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Trussville, AL – Ricardo Steele Killed in Fatal Crash on I-59

Feb 11, 2025 | Catastrophic Personal Injury, Local Accidents

Trussville, AL (February 11, 2025) – A fatal crash occurred on February 9 on Interstate 59 near Trussville, just northeast of Birmingham. The accident, reported by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), claimed the life of a 71-year-old man and left another individual seriously injured.  

According to ALEA, the collision happened when a Ford F-250 pickup truck, driven by 62-year-old Walter D. Mikell of Ooltewah, TN, struck a Chrysler Pacifica. The impact caused severe damage to both vehicles, prompting an emergency response from local authorities.  

Emergency medical personnel transported the Pacifica’s passenger, 71-year-old Ricardo Steele, to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Pacifica sustained serious injuries and was also rushed to the hospital for treatment. Firefighters assisted in extracting victims from the wreckage, and law enforcement officials worked to control traffic while investigating the scene.  

Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the crash. No charges have been filed at this time.  

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends of Ricardo Steele during this difficult time.

Fatal Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims in Trussville

In recent years, Trussville has experienced a concerning number of fatal car accidents. In 2022, the city reported five fatal accidents involving eight vehicles, resulting in six fatalities and affecting twelve individuals. Notably, one of these incidents involved a pedestrian. This data underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring road safety within the community.

Trussville, AL – Ricardo Steele Killed in Fatal Crash on I-59 In Alabama, a wrongful death is defined as a death caused by another’s “wrongful act, omission, or negligence.” Unlike many states, Alabama allows only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This individual is typically named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the probate court. 

It’s important to note that Alabama law permits only the recovery of punitive damages in wrongful death cases, aiming to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Families considering such legal action should be aware of the two-year statute of limitations from the date of death to file a claim.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in the area, an accomplished and caring Trussville wrongful death attorney from Maloney-Lyons with proficiency in fatal car accidents is ready to provide the assistance you need. We pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to client advocacy and our successful track record in handling negligence cases.

Contact us today at (251) 225-6105 to schedule a consultation regarding your loved one’s fatal Trussville car accident. Our team at Maloney-Lyons is prepared to guide you through every step of the claims process, making sure your rights are thoroughly protected and justice is secured after your devastating loss.

 

Note: This accident news post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Secondary sources are used to create this post. While all efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is given. Please contact Maloney-Lyon, LLC to correct anything inaccurate about this accident. All readers should consult legal professionals for specific legal guidance. The publisher and contributors disclaim liability for any actions taken based on the information provided. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s views.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be a solicitation for business. Use of this information implies acceptance of these terms. No reproduction without permission. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.

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