A devastating head-on collision claimed the lives of two Alabama women on Thursday evening on Alabama Highway 14 in Autauga County. According to Alabama State Troopers, 78-year-old Carolyn C. Cason of Prattville and 30-year-old Alyssa M. Taylor of Selma were killed when their vehicles collided at approximately 7:41 p.m., about nine miles west of Prattville. ALEA Lieutenant Jeremy Burkett reported that Cason was operating a Lincoln Aviator that collided head-on with Taylor's Ford Fusion. The impact of the collision forced both vehicles off the roadway, where they subsequently burst into flames. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but despite their efforts, both women were pronounced dead at the crash site. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Highway Patrol Division is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident, though no additional details regarding potential contributing factors have been released at this time.

Location and Infrastructure

Alabama Highway 14, where this fatal collision occurred, is a significant east-west state route that runs through central Alabama, connecting Selma to Prattville and extending further east. The section approximately nine miles west of Prattville where the crash took place is primarily a rural two-lane highway that passes through the farmland and wooded areas characteristic of Autauga County. This stretch of roadway is known for its relatively straight sections interrupted by gentle curves and rolling terrain. The area features limited roadside lighting, which during evening hours—such as when this accident occurred at 7:41 p.m.—can present visibility challenges for drivers. Highway 14 serves as an important connector for local residents traveling between communities in the region, including those commuting between Selma and Prattville, the respective hometowns of the two victims involved in this tragic collision.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Alabama, fatal motor vehicle accidents often implicate several important legal considerations for surviving family members. Alabama's wrongful death statute (Code of Alabama § 6-5-410) allows certain representatives to file claims on behalf of the deceased's estate, though notably, Alabama law differs from many states in that it permits only punitive damages in wrongful death cases. There is a strict two-year statute of limitations for filing such claims. When head-on collisions occur, investigators typically examine factors such as potential lane departures, distracted driving, or impairment issues. Alabama follows a contributory negligence standard, meaning that if a person is found even partially at fault for their own injuries, they may be barred from recovery. For surviving family members, potential compensation areas might include funeral expenses, lost future income, and punitive damages designed to deter similar conduct. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney promptly is advisable to navigate these complex legal matters.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services:
  • Autauga County Sheriff's Office: (334) 361-2500
  • Prattville Fire Department: (334) 595-0282
  • Alabama State Troopers - Montgomery Post: (334) 242-4128
• Traffic Safety Resources:
  • Alabama Department of Transportation Safety Office: (334) 242-6050
  • Drive Safe Alabama Campaign: www.drivesafealabama.org
  • Autauga County Safe Communities Coalition
• Victim Support Services:
  • Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission: (800) 541-9388
  • Alabama Department of Public Health Injury Prevention: (334) 206-5300
  • VOCAL - Victims of Crime and Leniency: (334) 262-7197
• Legal Information:
  • Alabama Department of Public Safety: www.alea.gov
  • Alabama Judicial System: www.alacourt.gov
  • Alabama State Bar Association Referral Service: (800) 392-5660