By Crash News Writer 
Florence, AL (July 28, 2026) – A cyclist suffered critical injuries after being struck in a hit-and-run crash late Friday night on Cloverdale Road in Florence. Police later located the suspected driver and made an arrest.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the collision occurred at approximately 10:54 p.m. on July 24 along Cloverdale Road near Dutch Bros Coffee.
Florence Police said surveillance video showed the vehicle striking the cyclist before continuing southbound on Cloverdale Road without stopping. The cyclist sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital, where the victim remained in critical condition.
Investigators initially searched for a silver or gray crossover sport utility vehicle believed to have sustained front-end and windshield damage.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. Saturday, 19-year-old Scarlet Montgomery contacted the Florence Police Department and reported being involved in a crash on Cloverdale Road. Officers located a silver Toyota RAV4 with damage consistent with the earlier hit-and-run.
Following an investigation, Montgomery was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence, First-Degree Assault, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injury. She was booked into the Lauderdale County Detention Center and later released after posting a $35,500 bond.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident Today
Hit-and-run crashes involving cyclists often result in catastrophic injuries and complicated legal matters. Victims and their families may face significant medical expenses, lost income, and a lengthy recovery. Understanding car accident laws in Alabama can help injured individuals better understand their legal rights, insurance issues, and potential avenues for compensation.
Taking prompt legal action is important because critical evidence such as surveillance footage, vehicle damage, witness statements, and official investigative reports may become more difficult to obtain over time. An experienced attorney can assist with preserving evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and evaluating claims for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. When criminal charges are filed, victims may also have separate civil remedies available.
If you are searching for a car accident near me, obtaining reliable legal guidance after a serious collision is an important step. Whether you are looking for information about a car accident near Florence or reviewing a recent car accident report, understanding your rights can help protect your future. Many people also search for a car accident near me after hearing about serious crashes in their community. If you need details regarding a car accident near Florence, reviewing the official car accident report and consulting an attorney can help you make informed decisions.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary information released by law enforcement and may be updated as investigators continue their work. Readers can learn more through the frequently asked questions in Alabama page.
Additional information, including court proceedings, investigative findings, and any modifications to the charges, may become available as the case progresses.
Helpful information and victim assistance resources are also available through accident resources in Alabama.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports available at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this information. Learn more with our disclaimer.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a hit-and-run collision, contact an experienced Alabama personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.