Paretha Deshun Marshall Killed in Birmingham Hit-and-Run
The fatal collision on Graymont Avenue West adds to a rising toll of pedestrian deaths across the state
Paretha Deshun Marshall, 54, of Birmingham, died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on Graymont Avenue West near 2nd Street West late Sunday, according to Birmingham police.
Detectives are actively searching for the driver who fled the scene. No vehicle description or suspect information has been released. The vehicle hit Marshall as she walked along the road. Paramedics transported her to UAB Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.
The fatal collision highlights a growing danger on state roads, where pedestrian deaths have surged approximately 22% since 2015, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation.
Why did the driver flee the scene on Graymont Avenue West?
Hit-and-run collisions leave grieving families searching for answers while investigators piece together limited evidence. In pedestrian accidents such as this, safety analysts point to driver impairment, lack of insurance, or panic as common reasons drivers flee.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Nearby cameras often capture the only reliable record of a hit-and-run collision, yet digital footage frequently gets overwritten or deleted within days. Acting quickly becomes absolutely critical for preserving this fragile evidence."
"An attorney moves fast to contact nearby businesses and property owners, securing footage before deletion and strengthening efforts toward identifying a fleeing driver and pursuing meaningful accountability afterward," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
How common are fatal pedestrian collisions in Alabama?
When a driver cannot be located, families often face complex insurance hurdles. Individuals involved in hit-and-run incidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
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.
"Leaving a collision scene complicates initial investigations and delays critical medical assistance. Law enforcement units collect vehicle debris, paint scrapings, and broken glass to identify fleeing suspect vehicles," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "Legal counsel assists surviving relatives by offering reward coordination guidance, reviewing uninsured motorist coverage, and monitoring police investigation progress."