On Thursday afternoon, a tragic single-vehicle accident resulted in the death of a Salem resident on a rural Lee County road. Darrell Sanders, 57, lost his life when his 2018 Nissan Rogue veered off Lee County Road 240 near its intersection with Lee County Road 199, approximately nine miles west of Smiths Station. The incident occurred at approximately 4:27 p.m., with emergency responders arriving to find the vehicle had collided with two trees after leaving the roadway. Sanders was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Highway Patrol Division has launched an investigation into the crash circumstances. In single-vehicle accidents like this one, determining factors such as road conditions, vehicle maintenance, or potential external causes becomes particularly crucial for insurance claims and potential compensation, as there is no second party involved in the incident.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash site on Lee County Road 240, near its intersection with Lee County Road 199, is situated in a predominantly rural area west of Smiths Station, a city in eastern Alabama near the Georgia border. This section of county-maintained roadway serves local traffic and connects several rural communities in the area. The road network in this region typically consists of two-lane paved roads with varying shoulder conditions and occasional curves that require careful navigation, particularly during adverse weather conditions or during dawn and dusk hours. The area is characterized by wooded sections along the roadway, which can affect visibility and present additional hazards for drivers.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama law, the family of a deceased accident victim may have grounds for a wrongful death claim, which must be filed within two years of the date of death. Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence system, meaning any potential claims must carefully consider all factors that may have contributed to the accident. Insurance considerations may include personal injury protection, uninsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage from the deceased's auto insurance policy. Recoverable damages in Alabama wrongful death cases are punitive in nature, making these cases particularly complex. Potential areas of investigation may include road maintenance responsibilities, vehicle manufacturing issues, and environmental factors that could have contributed to the accident. An experienced Lee County personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Lee County Sheriff's Office: (334) 749-5651
• East Alabama Medical Center Emergency Department: (334) 528-1150
• Smiths Station Fire & Rescue: (334) 297-1155

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation Safety Office
• Lee County Highway Department
• Alabama Strategic Highway Safety Plan

Support Services:

• Alabama Crime Victims' Compensation Commission
• Lee County Victim Service Officers
• Alabama Head Injury Foundation

Legal References:

• Alabama Code § 6-5-410 (Wrongful Death Statute)
• Alabama Department of Insurance
• Alabama Driver Manual