Decatur, AL - One Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash on Danville Rd SW

Decatur, AL (March 29, 2025) – A two-vehicle crash in Decatur on Friday morning claimed the life of a 93-year-old man and sent two others to the hospital.

The accident happened March 28 on Danville Road Southwest near Fremont Street Southwest. According to police, 93-year-old Theodore Thom Jr. of Decatur was driving a Chrysler PT Cruiser northbound when his vehicle crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a Toyota Corolla traveling south.

First responders arrived shortly after the crash was reported. Sadly, Thom Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. Two occupants of the Corolla were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Their names have not yet been released. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Theodore Thom Jr. and wish the injured victims a full recovery.

Car Accidents in Alabama

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of serious injury and death in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Transportation reports that a traffic crash occurs every few minutes in the state, with many resulting from lane departures, distraction, or impaired visibility.

Here are some critical elements to understand about crashes like this:

• Crossing the Centerline: Accidents involving vehicles that veer into oncoming lanes are often severe, as the collisions are typically head-on. These crashes can be caused by fatigue, distraction, sudden medical emergencies, or weather-related issues.

• Elderly Drivers & Road Safety: Older drivers may experience slower reaction times or vision-related difficulties, which can increase the risk of drifting into another lane or misjudging distances. Regular health checks and license renewals can play a role in preventing age-related driving incidents.

• Injuries to Other Motorists: Even when another party is not at fault, the impact of a collision can leave long-lasting effects. Injuries such as broken bones, soft tissue damage, or psychological trauma can take weeks or months to fully heal.

• Scene Investigation: When fatal crashes occur, law enforcement conducts thorough investigations, which may include witness interviews, vehicle inspections, and roadway assessments to determine contributing factors.

• Legal Support for Victims: Injured passengers or drivers in these crashes may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, vehicle damage, and other losses. It’s important to understand your rights if you were not at fault in a collision.

If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a crash, contact our Decatur wrongful death attorney at Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey for immediate guidance. Getting legal help quickly can protect your rights and help you avoid costly mistakes during insurance claims or legal proceedings.

At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, we offer free consultations and are committed to helping injured victims and their families through difficult times. Our legal team understands the pain and uncertainty that follow a serious crash, especially when a life has been lost. We’re here to investigate your case, communicate with insurance providers, and fight for fair compensation on your behalf. Whether you’re dealing with hospital bills or ongoing pain, our firm will work to ease the burden. Call us today at 205-349-2009 to get started. We’re ready to listen and help you move forward.

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.