Five Injured, Including Three Children, in Two-Vehicle Collision on Highway 97 Near Lake Eufaula, Alabama

Modified Date: 
Wed, 01/01/2025 - 8:21am
Accident Date: 
Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Three kids injured in New Year's Eve crash near Lake Eufaula

According to authorities, two of the children were sent to a Dothan hospital, and one was life-flighted to the children's hospital in Birmingham.

 

A serious two-vehicle collision on Tuesday afternoon near Lake Eufaula resulted in multiple injuries, including three children, requiring immediate emergency medical response. The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Highway 97 near its intersection with Otho Road in Henry County, Alabama. One vehicle was occupied by an adult driver and three children aged nine, eight, and six years old, while the second vehicle had a single female occupant. The severity of the crash necessitated varied medical responses, with two children being transported to a hospital in Dothan, while a third child required air medical transport to Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Emergency response was swift and comprehensive, involving Henry County Sheriff's Deputies, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Troopers, and the Screamer Volunteer Fire Department, who all coordinated efforts at the scene. The current medical status and specific injuries of all parties involved remain under evaluation by medical professionals.

The collision site on Highway 97 near Otho Road represents a significant transit corridor in Henry County's eastern region, situated in proximity to Lake Eufaula, also known as Walter F. George Lake. This stretch of highway serves as a crucial connection between local communities and the larger Eufaula area, experiencing regular traffic from both residents and visitors accessing the lake's recreational facilities. The intersection with Otho Road is one of several important junctions along Highway 97, where vehicles frequently navigate turns and merges. The area's rural character, combined with potentially higher speed limits typical of state highways, requires drivers to maintain particular vigilance, especially during peak travel hours when both local and recreational traffic may be present.

Under Alabama law, victims of motor vehicle accidents have specific legal protections and rights to pursue compensation for their injuries and damages. The state follows a contributory negligence system, which makes it essential to carefully document all aspects of the accident and resulting injuries. For cases involving minors, Alabama law provides extended statutes of limitations, typically allowing claims to be filed until the child reaches 19 years of age. Insurance considerations may involve multiple coverage types, including personal injury protection, medical payments coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Potential compensation could encompass medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages for caregivers, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs, particularly relevant in cases involving injured children. An experienced Henry County personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

 

Related Resources: Southeast Alabama Medical Center Emergency Department 1108 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36301 (334) 793-8111

Children's of Alabama 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - Traffic Safety Division (334) 242-4395

Henry County Sheriff's Office (334) 585-3131

Alabama Department of Public Safety (334) 242-4371

Screamer Volunteer Fire Department Henry County, Alabama Emergency: 911

Alabama Head Injury Foundation 500 Chase Park South, Suite 130 Hoover, AL 35244 (800) 433-8002

Type: Car Accident
Roadway: 
Highway 97
Area: 
Dothan, AL