A tragic single-vehicle accident on Wednesday afternoon has claimed the life of a 54-year-old Wetumpka resident, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Matthew C. Palmgren was fatally injured shortly after 5:45 p.m. when his pickup truck veered off Alabama Highway 111 approximately 9 miles north of Wetumpka in Elmore County and subsequently overturned. According to ALEA investigators, Palmgren was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Palmgren was pronounced dead upon their arrival. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has taken over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. ALEA Troopers continue their investigation to determine the factors that led to the vehicle leaving the roadway. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of seat belt usage and the potentially fatal consequences when safety restraints are not utilized during motor vehicle accidents.

Location and Infrastructure

Alabama Highway 111 is a significant north-south corridor that connects several communities in Elmore County, including the area north of Wetumpka where this fatal crash occurred. The roadway in this section passes through a mix of rural and developing suburban areas, with varying terrain that includes hills, curves, and straightaways typical of central Alabama's landscape. The stretch of AL-111 approximately 9 miles north of Wetumpka serves as a connection between Wetumpka and communities further north, carrying both local and through traffic. This area may feature limited shoulder space and guardrails depending on the specific location, and roadway conditions can be affected by weather, visibility, and maintenance factors. The rural nature of this section means that emergency response times may be longer compared to more urban areas, making the severity of accidents potentially more critical due to delayed medical intervention.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Alabama law, single-vehicle accidents involving fatalities are subject to thorough investigation by state authorities to determine contributing factors such as mechanical failure, road conditions, weather, or driver impairment. Alabama follows a contributory negligence standard, which can impact potential claims if multiple parties bear responsibility for an accident. In cases where vehicle defects, road maintenance issues, or other third-party factors may have contributed to a crash, families may have grounds for wrongful death claims. Alabama Code establishes a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury and wrongful death actions, making timely legal consultation crucial for preserving rights. Potential compensation in wrongful death cases may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members. Insurance considerations typically involve the deceased's auto policy, any applicable uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and potential liability policies of other responsible parties if third-party involvement is established during the investigation.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Elmore County Emergency Management Agency
• Wetumpka Fire Department
• Elmore County Sheriff's Office
• Alabama State Troopers Highway Patrol Division

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Traffic Safety Division
• Alabama Traffic Safety Office
• Elmore County Road Department

Support Services:

• Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission
• Grief counseling services through local hospitals and faith-based organizations
• Alabama Department of Human Resources family support services

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Alabama Code Title 32 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency traffic crash reporting
• Alabama Department of Insurance consumer resources
• State Bar of Alabama lawyer referral service