Winston County, Al — February 9, 2025, Chad Smith was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 9:00 P.M. on Winston County 55.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of February 9th. According to official reports, Chad Smith was operating a vehicle on Winston County 55 outside of Double Springs when for unknown reasons the vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole and overturned, causing Smith to be ejected in the process.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Smith had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. At this time it remains unknown what caused the vehicle to lose control, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators are able to determine exactly what happened. A single-vehicle accident may seem straightforward, but experience has shown me that these incidents are often more complex than they initially appear. To fully understand what led to this crash, three key questions must be asked.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Law enforcement officers do their best with the resources available, but their ability to analyze crash scenes varies from department to department. In this case—where a vehicle left the roadway, struck a utility pole, and overturned—it’s important to consider all potential contributing factors. Were road conditions an issue? Was there an obstacle in the roadway? Did the driver attempt to avoid something? Additionally, the fact that the driver was ejected raises questions about whether the vehicle’s safety systems, such as seat belts and airbags, functioned properly. A complete investigation should address these concerns.

The second question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. While people often assume that single-vehicle crashes result from driver error, mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or tire blowouts—can cause a driver to lose control. If the vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure, that could have played a major role in why it left the roadway. Additionally, if safety systems like seat belts or airbags did not perform as expected, that should be investigated. Unfortunately, vehicle defects are often overlooked unless someone actively looks for them, and if the vehicle is quickly disposed of, crucial evidence could be lost.

The third question is whether all electronic data related to the crash has been collected. Modern vehicles are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that store key information, such as speed, braking, and steering input in the moments before a crash. This data can help determine whether the driver attempted to brake or steer before impact, or if a mechanical issue prevented them from doing so. Additionally, surveillance cameras in the area may have captured the incident, providing further insight. Without this data, a full picture of what happened may never emerge.

At the end of the day, ensuring a thorough investigation isn’t just about determining liability—it’s about making sure the affected family and community understand exactly what happened. Whether the crash was the result of mechanical failure, environmental factors, or something else entirely, finding those answers is essential. We owe it to those affected to ensure that no potential factor is overlooked.