A devastating head-on collision between a car and an SUV on Marvyn Parkway in Opelika resulted in the death of a juvenile passenger and caused multiple injuries to others involved. The tragic accident occurred at approximately 5:23 PM yesterday in the 3500 block of Marvyn Parkway, south of Interstate 85 near Exit 60/Highway 51. According to Opelika police reports, the car was carrying four occupants: two adults and two juveniles. One juvenile was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second juvenile victim required emergency airlift transportation to Children's of Alabama hospital in Birmingham for treatment of serious injuries. The two adults from the car were transported by ambulance to a hospital in Columbus, Georgia for medical care. The SUV's driver and a juvenile passenger reportedly sought medical treatment independently, traveling to a medical facility by personal vehicle. The Opelika Police Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this fatal collision and is actively seeking additional information from potential witnesses.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred in the 3500 block of Marvyn Parkway (also known as Alabama State Route 51), a significant thoroughfare that connects Interstate 85 at Exit 60 to southern parts of Opelika and continues toward Marvyn, Alabama. This stretch of roadway features a moderate curve and slight elevation changes as it transitions from the commercial areas near I-85 to more residential and rural settings. Marvyn Parkway experiences considerable daily traffic as it serves as a primary connector for commuters between residential areas and the interstate system. The section where the accident occurred is primarily a two-lane highway with occasional turning lanes and shoulders of varying width. The roadway's design, combined with the 55 mph speed limit in some sections, creates potential safety challenges, particularly during peak travel times or adverse weather conditions. The area surrounding the crash site includes both commercial establishments and wooded areas, with limited lighting during evening hours.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Alabama, victims of automotive accidents have specific legal protections under the state's fault-based insurance system. Under Alabama Code § 6-2-38, injured parties typically have two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims, while wrongful death claims must be filed within two years under Alabama Code § 6-5-410. Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, potentially limiting recovery if a plaintiff is found partially at fault. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In fatal accident cases, certain family members may pursue wrongful death claims, though Alabama law uniquely structures these to focus on punitive rather than compensatory damages. Insurance considerations typically involve the at-fault driver's liability coverage, underinsured/uninsured motorist protection, and potentially medical payments coverage. Due to the complexity of these cases, particularly those involving fatalities and multiple injured parties, consultation with a personal injury attorney experienced in Alabama traffic law is advisable.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services
  • Opelika Police Department: (334) 705-5200
  • Secret Witness Hotline: (334) 745-8665
  • East Alabama Medical Center: (334) 749-3411
  • Children's of Alabama Hospital: (205) 638-9100
• Traffic Safety Resources
  • Alabama Department of Transportation Safety Office: (334) 242-6050
  • Lee County Safe Communities Coalition: (334) 887-2100
  • Alabama Strategic Highway Safety Plan: alabamashsp.com
• Victim Support Services
  • Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission: (800) 541-9388
  • VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Leniency): (800) 239-3219
  • East Alabama Mental Health Center: (334) 742-2700
• Legal and Regulatory Information
  • Alabama State Law Library: (334) 242-4347
  • Alabama Department of Public Safety: (334) 242-4371
  • Alabama Rules of the Road: alea.gov/dps/driver-license/alabama-rules-road