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, died after a car hit her in a Florence parking lot on March 24, police said. Officers responded to the 1700 block of Darby Drive after a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, according to the Florence Police Department.
Paramedics rushed Westfall to a local hospital. She later died from her injuries, authorities said.
The crash happened in a retail parking lot. Police were called to the scene after reports of a pedestrian hit by a car.
The Florence Police Department is investigating the crash. Police have not released details about the driver or the specific causes of the collision.
No criminal charges have been filed. Investigators are working to determine what led to Westfall's death.
Police typically examine driver actions, pedestrian right-of-way, visibility and environmental factors in such cases. The investigation aims to understand how the crash unfolded.
The department will release more information as the investigation continues.
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 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's wrongful death framework
Alabama law allows certain family members to pursue a wrongful death claim when a person dies due to another party's negligence or wrongful act. Under Ala. Code § 6-5-410, eligible parties, typically a surviving spouse, children, or parents, may file such an action. These claims seek to recover damages for the loss suffered by the surviving family due to the death.
Damages that may be sought in an Alabama wrongful death claim can include compensation for the loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral and burial expenses. The statute also allows for the recovery of punitive damages, which are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct.
Contributory negligence in Alabama
Alabama operates under a pure contributory negligence rule, which can significantly affect personal injury and wrongful death claims. This rule states that if a plaintiff is found to have contributed in any way to their own injury, they may be barred from recovering any damages. This is a stricter standard compared to most other states, which often use comparative negligence systems.
Candice Bond noted that understanding the specific insurance coverage and policy limits involved is an important aspect of navigating the legal process in these cases.
Statute of limitations for wrongful death claims
In Alabama, a wrongful death action must be filed within a specific timeframe, known as the statute of limitations. For wrongful death claims, this period is generally two years from the date of the individual's death. Failure to file a lawsuit within this statutory period typically results in the claim being permanently barred.