A multi-vehicle collision on Highway 231 in Midland City, Alabama, left three people injured on Tuesday morning after a semi-truck allegedly caused a car to roll over and fled the scene. The incident occurred near Covan Coleman Drive on the busy Dale County highway, a major north-south corridor through the region. According to Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum, the semi-truck was traveling southbound on Highway 231 when it attempted to change lanes and clipped the rear of a passenger car, causing that vehicle to roll into the median. Rather than stopping to render aid or exchange information, the semi-truck driver continued south on the highway. The initial collision created traffic congestion that led to a second rear-end crash nearby, bringing the total number of vehicles involved to four. Emergency responders transported three individuals to local hospitals with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The Midland City Police Department is leading the investigation into this hit-and-run incident and is actively seeking information about the semi-truck and its driver from witnesses or anyone who may have observed the collision.

Location and Infrastructure

Highway 231 serves as a critical transportation artery through Dale County, connecting Dothan to Montgomery and carrying substantial commercial truck traffic alongside regular passenger vehicles. The stretch near Covan Coleman Drive in Midland City is a high-traffic area where the highway passes through a developed corridor with multiple access points and turning lanes. This section of Highway 231 is known for heavy daily traffic volumes, particularly during morning and evening commute times, which can create challenging conditions for lane changes and merging maneuvers by large commercial vehicles. The proximity to Midland City's commercial district means motorists frequently encounter slower-moving traffic, vehicles entering and exiting the highway, and the need for heightened awareness. The median design in this area provided a barrier that contained the rolled vehicle, though the subsequent traffic backup contributed to the secondary collision. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about truck safety on this heavily traveled route.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Alabama law requires all drivers involved in accidents causing injury or property damage to stop and provide information, making this a potential felony hit-and-run case under Alabama Code § 32-10-1. Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Alabama have several legal options, including claims against their own uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver is not located, as well as potential claims against the trucking company if the semi-truck can be identified. Commercial trucking accidents fall under federal regulations in addition to state law, and trucking companies can be held liable for their drivers' actions under respondeat superior doctrine. Alabama operates under a pure contributory negligence standard, which can bar recovery if victims are found even minimally at fault, making prompt investigation and evidence preservation critical. Injury victims typically have two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims under Alabama's statute of limitations. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Given the complexity of hit-and-run cases involving commercial vehicles, consulting with an attorney experienced in Alabama truck accident law can help protect victims' rights and maximize recovery options.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Midland City Police Department: (334) 983-3591
• Dale County Sheriff's Office: (334) 774-2335
• Dothan-area Emergency Services: 911

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Traffic Information: www.algotraffic.com
• Dale County Road Conditions and Closures
• Alabama State Troopers Highway Safety Office

Support Services:

• Wiregrass Medical Center (Dothan trauma care)
• Flowers Hospital (Dothan emergency services)
• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission: 1-800-541-9388

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Alabama Traffic Laws: Alabama Code Title 32 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
• Alabama Department of Insurance Consumer Services: 1-334-269-3550