Erasmo Matias Killed in Birmingham Car Accident
Predawn collision on Interstate 65 South leaves two dead, one hospitalized
Erasmo Matias, 24, of Birmingham, was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 65 South near the Green Springs Avenue exit on Sunday, according to the Birmingham Police Department.
The Honda Civic driven by the victim collided with a second vehicle in the southbound lanes at approximately 4:39 a.m. The impact caused heavy damage and forced authorities to shut down that portion of the interstate for several hours. Matias and a 29-year-old passenger in the Honda were pronounced dead at the site of the crash at 5:07 a.m., the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office reported. Paramedics transported one person from the second vehicle to a local hospital for treatment.
The crash remains under investigation.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service crews responded to the scene.
Why do severe collisions occur on Interstate 65?
While the exact cause of the Sunday morning crash remains under investigation, interstate collisions frequently involve complex variables such as speed, lighting, and driver reaction times.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Insurance companies often move quickly after a fatal roadway crash, hoping to settle claims before surviving relatives fully understand the true financial and emotional toll of sudden, permanent loss."
"Legal counsel steps in to negotiate directly with adjusters, challenge lowball settlement offers, and calculate long term damages tied to lost income, funeral costs, and ongoing hardship, protecting families during an already overwhelming and painful period," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
Alabama recorded 962 traffic fatalities in 2024 according to official data, with a recent weekend collision in Jefferson County adding to the state's total.
Alabama wrongful death statute
Under Ala. Code § 6-5-410, surviving family members of a person killed in a traffic collision may file a wrongful death action in Alabama. The state applies contributory negligence (one of only 4 states) when determining liability. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages under Alabama's wrongful death statute may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, funeral and burial expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering. Alabama law designates specific parties — typically a surviving spouse, children, or parents — as eligible to bring a wrongful death action.
"Distracted driving often causes motorists to drift out of their lanes and strike oncoming vehicles without braking. Mobile device records and vehicle sensor logs provide a clear timeline of driver activity in the moments leading up to impact," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "Serving as an advocate, an attorney works to secure digital evidence, consult forensic specialists, and protect family interests."