A 76-year-old man was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident Tuesday afternoon while standing at the end of his driveway in the 2100 block of Rocky Brook Road in Opelika, Alabama. The collision occurred around 4:29 p.m. when a vehicle struck the pedestrian before fleeing the scene northbound toward Morris Avenue. Emergency responders quickly transported the victim by ambulance to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, though his current condition remains undisclosed by authorities.

Witnesses at the scene described the fleeing vehicle as a gray SUV, possibly a Honda Pilot, that was traveling north on Rocky Brook Road at the time of impact. The Opelika Police Department has launched an active investigation and is appealing to the community for assistance in identifying both the vehicle and its driver. This incident highlights the serious consequences of hit-and-run crashes, particularly those involving vulnerable pedestrians in residential areas. Authorities emphasize the importance of community cooperation in bringing accountability to this case and ensuring justice for the injured victim.

Location and Infrastructure

Rocky Brook Road in the 2100 block runs through a residential area of Opelika, connecting neighborhoods with Morris Avenue to the north. This stretch of roadway typically experiences moderate traffic flow as residents travel to and from their homes, particularly during afternoon hours when the incident occurred. The area features single-family residences with driveways that open directly onto the roadway, creating potential visibility challenges for both pedestrians and motorists.

The residential nature of this location means that speed limits are typically lower to protect pedestrians, children, and other community members. However, the straight roadway configuration may encourage some drivers to travel at higher speeds than appropriate for the neighborhood setting. Local traffic patterns in this area include commuter traffic during peak hours, as well as regular neighborhood activity throughout the day, making pedestrian safety a critical concern for area residents and city planners.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama law, hit-and-run incidents involving injury are serious criminal offenses that can result in felony charges for the fleeing driver. Alabama Code § 32-10-1 requires drivers involved in accidents to stop, provide identification, and render reasonable assistance to injured parties. Failure to comply constitutes a criminal offense with penalties that increase based on the severity of injuries sustained.

Victims of hit-and-run accidents may be entitled to compensation through various avenues, including uninsured motorist coverage from their own insurance policies, medical payments coverage, and potential civil claims against the at-fault driver once identified. Alabama follows a contributory negligence standard, and victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury lawsuits under the state's statute of limitations. Given the serious nature of pedestrian injuries and the complexity of hit-and-run cases, victims and their families should consider consulting with experienced personal injury attorneys to understand their rights and preserve evidence while the investigation remains active.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Opelika Police Department: (334) 705-5200
• Secret Witness Hotline: (334) 745-8665
• East Alabama Medical Center Emergency Services
• Lee County Emergency Medical Services

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division
• Opelika Police Mobile App for tip submissions
• Lee County Traffic Engineering Department
• Alabama Traffic Safety Office

Support Services:

• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission
• Legal Aid of Alabama - Lee County Office
• Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
• Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital Patient Services

Legal Information:

• Alabama Code Title 32 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Alabama Rules of the Road
• Alabama Department of Public Safety Crash Reports
• Lee County Circuit Court Records