Cherokee Co, AL (November 28, 2024) – A fatal car crash occurred on Wednesday evening in Cherokee County, claiming the life of a Summerville, Georgia, man. The incident, reported by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), took place around 7:00 p.m. on AL 35, approximately three miles north of Gaylesville.
According to ALEA, a 1994 Nissan pickup driven by 58-year-old Gerone L. Evans was hit by a 2023 Nissan Altima driven by 55-year-old Debra J. Mitchell of Hermitage, Tennessee. Following the initial impact, the Nissan pickup left the roadway, overturned, and crashed into a ditch. Evans was ejected from the vehicle and was rushed by ambulance to a Georgia hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Mitchell, along with her passengers – two other Tennessee women and two children – sustained injuries in the crash. Emergency responders transported all of them to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Firefighters from the local department assisted in extracting the vehicles from the crash site, while law enforcement controlled traffic and ensured the safety of the surrounding area. The authorities have confirmed that Evans was the only fatality in the incident, while Mitchell and the passengers in her vehicle are expected to recover from their injuries.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Gerone L. Evans’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
Fatal Car Accidents in Cherokee County
Cherokee County has seen a rise in fatal car accidents, a trend reflected across the state. In 2016, Alabama reported over 900 fatal crashes, with speeding, impaired driving, and failure to yield being major causes. Rural areas like Cherokee County are particularly affected, with 60% of fatal crashes occurring in such regions. Unbelted drivers are at a significantly higher risk, with nearly 60% of fatalities involving those not wearing seatbelts. Additionally, over half of fatal accidents happen at night, further increasing the dangers on the road.
When a fatal crash occurs, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit if the death resulted from another party’s negligence, such as speeding or impaired driving. Spouses, children, or parents of the deceased are eligible to file for damages to cover emotional distress, lost wages, and other expenses. Consulting with a qualified attorney is essential to navigate the legal process and ensure families receive the compensation they deserve.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Cherokee County, having a skilled Alabama wrongful death attorney from Maloney-Lyons, LLC on your side can make a significant difference. We are committed to defending our client’s rights, with a proven history of success in helping those harmed by negligence.
Reach out to us at (251) 225-6105 to schedule a consultation about your fatal Cherokee County car accident. Our experienced legal team is here to walk you through the legal journey, ensuring that your interests are safeguarded every step of the way.