Jermaine White hurt in three-vehicle crash on Interstate 59

Ford pickup crossed median after striking Volvo tractor-trailer near state line

April 29, 2026 | Dekalb, AL

A tragic three-vehicle accident on Interstate 59 near the Alabama-Georgia border resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. 

The incident unfolded in DeKalb County, highlighting ongoing concerns about highway safety in the region.

Jermaine White, 53, was injured after a three-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer and two pickup trucks on Interstate 59.

What Happened in the Crash?

The collision occurred around 5:20 p.m. near milepost 140. 

Key details include:

• A 2003 Ford F-150 pickup struck the rear of a 2023 Volvo tractor-trailer.
• The initial collision caused the pickup to veer into oncoming traffic.
• It then collided head-on with a 2020 Ford F-150.
• The 62-year-old driver of the 2003 Ford, from Ider, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene due to not wearing a seat belt.
• Jermaine White, 53, of Verbena, a passenger in the 2020 Ford, sustained injuries and was transported to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
• The 47-year-old driver of the 2020 Ford, from Jacksonville, also suffered injuries and received treatment at the same hospital.
• The 43-year-old tractor-trailer driver from Staten Island, New York, reported no injuries.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash.

Why Do These Accidents Happen on Interstates?

Interstate highways like I-59 see high volumes of traffic, increasing the risk of rear-end and head-on collisions. Common factors include:

• Distracted driving, such as phone use.
• Failure to maintain safe following distances.
• Speeding or improper lane changes.
• Ejection risks without seat belts, as seen in this case.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end crashes account for nearly 30% of all multi-vehicle accidents nationwide.

Legal Insights

Newsline consulted national legal analysts for their perspective on multi-vehicle crashes. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasized the need for thorough investigations.

“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”

Key takeaways:

• Independent investigations help uncover hidden causes beyond initial reports.
• Prompt action preserves critical evidence like dashcam footage.
• Legal support ensures fair handling of insurance claims.

Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, discussed the broader impacts of such incidents.

“The stress and worry following a serious injury could be overwhelming, disrupting all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall quality of life,” Formica noted. “It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client. Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”

For those affected, pursuing a personal injury claim may provide necessary support, pending investigation outcomes.

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