Mary Ann Westfall Killed in Florence Parking Lot Accident
The incident occurred in a shopping center parking lot near Ollie's
Mary Ann Westfall, 85, was killed after being struck by a car in a shopping center parking lot in the 1700 block of Darby Drive in Florence, Alabama, with officers responding to a report of a pedestrian being hit on March 24, according to the Florence Police Department.
Westfall was taken to a hospital for treatment. She later died from her injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the Florence Police Department, and no criminal charges have been filed at this time.
What do police look for in a parking lot pedestrian accident?
Investigators on scene in the Darby Drive parking lot will examine various factors, including vehicle speed, driver distraction, and the presence of any impairment. They also consider environmental elements like lighting conditions, pedestrian visibility, and the layout of the parking area itself. These details help determine exactly what happened in a pedestrian collision, even when no charges are immediately filed.
National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, observed that "A few seconds of distraction at a busy parking lot can lead to a lifetime of regret in pedestrian accident cases. Investigators look at steering angles and braking patterns because they do not lie about what really happened in a collision."
How common are pedestrian accidents in parking lots?
Pedestrian accidents, particularly in parking lots, are a serious concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2024, a slight decrease from the previous year. However, incidents in private property areas like parking lots may not always be fully captured in these statistics, making the true scope of the problem harder to assess. These often involve low speeds but can still result in severe injuries or death due to the vulnerability of pedestrians.
In scenarios like the one involving Mary Ann Westfall, the investigation is important for determining liability. A thorough independent investigation, separate from the police report, can review all available evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle data recorders. This helps ensure that all responsible parties are identified and held accountable. Attorneys often consult with accident reconstructionists to piece together the events leading to a pedestrian accident.
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.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "Understanding your own insurance 'limits' is a critical part of the legal landscape.