Jefferson County, AL — September 8, 2024, one person was killed following a rear-end truck accident at approximately 5:00 a.m. along Valley Road.

According to authorities, a sedan was traveling on Valley Road in the vicinity of the U.S. Steel Parkway intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the sedan collided with the rear-end of a parked 18-wheeler. The person who had been inside the motor vehicle at the time of the crash suffered reportedly fatal injuries as a result. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

When accidents like this happen, it's easy for people to assume they were caused by simple driver error. However, based on my experience, crashes involving parked 18-wheelers are rarely that straightforward and often involve a range of factors that require thorough investigation. This fatal rear-end collision on Valley Road is no exception.

While it’s not yet clear why the sedan collided with the rear of a parked 18-wheeler, the fact that the truck was stationary raises important questions. Was the truck properly parked in a designated area, or was it stopped in a travel lane or other unsafe location? Commercial trucks are held to high standards when it comes to parking, especially in non-designated areas like shoulders or near intersections. If the truck was improperly parked or lacked necessary warnings—such as hazard lights or reflective markers—the truck driver or company could share responsibility for the crash.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain vital evidence, it is crucial to consider every factor to ensure that those impacted by the crash receive the clarity and closure they deserve.