On Friday afternoon, a tragic two-vehicle collision on Dale County Highway 21 resulted in the death of 62-year-old Dennis Prescott from Arkansas. The accident occurred just after 2:00 PM near the intersection with Penny Point in Dale County, Alabama. Prescott, who was in the area visiting a friend, collided with another vehicle under circumstances that are currently under investigation by Alabama State Troopers. The driver of the second vehicle survived the crash with what emergency responders assessed as minor injuries. Dale County Coroner John Cawley responded to the scene and officially identified Prescott as the deceased. The incident prompted an immediate response from local emergency services and law enforcement, with state troopers taking charge of the ongoing investigation into the cause of the collision.

Location and Infrastructure

Dale County Highway 21, also known as County Road 21, serves as a vital connecting route through Dale County, Alabama. The intersection with Penny Point represents a junction in a predominantly rural area of the county. This stretch of highway is typical of rural Alabama county roads, featuring two-lane configurations that require careful navigation, particularly at intersections. The area experiences a mix of local and pass-through traffic, with both residential and agricultural vehicles commonly using the route. The road system in this region primarily serves local residents and connects smaller communities within Dale County, requiring drivers to be particularly vigilant due to changing rural traffic patterns and potential agricultural equipment movement.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama Code § 6-2-38, victims of motor vehicle accidents or their families have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Alabama follows a contributory negligence system, which can significantly impact compensation in accident cases. Insurance considerations typically involve both parties' carriers, with Alabama requiring minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Multiple insurance policies may come into play when out-of-state drivers are involved, requiring careful coordination between different jurisdictions' requirements. An experienced Dale County car crash lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Dale County Sheriff's Office: (334) 774-2335
• Dale County Emergency Management Agency: (334) 774-2214
• Dale Medical Center Emergency Department: (334) 774-2601

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation Safety Office
• Dale County Highway Department
• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Traffic Safety Division

Support Services:

• Alabama Crime Victims' Compensation Commission
• Alabama Head Injury Foundation
• VOICES for Alabama's Children

Legal References:

• Alabama Code § 32-5A (Rules of the Road)
• Alabama Department of Insurance Consumer Services
• Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service