A tragic accident claimed the life of a teenage bicyclist Saturday evening in Elmore County, Alabama. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, an unidentified 15-year-old was struck by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle on Alabama Highway 14, approximately one mile east of Millbrook. The collision occurred just before 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the location of the crash. ALEA troopers secured the area and began their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this fatal incident. The identity of the young victim has not been released pending family notification. Details about the motorist involved and the specific factors that led to the collision remain under investigation by state troopers. This heartbreaking loss highlights the vulnerability of bicyclists sharing roadways with motor vehicles, particularly during evening hours when visibility can be reduced.

Location and Infrastructure

Alabama Highway 14 is a major state route that runs through Elmore County, serving as a significant corridor connecting Millbrook and surrounding communities. The section of roadway where this collision occurred, approximately one mile east of Millbrook, is characterized by mixed rural and developing suburban areas. Highway 14 experiences considerable traffic volume, particularly during peak hours, as it serves both local commuters and through traffic. The roadway in this area typically features two lanes with shoulders of varying widths. Evening conditions at the time of the crash would have presented reduced visibility challenges for both motorists and bicyclists. The area east of Millbrook has seen increasing development in recent years, which has contributed to higher traffic volumes. Roadway lighting conditions and the presence or absence of designated bicycle facilities in this specific location may be relevant factors in the ongoing investigation.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators when using public roadways. Alabama Code § 32-5A-260 establishes that bicyclists are entitled to use highways and are subject to traffic regulations. When a bicyclist is struck by a motor vehicle, Alabama's fault-based insurance system applies, meaning the at-fault driver's liability insurance should cover damages. The family of the deceased teenager may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under Alabama Code § 6-5-410, which allows certain family members to seek compensation for their loss. Available damages in such cases may include funeral expenses, loss of the child's prospective earnings, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. Alabama operates under a contributory negligence standard, which can be complex in bicycle-vehicle collisions. Families should be aware that Alabama's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death, making timely consultation with legal counsel important.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Elmore County 911 Emergency Services
• ALEA Highway Patrol: (334) 242-4371
• Millbrook Police Department: (334) 285-6742

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division
• Alabama Traffic Safety Center
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Support Services:

• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission
• Grief counseling services through Elmore County Health Department
• MADD Alabama Victim Services

Legal Information:

• Alabama State Code (Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Crash Reports: alea.gov
• Alabama Department of Insurance Consumer Services