Raymond Theriault Killed in Hoover Pedestrian Accident
The 55-year-old Birmingham man was struck by a Kia Sorento on Highway 280
Raymond Theriault, 55, of Birmingham, was killed in a pedestrian crash on Highway 280 near Hoover, Alabama, on Saturday, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
Troopers are currently investigating the circumstances of the nighttime impact. A Kia Sorento struck Theriault in the road at approximately 8:15 p.m. Paramedics rushed the critically injured pedestrian to UAB Hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
No charges have been announced against the driver of the Kia.
Alabama had 594 pedestrian fatalities from 2020 to 2024, according to the 2026 Dangerous by Design report, placing the state among the higher-risk ones nationally.
What factors contribute to Highway 280 pedestrian collisions?
While the exact cause of the Shelby County crash remains under investigation, traffic safety analysts note that nighttime visibility and intersection design frequently play a role in pedestrian death.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Insurance companies move fast after a fatal pedestrian crash, often offering a quick settlement designed to close a file before medical bills and funeral costs finish arriving. Fighting a lowball offer requires documenting long-term financial hardship alongside emotional loss carried by surviving relatives for years afterward."
"Negotiating against adjusters and corporate defense lawyers becomes ongoing, demanding work for an attorney," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
How do investigators determine fault in nighttime crashes?
Law enforcement will examine the Kia Sorento's speed, the driver's level of attention, and the exact location of the impact on Highway 280.
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 remains a leading cause of severe impacts involving pedestrians at urban intersections. Examining phone records and vehicle computer logs provides objective answers about driver focus prior to the collision," 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 guides surviving relatives through complex claims while protecting broad family interests."