Six people sustained serious to life-threatening injuries in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 65 Southbound near Pine Level, Alabama, late Thursday night. The collision occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, approximately 5 miles north of Pine Level in Montgomery County. Emergency responders from the Pine Level Fire Department and Old Kingston Fire Department arrived on scene to find multiple victims requiring immediate medical attention. Two of the most critically injured individuals were airlifted by medical helicopters to hospitals in the Birmingham area, while four additional victims were transported by ambulance to area hospitals. The severity of the injuries prompted a coordinated emergency response that lasted over two hours. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has taken over the investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Interstate 65 Southbound was temporarily closed during the emergency response and investigation, with the roadway reopening just after 1:30 a.m. Friday morning. The crash highlights the ongoing safety concerns along this heavily traveled interstate corridor.

Location and Infrastructure

Interstate 65 near Pine Level represents a critical transportation corridor connecting Montgomery to Birmingham, carrying thousands of vehicles daily through rural Montgomery County. This section of I-65, located approximately 5 miles north of the Pine Level community, features typical interstate infrastructure with divided lanes and controlled access points. The area is characterized by rolling terrain and moderate traffic volumes, particularly during evening hours when commuter and commercial traffic converge. Pine Level, an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, sits along this major north-south route that serves as a primary artery for both local and long-distance travel. The stretch of highway where the crash occurred is generally well-maintained with standard interstate safety features, though nighttime visibility and weather conditions can impact driving conditions. The proximity to Pine Level and Old Kingston ensures relatively quick emergency response times, with both fire departments maintaining equipment and personnel capable of handling major traffic incidents along this interstate segment.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Alabama follows a comparative negligence system under Alabama Code § 6-5-545, meaning that victims may recover damages even if partially at fault, though compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. Motor vehicle accident victims in Alabama typically have two years from the date of the incident to file personal injury claims under the state's statute of limitations. Insurance considerations include Alabama's minimum liability requirements of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, though these limits may prove insufficient for serious multi-vehicle crashes involving life-threatening injuries. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, long-term care costs and disability accommodations. Given the serious nature of the injuries reported, victims should document all medical treatment and preserve evidence related to the crash. Alabama's "Made Whole" doctrine may affect how health insurance subrogation claims are handled. The ongoing investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will be crucial in determining liability and supporting any potential legal claims. Complex multi-vehicle accidents often require thorough investigation to establish the sequence of events and determine each party's level of responsibility.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Pine Level Fire Department
• Old Kingston Fire Department
• Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency
• Alabama State Troopers Highway Patrol

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Traffic Safety Division
• Montgomery County Traffic Engineering
• Alabama Traffic Safety Office
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Alabama Office

Support Services:

• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission
• United Way of Central Alabama Emergency Services
• Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
• Local hospital victim services and social workers

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Alabama Code Title 32 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Crash Reports
• Alabama Department of Insurance Consumer Services
• State Bar of Alabama Lawyer Referral Service