Vehicle struck the Florence woman while walking near shopping center
April 06, 2026 | Florence, AL
An 85-year-old woman lost her life after being hit by a vehicle near a shopping center in Florence.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision that has left the community mourning.
Mary Ann Westfall was crossing the street in the 1700 block of Darby Drive when a driver struck her on March 24. The collision occurred just steps from a marked crosswalk outside Ollie's store.
Mary Ann Westfall, 85, died after she was struck by a vehicle while walking near a shopping center along Darby Drive in Florence.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: March 24, early evening hours.
- Location: 1700 block of Darby Drive, near Ollie's shopping center parking lot.
- Victim Details: Mary Ann Westfall, 85, of Florence.
- Vehicle Involved: Unspecified make and model, and driver not identified publicly.
- Immediate Response: Emergency services transported Westfall to Huntsville Hospital.
- Outcome: Westfall passed away nearly two weeks later from her injuries.
- Witness Accounts: Onlookers reported the vehicle moving at excessive speed for the area and failing to brake post-collision.
- Evidence: Surveillance footage captures the force, showing Westfall thrown about 25 feet.
No charges have been filed as the Florence Police Department examines factors like speed and visibility.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities remain a pressing issue on U.S. roadways. Drivers must prioritize vigilance, especially in high-traffic zones like parking lots.
Statistic |
Details |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths (First Half 2024) |
3,304 fatalities from vehicle strikes |
Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) |
Preventability |
Most incidents avoidable with attentive driving |
GHSA Report |
Common Causes |
Distracted driving, speeding, and poor visibility |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
These figures underscore the need for thorough investigations to identify negligence and improve safety measures.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Collisions
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of detailed investigations in such cases to support affected families.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond highlights key elements in reviews:
- Road conditions, signage, and lighting are potential factors.
- Need for accident reconstruction to clarify circumstances.
- Role in securing compensation for losses like medical bills and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Family members may seek damages for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.”
In cases such as this, legal guidance helps navigate insurance pressures and ensures fair outcomes. Attorneys advocate to protect rights during grief.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).