MOBILE, Mobile County, Ala., Oct. 13, 2026 — A man died Saturday night, October 10, after he was struck by a vehicle while helping another driver at the scene of an earlier crash on Highway 90 South in Mobile, police said. The driver who hit him left the scene, according to the Mobile Police Department.
Officers were called to the intersection of the I-10 exit ramp and Highway 90 South at about 11:30 p.m. Saturday for a multi-vehicle crash. Investigators determined a driver lost control of a vehicle, left the roadway, struck a guard rail along Highway 90 South, and flipped onto its roof.
Two passing drivers stopped to help the driver of that vehicle, who reportedly had only minor injuries. While they were stopped, another vehicle struck them. Officers said 45-year-old Jayan Mehul Patel had gotten out of his vehicle to help when he was hit by the passing vehicle. He was found in the roadway with life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver who struck Patel did not stay at the scene.
The Mobile Police Department said the investigation is ongoing. We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family, and we wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Hit-and-Run Crashes Happen When Drivers Stop to Help
Roadside crash scenes create a narrow, chaotic window: a damaged vehicle blocking a lane, people on foot near moving traffic, often at night with limited lighting. Drivers approaching that scene have only seconds to recognize what they're seeing and react, and speed determines how much of that time they actually have.
A driver moving at highway speed covers far more distance in the time it takes to notice a hazard and brake than a driver going slower. When a vehicle is already stopped or a pedestrian is standing in or near a travel lane, that gap between recognition and reaction can be the difference between a close call and a fatal strike. Impairment, distraction, and fatigue at night compound the problem by slowing reaction time further.
Hit-and-run behavior after this kind of crash is often tied to panic instead of planning. Drivers who realize they have struck a person may flee out of fear, which is why these cases often turn into separate investigations pursued well after the original crash has cleared. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 70 percent of people killed in hit-and-run crashes were pedestrians and bicyclists in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does seat belt use matter so much in crashes like this?
A seat belt keeps an occupant in place during a sudden rollover or collision, reducing the chance of being thrown from the vehicle or against the roof. In rollover crashes especially, unbelted occupants face a much higher risk of ejection and serious injury.
What should families do after a fatal crash like this?
Families can request a copy of the official crash report once it's released and stay in contact with the investigating agency for updates. Many also find it helpful to speak with a grief counselor or victim advocate during the early days after a loss.
How are fatal hit-and-run crashes investigated?
Police typically canvass for surveillance footage, examine vehicle debris left at the scene, and seek witness accounts to identify the fleeing vehicle. Evidence like paint transfer or vehicle parts can help investigators match a suspect vehicle.
How long do these investigations usually take?
Timelines vary widely. Some hit-and-run cases are resolved within days if witnesses or video evidence exist; others remain open for months while investigators pursue leads.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Mobile, AL
If you witness a crash in Mobile, it's safest to stay in your vehicle or well off the roadway while calling 911, instead of standing in or near traffic lanes. If you do need to check on another driver, try to position yourself and your vehicle as visibly as possible, with hazard lights on.
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a hit-and-run should try to note the vehicle's description, direction of travel, and any partial license plate information for police. Even after leaving the scene, seeking a prompt medical evaluation matters, since injuries from a crash are not always immediately obvious. Cooperating with the Mobile Police Department's investigation, including providing a written statement, can help move a case forward.
