Ford pickup crossed median after striking Volvo tractor-trailer near state line
April 29, 2026 | Dekalb, AL
A tragic three-vehicle collision on Interstate 59 near the Alabama-Georgia state line left one driver dead and two others injured, including 47-year-old Richard West Bivins from Jacksonville.
The incident unfolded around 5:20 p.m. close to milepost 140 in DeKalb County, Alabama, as reported by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Richard West Bivins, 47, was injured after a three-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer and two pickup trucks on Interstate 59.
What Happened in the Crash?
The sequence of the collision began when a 2003 Ford F-150 pickup truck rear-ended a 2023 Volvo tractor-trailer. The accident caused the pickup to veer into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on collision with a 2020 Ford F-150.
- Date and Time: April 29, approximately 5:20 p.m.
- Location: Milepost 140 on I-59, DeKalb County, near the Alabama-Georgia border.
- Vehicles Involved: 2003 Ford F-150, driver deceased, 2023 Volvo tractor-trailer, driver uninjured, 2020 Ford F-150, driver and passenger injured.
- Injuries: Richard W. Bivins, 47, from Jacksonville, sustained injuries, and a 53-year-old passenger from Verbena was also injured. Both were transported to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- Fatality: The 62-year-old driver of the 2003 Ford F-150, from Ider, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene due to not wearing a seat belt.
- Other Details: The 43-year-old tractor-trailer driver from Staten Island, New York, reported no injuries.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues its investigation into the causes and potential liabilities.
Why Do Rear-End Collisions Like This Occur on Interstates?
Rear-end crashes on high-speed roadways such as Interstate 59 often stem from factors like distracted driving, speeding, or failure to maintain safe following distances. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions account for nearly 30% of all two-vehicle crashes in the U.S.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual U.S. Traffic Injuries |
2.44 million (2023) |
NHTSA |
Percentage of Rear-End Crashes |
About 30% of two-vehicle incidents |
NHTSA |
Ejection-Related Fatalities |
13% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths |
CDC |
Seat Belt Usage Impact |
Reduces fatality risk by 45-50% |
NHTSA |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving multi-vehicle accidents, thorough investigations are crucial for determining fault and supporting potential claims.
“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 Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, and 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.”
- Independent investigations by legal professionals can uncover overlooked evidence.
- Prompt action preserves critical data like witness statements and digital records.
- Hiring representation helps navigate complex insurance negotiations.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the broader impacts:
“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.”
Pending investigation outcomes, injured parties like Richard Bivins may explore personal injury options to address medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.
Our rigorous standards ensure accurate, timely reporting on legal news, accidents, and public safety. For transparency, review our Corrections Policy, which guarantees 24-hour reviews of any concerns.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
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).