A 67-year-old Union Springs woman was killed and three other people were injured Friday afternoon in a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 29 north of Troy in Pike County, Alabama. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash happened at about 12:48 p.m. near mile marker 111, roughly three miles north of Troy, when a 2013 Toyota Corolla and a 2008 Nissan Altima collided head-on. Vernell L. Faniel, 67, of Union Springs, a passenger in the Corolla, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Corolla's driver, Steven Wilson, 54, of Troy, and another passenger, Herman S. Faniel Jr., 41, of Banks, were injured and taken to Southeast Health in Dothan for treatment. The Altima's driver, Vanquavious V. Flournoy, 31, of Brundidge, was also injured and airlifted to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery. Updated conditions for the injured were not included in ALEA's initial report. Troopers with ALEA's Highway Patrol Division are investigating, and no cause has been released. 

Location and Infrastructure

U.S. Highway 29 is a major north-south route through Pike County. It connects the city of Troy, home to Troy University, with Union Springs in neighboring Bullock County to the north. North of Troy, the highway passes through largely rural terrain, and local residents, commuters, and commercial vehicles all use it. Mile marker 111 lies about three miles outside the Troy city limits. In that area, travelers moving between Troy and surrounding communities share the roadway at highway speeds. Head-on collisions on rural highways are among the most severe crash types because the combined speed of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions greatly increases the force of impact. Drivers on this corridor should observe posted speed limits, lane markings, and no-passing zones, and should stay alert for oncoming traffic.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Alabama is an at-fault state, so the driver found responsible for a crash and that driver's insurer are generally liable for resulting losses. Alabama also follows the doctrine of pure contributory negligence. Under this rule, an injured party found even slightly at fault may be barred from recovering damages, although limited exceptions exist. State law requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also apply. Under the Code of Alabama, personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years. Wrongful death actions, brought by the decedent's personal representative, also carry a two-year limit. Injured persons may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Alabama wrongful death damages are punitive in nature. This information is general and is not legal advice.

Related Resources

Local Emergency Services

• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Highway Patrol Division: https://www.alea.gov
• Pike County Sheriff's Office: https://www.pikecountysheriff.com
• City of Troy (Police and Fire Departments): https://www.troyal.gov
• Southeast Health, Dothan: https://www.southeasthealth.org
• Baptist Medical Center South, Montgomery: https://www.baptistfirst.org

Traffic Safety Resources

• Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT): https://www.dot.state.al.us
• ALGO Traffic (real-time Alabama road conditions): https://www.algotraffic.com
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): https://www.nhtsa.gov

Support Services for Accident Victims

• Alabama Crime Victims' Compensation Commission: https://acvcc.alabama.gov
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Services: https://www.madd.org (24-hour helpline: 1-877-623-3435)
• Alabama Department of Insurance (consumer assistance with insurance claims): https://www.aldoi.gov

State Traffic Laws and Regulations

• Code of Alabama (Alabama Legislature): https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama
• ALEA Driver License Division (driver manual and traffic rules): https://www.alea.gov/dps/driver-license