Deadly collision happened in the 17000 block of U.S. Highway 411, authorities say
ODENVILLE, AL, (September 20, 2024) - A 4-year-old boy’s life was tragically cut short after being hit by a motor vehicle Friday evening in St. Clair County’s Odenville, according to authorities.
August Elijah Farms, age 4, was fatally struck by a vehicle along U.S. Highway 411 in St. Clair County’s Odenville Friday evening, authorities said in a release.
The St. Clair County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as August Elijah Farms.
Odenville police said Farms was struck around 6:30 p.m. in the 17000 block of U.S. Highway 411. Tragically, the 4-year-old died from injuries at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham around 6:49 p.m. No identifying information was available about the driver, who stayed at the scene.
An investigation into the accident is underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Each pedestrian fatality is a tragic event with lasting impacts on families and communities. It's essential to follow safe driving practices and be aware of pedestrians on the road to prevent further fatalities.
GHSA projects there were 6,721 pedestrian deaths in 2020, up 4.8 percent from the 6,412 deaths reported in 2019. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, there were 89 pedestrian fatalities in Alabama.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the family of a victim’s rights.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family members of August Elijah Farms may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal.
“An attorney can help you calculate the damages you are entitled to receive, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible.”
Newsline's national legal analysts Candice Bond and Stefano Formica are experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help they are available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for Newsline. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).