Mobile County residents are mourning the loss of 21‑year‑old Jeriah Roberts, who died in a fiery crash on Kushla McLeod Road on September 2. According to the official crash report, the driver of a Bay Concrete cement truck became distracted while searching for his wallet, crossed the center line and struck Roberts’ car, sending it into a ditch where it ignited.
Family sues for wrongful death
Jeriah’s father, Fred Roberts Jr., filed a wrongful‑death complaint in Mobile County Circuit Court on behalf of his family. The suit claims the accident resulted from the driver’s negligence and alleges that Bay Concrete either knew or should have known that the driver lacked the skill, care, and expertise to operate a large vehicle safely.
David Greene, the attorney representing the Roberts family, described the case as a “nightmare” that the family lives with daily. “People love this family. They’re a family of faith, leaning on each other. The mom, dad and little brother are just crushed, as you can only imagine,” Greene said. He added that the family travels the same road every day, making the tragedy especially painful.
Driver’s explanation and legal hurdles
The crash report filed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) states the driver admitted he was looking for his wallet when he lost focus and crossed the center line. Greene cautioned that the report itself cannot be used as evidence in court and expressed uncertainty about the driver’s account, saying, “I don’t know that that is the exact truth. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me, but maybe indeed that happened.”
Greene emphasized that the lawsuit seeks not only compensation but also changes that could improve safety on the road. “We just want the community to be safe. If there’s a change that can be implemented, the family wants that change,” he said.
Company response
Bay Concrete has not commented on the lawsuit. Previous inquiries to the company and its legal counsel have been met with “no comment.” The firm’s silence leaves the community awaiting further details about any internal safety reviews or corrective actions.
Impact on the community
The incident has sparked concern among Mobile residents who travel the same stretch of road daily. Local officials have not yet announced any formal investigation beyond the ALEA report, but the lawsuit may prompt a review of traffic‑safety measures for large commercial vehicles in the area.
As the case proceeds through the courts, the Roberts family hopes that the legal action will bring accountability and prevent similar tragedies. Their faith and reliance on one another remain central to their coping process, underscoring the deep personal toll of the accident.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
