early morning hours. This crash is still under investigation by the Opelika Police Department. No further information has been released at this time.

We hope those affected by this accident find strength and healing during this difficult time.

Truck Accidents in Alabama

Accidents involving commercial trucks can often be severe. Below are several common causes that often lead to these types of collisions:

• Stopped Vehicles on High-Speed Roads: When vehicles stop on highways or interstates, especially at night or around curves, other drivers may not see them in time to avoid a crash. Semi trucks require significantly more stopping distance, making nighttime stops particularly hazardous.

• Debris in the Roadway: Objects left on highways—like tires, metal, or furniture—can create dangerous situations. When drivers swerve or stop abruptly to avoid debris, chain reaction crashes can occur, especially in high-speed areas.

• Night Driving Hazards: Driving at night reduces visibility and can increase the chances of collisions. Headlight glare, fatigue, and limited sightlines contribute to many late-night accidents involving passenger cars and large trucks.

• Rear-End Collisions with Semis: Crashes into the back of tractor-trailers are especially dangerous for smaller vehicles. The size and height of a semi truck can lead to deadly outcomes, especially if the crash occurs at highway speeds.

• Inadequate Shoulder Space: Many highways have limited areas for vehicles to safely pull over. If a vehicle is forced to stop in a live lane or near the edge of traffic, it can put both the driver and others at risk of being struck.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a crash involving a large truck, it is important to speak with a local truck accident attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights, gather critical evidence, and communicate with insurance companies. These cases can involve multiple parties and layers of investigation, so having someone familiar with Alabama laws is essential. Our team is here to ensure you are not left alone during this process and that your legal options are protected from the beginning.

At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, we are here to help you during this difficult time. Our team offers free consultations and will listen carefully to the details of your case. You do not need to manage this situation on your own. We have years of experience handling accident cases across Alabama.

If you have questions, we are here to answer them. Our Opelika truck accident attorneys are available to help guide you through your next steps. Call Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey today at 205-349-2009 to get started.

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.