A devastating head-on collision on U.S. Highway 43 in Marengo County claimed two lives Friday morning, including an 18-year-old driver from Mobile. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. on November 7, 2025, about five miles south of Linden on the major north-south corridor. Alabama State Troopers identified one victim as 53-year-old Lashandra S. Bell of Gainesville, who was driving a Volkswagen Jetta that collided head-on with a Lexus ES330 operated by the teenage driver. According to Sgt. Reginal King, both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders from Marengo County arrived shortly after the collision, but the severity of the impact proved fatal for both parties. The Alabama State Troopers' Highway Patrol Division is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, including factors that may have contributed to the head-on collision on the two-lane highway. In accordance with agency policy, troopers do not publicly release the names of juvenile fatality victims.

Location and Infrastructure

U.S. Highway 43 serves as a critical transportation artery through west-central Alabama, connecting communities between Mobile and Tennessee while passing through rural Marengo County. The stretch of highway where this collision occurred, approximately five miles south of Linden, is characterized by two-lane roadway configurations typical of rural highways in the region. This section of U.S. 43 traverses generally flat terrain with agricultural land and wooded areas on either side, presenting limited visibility concerns at curves and potential hazards during adverse weather conditions. The highway experiences a mix of local commuter traffic, agricultural vehicles, and long-distance travelers moving between larger population centers. Linden, the county seat of Marengo County, sits along this corridor and serves as a reference point for emergency response coordination. The rural nature of this highway section means longer response times for emergency services compared to urban areas, and the road's design relies on center-line markings and driver attention to prevent cross-centerline collisions.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama law, families of those killed in motor vehicle collisions may have the right to pursue wrongful death claims under Alabama Code § 6-5-410, which allows designated family members to seek compensation for their loss. Alabama operates under a contributory negligence system, one of the strictest in the nation, where even minimal fault attributed to the deceased can bar recovery. The state imposes a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death actions from the date of death, making timely consultation with legal counsel essential. Available compensation in fatal collision cases may include funeral and burial expenses, medical costs incurred before death, loss of the deceased's future earnings and benefits, and loss of companionship and guidance. Insurance considerations typically involve liability coverage from the at-fault driver's policy, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and potentially multiple policies when commercial vehicles are involved. Families should preserve all evidence, including the official crash report from Alabama State Troopers, and document all accident-related expenses as the investigation proceeds.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Marengo County Emergency Management Agency: (334) 295-2210
• Alabama State Troopers Highway Patrol Division: *HP (*47) from mobile phones
• Marengo County Sheriff's Office: (334) 295-2210

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT): https://www.dot.state.al.us/
• Alabama Traffic Safety Center: https://www.atsc.ua.edu/
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: https://www.nhtsa.gov/

Support Services:

• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission: (800) 541-9388
• Grief support through local counseling services
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Alabama: https://www.madd.org/alabama/

Legal Information:

• Alabama Code Title 32 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic): https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-32-motor-vehicles-and-traffic/
• Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 392-5660