A devastating collision involving two SUVs and a tractor-trailer on Friday evening resulted in the death of 83-year-old Curtis Moore of Dothan, Alabama. The fatal incident occurred at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Alabama Highway 52 near Columbia. According to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Highway Patrol reports, the sequence of events began when the SUV in which Moore was a passenger collided head-on with another SUV. The impact caused both vehicles to subsequently crash into a tractor-trailer. Moore, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. Both SUV drivers and two additional passengers sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. ALEA Highway Patrol is currently conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Location and Infrastructure

Alabama Highway 52 near Columbia serves as a crucial east-west corridor in Houston County, connecting several rural communities with larger metropolitan areas. This stretch of highway is characterized by its two-lane configuration and primarily serves local and commercial traffic between Columbia and surrounding municipalities. The road experiences moderate to heavy agricultural traffic during growing seasons due to the region's farming activities, including frequent tractor-trailer movement. The area where the accident occurred is notably rural, with limited lighting during nighttime hours. The highway is maintained by the Alabama Department of Transportation and features standard highway markings, though visibility can be challenging during adverse weather conditions or after sunset.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama law, victims of motor vehicle accidents and their families have specific legal rights regarding compensation for injuries, damages, and wrongful death. Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence system, which can significantly impact liability claims. The state's statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury or wrongful death claims. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses in cases of fatality. Alabama's mandatory liability insurance requirements ensure minimum coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. In cases involving commercial vehicles, federal regulations and additional insurance requirements may apply.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

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• Houston County Emergency Management Agency
• Columbia Volunteer Fire Department
• Southeast Alabama Medical Center Trauma Center

Traffic Safety Resources:

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• Alabama Department of Transportation Safety Office
• Houston County Sheriff's Office Traffic Division
• ALEA Highway Safety Office

Support Services:

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• Alabama Crime Victims' Compensation Commission
• Southeast Alabama Region Crisis Services
• Houston County Victim Services Unit

Legal References:

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• Alabama Code Title 32 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Alabama Department of Insurance Consumer Services
• Alabama State Bar Association Referral Service