The accident report is not complete as police are still investigating, but it has been confirmed that the driver of a pickup truck with four occupants had pulled over onto the left shoulder HOV lane in order to change a tire. At this point, a second vehicle crashed into the stopped vehicle, striking one of the people attempting the tire change. That individual was pronounced dead at the scene by arriving medical personnel.
The other three occupants of the pickup truck were also injured, though the severity of their injuries was not reported. They were taken by ambulance to a local hospital in Atlanta. The condition of the driver of the second vehicle, as well as any passengers he or she may have been transporting, is unknown at this time. Police say they have not determined the cause of the crash at this time, but they have not ruled out recklessness, negligence, or even intoxication as possible causes.
Depending on the outcome of the Georgia police investigation, it seems possible the second driver could face charges as the pickup truck was stopped at the time of the car accident. Even if criminal charges are not filed, state law will allow the family of the deceased individual, as well as the injured parties, to file wrongful death and/or personal injury lawsuits against the second driver in civil court. Evidence of the driver’s material contribution to the accident will be required before the court will consider awarding damages to the injured parties.
Source: 11alive.com, “At least 1 killed in two-car accident on I-75 NB,” Tim Darnell, Tiffany McCall, Aug.17, 2017
