Chase Alan Murray Killed in Birmingham Pedestrian Accident
Man killed after exiting vehicle on I-65 near 17th Street North exit
Chase Alan Murray, 28, of Hayden, was killed in a pedestrian accident on Interstate 65 near the 17th Street North exit in Birmingham in April, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. The crash occurred at 5:27 a.m. when Murray, a motorist involved in a two-vehicle crash, exited his vehicle and was struck by an oncoming car as he was trying to cross the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:03 a.m.
After the initial collision, both vehicles pulled onto opposite shoulders of the interstate. Murray then got out of his vehicle and was hit by the oncoming vehicle as he tried to cross the active traffic lanes, authorities said.
Birmingham police are investigating.
The circumstances surrounding pedestrian accidents such as this are often complex, requiring detailed examination of the sequence of events. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal noted that "The sudden loss of a family member in a crosswalk is a trauma that never fully fades. Fatalities spike by thirty-six percent during the first week after we set the clocks back in the fall."
What do investigators look for in a pedestrian collision on an interstate?
Investigators are tasked with gathering all available evidence, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and crash reconstruction data to determine factors such as vehicle speeds, driver behavior, and environmental conditions at the time of the crash. This careful process helps establish the precise cause of the collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian deaths on interstates often involve multiple vehicles and poor lighting conditions.
How common are pedestrian fatalities on Alabama interstates?
Pedestrian fatalities continue to be a concern across the nation, with GHSA data indicating a 10.9% decrease in pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Despite this nationwide trend, specific data for Alabama interstates remains challenging to track. However, nighttime crashes, such as the one that killed Murray, account for over 75% of all pedestrian fatalities nationally, highlighting the increased risk to pedestrians in low-visibility conditions.
What are the dangers of exiting a vehicle on an interstate?
Exiting a vehicle on an active interstate, especially after an initial crash, presents extreme dangers. The high speeds of oncoming traffic significantly reduce reaction times for drivers, making it difficult to avoid a pedestrian in the road. Investigators will assess whether proper safety protocols were followed after the initial collision, and if any factors, such as vehicle placement or warning signals, contributed to the second impact.
Alabama's wrongful death framework
Alabama law allows for a wrongful death action when a person's death is caused by the wrongful act or omission of another. Under Ala. Code § 6-5-410, certain surviving family members may pursue a claim. These typically include a surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. The state operates under a contributory negligence rule, meaning that if the deceased is found to have contributed to the accident, recovery may be barred.
Damages in Alabama wrongful death cases are punitive, intended to punish the at-fault party rather than solely compensate for losses. Formica noted that this aspect makes Alabama's wrongful death claims distinct. Recoverable damages may include funeral and burial expenses, as well as compensation for the loss of companionship and financial support.
Statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Alabama
A wrongful death claim in Alabama must be filed within a specific timeframe. The statute of limitations for such actions is two years from the date of the individual's death. Failure to file a claim within this period typically results in the claim being barred permanently.