A serious single-vehicle crash sent a driver to the hospital with severe injuries Friday evening in Dothan, Alabama. The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Cottonwood Road near its intersection with Eddins Road. According to the Dothan Police Department, the vehicle left the roadway and struck an embankment before overturning. The driver was ejected from the vehicle during the crash, suggesting he may not have been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident. Emergency responders transported the injured man to a local hospital where he was being treated for serious injuries. His current condition remains unknown. The Dothan Police Department's specialized Crash Team has taken over the investigation to determine the factors that contributed to this accident. Investigators will examine road conditions, vehicle mechanics, driver behavior, and other potential contributing factors. The crash temporarily affected traffic flow in the area as emergency personnel worked the scene and cleared the roadway.

Location and Infrastructure

Cottonwood Road is a significant thoroughfare in Dothan, serving as a connector route in the southeastern part of the city. The stretch near Eddins Road features a mix of residential and commercial development, with varying traffic volumes throughout the day. The presence of embankments along portions of Cottonwood Road presents hazards for vehicles that leave the travel lanes, particularly during adverse weather conditions or when drivers lose control. This area of Houston County has experienced development growth in recent years, leading to increased traffic density. The intersection area where this crash occurred is familiar to local residents and commuters who regularly travel between Dothan's residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. Road characteristics, including curves, grades, and shoulder conditions, can all play roles in single-vehicle crashes, particularly when combined with speed or driver error.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama law, vehicle ejections in crashes often indicate failure to use proper restraints, as Alabama Code § 32-5B-4 requires seat belt use for drivers and passengers. When serious injuries occur in motor vehicle crashes, Alabama's personal injury statute of limitations generally provides two years from the date of the accident to file a civil lawsuit (Alabama Code § 6-2-38). Injured parties may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence standard, meaning that any degree of fault by the injured party could bar recovery in some cases. Insurance considerations may include liability coverage, medical payments coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. In single-vehicle crashes, factors such as road defects, vehicle defects, or third-party negligence may create additional avenues for potential claims. Anyone seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident should document all medical treatment and preserve evidence while understanding their legal options.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Dothan Police Department: (334) 615-3000
• Southeast Health (Dothan): (334) 793-8111
• Houston County 911 Emergency Services

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT): www.dot.state.al.us
• Alabama Traffic Safety Center
• Dothan-Houston County Traffic Safety Coalition

Support Services:

• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission
• Southeast Alabama Medical Center Trauma Services
• Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Alabama Traffic Laws: Alabama Code Title 32 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Alabama Department of Public Safety: www.alea.gov
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): www.nhtsa.gov