Robert Perkins Killed in Perry County Car Accident
The 68-year-old Selma resident was a passenger in a single-vehicle crash on Alabama 219
Robert Perkins, 68, of Selma, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Alabama 219 near the 12-mile marker in Perry County on Saturday, state troopers said.
The vehicle drifted off the road at approximately 3 p.m., struck a culvert, and overturned. Emergency crews responded to the scene about eight miles north of Valley Grande. Perkins, who was a passenger in the car, was pronounced dead at the crash site.
The driver and a second passenger suffered injuries in the wreck. Paramedics transported both individuals to Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma for treatment.
Troopers continue to investigate what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. No charges have been announced.
How common are rural rollover crashes in Alabama?
According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, 967 traffic deaths occurred statewide in 2024, with most fatalities happening on rural roads.
In car accidents such as this, crash reconstruction investigators examine tire marks, steering input, and environmental factors to determine why a vehicle departed its lane.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, said, "High‑speed impacts, rollover dangers, and roadway departures often leave passengers facing catastrophic outcomes. Legal counsel can provide steady guidance, protect families by preserving evidence, address insurance complications, and ensure accountability when laws are broken."
What legal options exist for injured passengers?
When a passenger is killed in a single-vehicle crash, liability often rests with the driver who lost control. Families of victims like Perkins frequently face complex insurance claims to cover funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
According to Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal, "Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights. The complexity of procedures, paperwork, and timelines can compound emotional pain, leaving relatives struggling to balance mourning with the demands of formal systems."
While the official investigation continues, independent legal professionals often review vehicle maintenance records and driver history to build a full understanding of the crash dynamics.
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.