Toney, AL - Deadly Crash on Old Railroad Bed Rd Kills 43-Year-Old Driver

Toney, AL (August 20, 2025) – A violent two-vehicle crash in Toney on Monday afternoon ended with the death of a 43-year-old man after his SUV struck a pickup truck hauling a cattle trailer, according to authorities.

The incident occurred on August 18 at approximately 5 p.m. along Old Railroad Bed Road. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency officials reported that Christopher Hills, of Alabama, was behind the wheel of a 2013 Ford Explorer when his vehicle collided with a Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 67-year-old man from Ardmore.

After the initial collision, the Silverado’s attached cattle trailer struck Hills’ SUV again. The Ford Explorer then veered off the roadway, overturned, and burst into flames. Tragically, Hills was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency units with Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc. (HEMSI) responded, but he could not be revived.

The Silverado driver was reportedly not seriously hurt in the crash. Authorities have not confirmed if any animals were involved or harmed in the collision. The roadway was closed for several hours as authorities documented the scene and cleared the wreckage.

Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division are currently investigating the fatal crash. It remains unclear what factors may have led to the collision, and whether speed, distraction, or other circumstances played a role. No further details have been released.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Christopher Hills during this difficult time.

Wrongful Death Accidents in Alabama

Losing a loved one to a motor vehicle accident is life-altering. These tragedies often bring grief and confusion, especially when they happen unexpectedly. Here are some important aspects of wrongful death accidents to consider:

• Common causes: Wrongful death crashes can result from distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, impaired driving, or vehicle defects. Determining the exact cause is critical for pursuing legal action.

• Eligible claimants: Typically, immediate family members such as spouses, children, or parents have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased individual.

• Compensation: Families may seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of income, medical costs incurred before death, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.

• Time limits: In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is typically two years from the date of the person’s death. Missing this window can jeopardize your legal rights.

• Evidence collection: Preserving crash scene details, medical records, witness statements, and vehicle data is key to building a strong claim. An attorney can help gather and protect this evidence.

If your family has lost a loved one in a crash, it’s crucial to speak with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help clarify your legal options and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

The team at Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP understands how devastating these events are for families. We offer free consultations and are here to answer your questions. Call us at 205-349-2009 to speak with a compassionate legal advocate today.

Our experienced attorneys will investigate the details of your case and work to pursue accountability. We don’t charge any fees unless we win compensation for you. You have nothing to lose by reaching out and everything to gain by having a trusted law firm on your side.

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.