A single-vehicle crash on US-280, two miles north of Chelsea, claimed the life of one person. The accident happened during the early hours of Monday, June 28th. The accident report did not state what led to the occurrence.

According to the report, 21-year-old Christopher Rutledge drove a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The truck went off the roadway for unknown reasons and struck an embankment at 4:30 a.m. The victim was not wearing a seatbelt and later passed away while undergoing treatment at Grandview Hospital.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is heading the investigation into the crash on US-280. There is no additional information at this time.

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Car crashes occur daily, resulting in physical and financial losses and adversely affecting one's mental health. At the base of every traffic accident is a negligent act by one of the drivers involved.

Acts of negligence include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted driving, speeding, tailgating, road rage, illegal lane change, etc. Since Alabama is a fault state, a driver who negligently breaches the duty of care owed to other road users would be liable to pay damages to them. Thus, in an accident caused by a drunk driver, the driver would pay compensation to the victim or victims.

Compensation comes as economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. The first two cover physical injuries, pain, property damage, and emotional injuries suffered due to the accident. Also, victims can get them from a successful insurance claim. But punitive damages are awarded only in personal injury lawsuits with evidence of gross misconduct or negligence.

Find out more about the different car accident compensation types from our experienced Alabama car accident attorneys.

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