Shelby Co., AL - Three Killed in Head-On Car Crash on Hwy 119

Shelby County, AL (August 2, 2024) – A fatal head-on collision occurred on Wednesday, July 31, in Shelby County, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a mother and her son. The incident, reported by Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans, happened at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the 2500 block of Hwy 119.

According to Coroner Evans, Patricia McCormick, 77, of Montevallo, was driving her vehicle when she crossed the center line, reportedly due to a medical issue, and collided head-on with another vehicle. Her son, Felton Seals, 60, also from Montevallo, was a passenger in McCormick’s vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle, Patrick Williams, 42, of Montevallo, was also killed in the crash.

All three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. The Shelby County Coroner's Office has confirmed that the cause of the crash is under investigation by Montevallo police.

We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased victims.

Shelby County Highway Fatalities

The statistics surrounding fatal car crashes on Shelby County highways reveal a troubling trend in road safety. In 2023, Shelby County experienced over 1,100 traffic fatalities, with many of these deaths occurring on highways where high speeds and dense traffic exacerbate the severity of collisions. Notably, head-on crashes, such as the recent one on Hwy 119, are particularly alarming due to their high fatality rates and severe injuries. 

The Shelby County Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) stresses the need for defensive driving and strict adherence to traffic laws to help curb these incidents. Despite ongoing efforts to improve road safety through public awareness and enforcement, the impact of such accidents continues to inflict long-term emotional and financial distress on victims' families and communities.

In light of these tragic events, understanding wrongful death claims becomes crucial for those affected. A wrongful death claim is a legal action pursued by the survivors of an individual who has died due to another party's negligence or intentional misconduct. 

In Shelby County, such claims are typically filed by immediate family members, including spouses, children, or parents, seeking compensation for their loss. If these family members are unavailable, the court may permit other relatives to file the claim. Addressing these claims not only provides a means for financial recovery but also helps bring a sense of justice and closure to those impacted by such devastating losses.

Seeking legal guidance is essential for victims and their families to navigate the complex legal process and pursue rightful compensation.

If you have lost a loved one in a Shelby County fatal car accident, a knowledgeable Alabama wrongful death lawyer from Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP is prepared to help. With a steadfast commitment to client advocacy and a proven track record of success, our law firm offers personalized legal representation to individuals injured due to other driver's negligence.

To speak with our lawyers about your Shelby County car accident, call Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP at (205) 349-2009 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Our dedicated team is ready to guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights and interests are diligently defended.

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.