Trussville, AL – Ricardo Steele Loses Die in Deadly I-59 Collision

Trussville, AL (February 12, 2025) – A tragic accident happened on Sunday morning along Interstate 59 near Trussville, a suburb northeast of Birmingham. The crash, confirmed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), resulted in the death of a 71-year-old man and left another victim with severe injuries.

Authorities reported that the incident occurred when a Ford F-250 pickup, driven by 62-year-old Walter D. Mikell from Ooltewah, TN, collided with a Chrysler Pacifica. The force of the crash caused extensive damage to both vehicles, requiring an immediate response from emergency services.

First responders transported 71-year-old Ricardo Steele, a passenger in the Pacifica, to a nearby medical facility, where he later passed away due to his injuries. The vehicle's driver also suffered serious harm and was rushed to the hospital for urgent care. Fire crews worked to free those trapped in the wreckage, while law enforcement officials managed traffic and launched an investigation into the accident.

Authorities are currently examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. No charges have been announced at this time.

Our condolences go out to Ricardo Steele’s loved ones during this difficult time.

Fatal Collisions and Wrongful Death Cases in Trussville

Trussville has seen a troubling number of fatal accidents in recent years. In 2022 alone, the city recorded five deadly crashes involving eight vehicles, leading to six fatalities and impacting twelve people. One of these incidents involved a pedestrian. These statistics highlight the ongoing road safety concerns in the area.

Alabama law defines wrongful death as a fatality caused by another party’s wrongful act, negligence, or failure to act. Unlike other states, Alabama only permits the deceased’s representative—either named in a will or appointed by the probate court—to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit.

Additionally, Alabama law only allows the recovery of punitive damages in such cases, to penalize the responsible party and discourage similar negligence in the future. Families considering legal action must be aware that they have a two-year window from the date of death to file a claim.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal Trussville car accident, it’s important to have a skilled Alabama wrongful death attorney on your side. At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP, we work tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes for our clients in bicycle accident cases.

Call (205) 349-2009 to speak with one of our attorneys about your Trussville

car accident. We’ll provide the legal support you need and ensure that your rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.

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.