Cusseta, AL (April 20, 2024) – On Thursday, April 18, a woman was killed after being hit by a train in the Cusseta area. The deadly accident was reported at the 4000 block of County Road 299 early that morning. Emergency crews were quickly rushed to the scene after being notified of the incident.
When officials arrived, they located the victim lying on the tracks. The injured party was pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased victim was later identified as 41-year-old Donna Michelle Watkins. At this time, the circumstances leading to the crash have not been determined. No charges have been filed. The body of the victim was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for an autopsy. An ongoing investigation into the cause of the deadly accident is being managed by local law enforcement officials, and more information will be provided as it continues.
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim at this time.
Deadly Train-Pedestrian Crashes in Alabama
A startling 72 percent of all railroad-related fatalities in the United States are the result of pedestrian-train accidents. These crashes raise serious concerns and highlight the necessity of ongoing safety awareness and preventative measures to keep everyone on the road safe. The number of railroad deaths in 2022 was 954, the most since 2007 and an 11 percent increase over the revised 2021 total of 859. The number of nonfatal injuries was 6,252, which was 6 percent more than the 5,882 revised figure from 2021. In 2022, there was a 16 percent increase in fatalities at highway-rail crossings, compared to a 9 percent increase in fatalities involving other types of crashes. If someone close to you is unfairly killed in a crash, you should partner with a trained lawyer to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Nothing else has the power to alter your life like a fatal car accident. Someone you care about could be taken away from you in a second, and you may not know how to defend your legal rights. Getting the best result for your case requires that you be prepared to work with an experienced lawyer. At our firm, wrongful death lawsuits represent some of the most complex legal matters we handle. You need an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal system.
You do not want to leave your case to chance during this difficult time. It is always in your best interests to work closely with an experienced attorney. A qualified Cusseta wrongful death lawyer will be able to help you when you need it most. The trained legal team at Maloney-Lyons, LLC is here to answer any questions that you may have during a free consultation. We have a proven track record of helping grieving families from all over the state pursue successful wrongful death claims. If you are ready to get started on your case, contact our law offices today at 251-225-6105 to discuss your case with a trained lawyer.