(Lowndes County, AL — October 23, 2025)
A tragic early-morning multi-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 80 in Lowndes County, Alabama, claimed the life of a 41-year-old Selma man, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The crash, which involved two tractor-trailers and multiple vehicles, occurred amid dense fog and led to extended traffic delays as authorities investigated the scene.
How the Crash Happened
Authorities say the fatal wreck occurred around 3:37 a.m. near the U.S. 80 corridor, a stretch known for heavy truck traffic. Preliminary reports indicate the crash began when one commercial truck slowed suddenly in low visibility, setting off a chain-reaction collision that involved at least two 18-wheelers and other passenger vehicles.
The victim, identified as Kenneth B. Watts of Selma, was pronounced dead at the scene. Other drivers sustained injuries of varying severity and were transported for treatment. The roadway was temporarily closed for several hours while troopers reconstructed the crash and cleared debris.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators are reviewing multiple factors that may have contributed to the tragedy, including:
- Fog and low visibility during early-morning hours
- Following distance and speed of commercial trucks
- Possible driver fatigue, distraction, or equipment failure
- Compliance with federal trucking safety regulations
The ALEA Highway Patrol Division continues to investigate. Toxicology results and vehicle data from the involved trucks will help determine liability and contributing causes.
Legal Considerations After a Fatal Truck Accident
When a collision involves commercial vehicles, several parties may share responsibility — including truck drivers, trucking companies, and maintenance contractors. Families who lose loved ones in such crashes may have the right to pursue an Alabama wrongful death claim.
Compensation in these cases may cover:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship and financial support
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages in cases of reckless or negligent conduct
Prompt legal action is crucial to preserve black-box data, driver logs, and witness statements before they are lost.
Contacting the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
To request an official crash report or follow up on the investigation, contact:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) – Highway Patrol Division
📍 301 S. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36104
📞 (334) 517-2800
🔗 ALEA Crash Report Portal
Having a certified crash report is important for insurance, estate, and wrongful death claims.
How Fob James Law Firm Can Help
At Fob James Law Firm, our Alabama truck accident lawyers represent victims and families affected by fatal collisions throughout Lowndes County, Selma, Montgomery, and beyond. We fight to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable.
If you lost a loved one in a commercial-vehicle accident, our firm offers:
- Free, no-obligation consultations
- 24/7 legal support and case evaluation
- No fees unless we win your case
📞 Call (334) 739-9000 or submit your contact info online to speak with an experienced Alabama wrongful death attorney today.
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Fob James, IV
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large national firm for several years, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society. Many of Fob’s cases are high profile and have been featured in, among others: Bloomberg News, PlanAdvisor, AL.com, PlanSponsor, InsuranceJournal, and BusinessInsider. For his work in obtaining numerous multi-million dollar outcomes for his clients, Fob has been recognized by: National Trial Lawyers Top 100, SuperLawyers Rising Star (2020-2025), Birmingham Business Journal Who’s Who in Law (2023-2025), and TrustAnalytica – Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Alabama.