Pedestrian Fatality on South 5th Street in Opelika, Alabama, Claims Life of 64-Year-Old Man

A 64-year-old male pedestrian has died following a tragic vehicle collision that occurred on Sunday in Opelika, Alabama. The accident took place in the area of South 5th Street and Avenue A, a residential intersection in the southern part of the city. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the victim lying in the roadway with severe injuries. Due to the critical nature of his condition, the victim was airlifted to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, for emergency medical treatment. Despite the medical team's efforts, authorities reported that the man succumbed to his injuries on Monday. The driver of the vehicle remained at the accident scene and has been cooperating fully with law enforcement throughout their investigation. The victim's identity has not been released by officials pending notification of family members. The Opelika Police Department continues to gather information about the circumstances surrounding this fatal pedestrian accident.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred at the intersection of South 5th Street and Avenue A, located in a mixed residential and light commercial area in southern Opelika. This area is characterized by two-lane roads with moderate traffic volume, particularly during daytime hours. South 5th Street serves as a connector between downtown Opelika and residential neighborhoods to the south, often used by locals as an alternative to busier thoroughfares. The intersection features standard stop signs rather than traffic signals, requiring drivers to exercise additional caution. Sidewalk infrastructure in this area is inconsistent, with some sections lacking dedicated pedestrian pathways, potentially forcing pedestrians to walk along roadway shoulders in certain areas. The neighborhood is within walking distance of several community facilities and small businesses, contributing to regular pedestrian activity throughout the day and evening hours.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama law, pedestrian accident victims and their families may have legal recourse following such tragic incidents. Alabama operates under a contributory negligence system, which means compensation may be affected if the pedestrian is found to have contributed to the accident in any way. The statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death claims in Alabama is generally two years from the date of the accident or death. Potential compensation in pedestrian fatality cases may include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, loss of income and financial support, and damages for pain and suffering. Alabama law requires all motorists to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, though this may be insufficient in catastrophic or fatal accidents. Families of victims may need to explore multiple insurance policies, including the driver's coverage, the victim's own insurance, and possibly underinsured motorist coverage.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Opelika Police Department: (334) 705-5200
• Opelika Fire Department: (334) 705-5300
• East Alabama Medical Center: (334) 749-3411
• Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital: (706) 571-1000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation Safety Office: (334) 242-6050
• Lee County Safe Communities Coalition
• East Alabama Highway Safety Office

Support for Accident Victims:

• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission: (800) 541-9388
• Crisis Center of East Alabama: (334) 749-8150
• East Alabama Mental Health Center: (334) 742-2700

Legal Resources:

• Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 392-5660
• Alabama Department of Insurance: (334) 269-3550
• Alabama Driver's Manual and Traffic Laws: www.alea.gov