Jesse Thompson Nance Killed in Birmingham Pedestrian Acci...
The 44-year-old man died from his injuries two days after being struck on 4th Avenue Southwest
Jesse Thompson Nance, 44, of Birmingham, was killed in a pedestrian crash on 4th Avenue Southwest on Wednesday, police said.
Paramedics rushed to the 1800 block of the avenue around 7:30 p.m. after a vehicle struck a person walking along the road. The driver of the involved vehicle remained at the scene following the collision. Nance was taken to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment. He died from his injuries at approximately 2 a.m. on Friday.
Authorities have not announced any charges. The investigation is ongoing.
Pedestrian fatalities in Alabama remain a critical public safety issue, with the state recording 120 such deaths in 2024, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation.
What factors contribute to pedestrian death in Birmingham?
As investigators examine the 1800 block of 4th Avenue Southwest, they will review lighting, road design, and vehicle speeds. In pedestrian accidents such as this, traffic safety analysts point to vehicle velocity as a primary determinant of survival.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes behind fatal pedestrian crashes, since a driver glancing at a phone for even a couple seconds can miss a person stepping off a curb entirely."
"Early in an investigation, a legal team requests cellphone records and dashboard camera footage, building a clear picture of the moments leading up to a preventable tragedy," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
How will the investigation progress?
While the driver remained at the scene, police will continue to gather evidence to determine liability. Families of victims often face complex legal processes while the official probe unfolds. Law enforcement will analyze skid marks and potential surveillance footage to determine exactly what happened.
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.
"Eyewitness interviews conducted shortly after fatal collisions capture fresh memories before time, media reports, or outside influences alter perceptions. Professional investigators record detailed statements establishing pre-crash vehicle movements and traffic light phases," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "An attorney conducts early witness outreach to preserve key testimony."