Tractor-trailer struck pedestrian near mile marker 154
December 15, 2025 | Pell City, AL
A 46-year-old local man lost his life in a tragic pedestrian incident involving a semi-truck on Interstate 20.
Key Incident Details
Jeremy King, 46, of Pell City, died after he was struck by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 20 near mile marker 154 in Saint Clair County.
- Victim: Jeremy King, 46, of Pell City
- Date and Time: Dec. 15, 2025, at approximately 10:05 p.m.
- Location: Interstate 20 near mile marker 154, about one mile east of Pell City in Saint Clair County
- Vehicles Involved: Pedestrian struck by a semi-truck, tractor-trailer
- Outcome: King was pronounced dead at the scene
- Investigating Agency: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency responded to reports of a pedestrian collision on Interstate 20. Jeremy King was walking along the highway when he was struck by an eastbound semi-truck near mile marker 154. The incident occurred under nighttime conditions, complicating visibility for drivers. Emergency personnel arrived quickly but could not save the victim, who succumbed to his injuries on site. No other individuals were reported injured in this event.
Why Do Semi-Truck Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Semi-truck crashes involving pedestrians often stem from multiple contributing factors. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), common causes include driver fatigue, improper vehicle maintenance, and roadway distractions. These incidents highlight the vulnerabilities pedestrians face on high-speed interstates like I-20.
Factor |
Description |
Annual Impact (FMCSA Data) |
|---|
Driver Fatigue |
Long hours behind the wheel lead to reduced alertness |
Contributes to 13% of large truck crashes |
Brake Problems |
Faulty systems fail to stop heavy loads in time |
Involved in 29% of inspected violations |
Speeding |
Exceeding limits on interstates increases collision severity |
Linked to 20% of fatal truck accidents |
Lane Drifting |
Unintentional veering into pedestrian paths |
Affects 15% of multi-vehicle incidents |
Prescription Drug Use |
Impaired judgment from medications |
Factors into 10% of driver-related errors |
This table summarizes key risks based on FMCSA reports, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement and awareness.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on handling complex truck accident cases. Their guidance emphasizes thorough investigations to support affected families.
“Tractor-trailer crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “In cases such as this, a skilled attorney can protect a grieving family from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent truck driver. A lawyer can advocate for you by hiring witnesses, conducting driver background checks, locating witnesses to the crash, and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding a grieving family through the legal process.”
- Independent investigation Essential: Prompt legal review safeguards victim rights against corporate defenses.
- Resource Disparity: Trucking firms have extensive tools, and attorneys level the playing field.
- Holistic Support: From witness gathering to insurance evaluation, comprehensive aid is crucial.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal and also a national legal analyst for Newsline. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Statistics from the FMCSA indicate that around 5,000 individuals lose their lives annually in semi-truck-related collisions, with a serious injury or death occurring roughly every 15 minutes.
Potential Wrongful Death Claim
As the ALEA investigation continues, the family of Jeremy King may pursue a wrongful death claim. Such actions can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Consulting a specialized attorney early ensures all aspects of the case are addressed effectively.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience in commercial trucking accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you need legal support.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).