Early Morning Collision On I-285 Kills One, Injures Another

On September 2, shortly before 4:00 am, one person died, and another was injured in a two-vehicle collision on I-285 West near Ashford Dunwoody Road.

According to Rough Draft Atlanta, the Dunwoody Police Department reported that officers arrived at the scene to find the driver and one passenger trapped in a white Scion. The collision occurred near the entrance to Georgia 400 as two vehicles were merging. The report stated, “The Scion began changing lanes towards the GA 400 exit ramp,” while a red F-250 was entering I-285 westbound from Ashford Dunwoody Road. The two vehicles collided at the bottom of the entrance ramp.

Tragically, the passenger of the Scion, a 33-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Scion was transported to North Fulton Hospital and is listed in stable condition. The driver of the F-250 did not sustain life-threatening injuries and was not transported to the hospital. The identity of the deceased woman was withheld pending family notification.

The dangers of large pickup trucks

Large pickup trucks are more popular than ever. According to Consumer Reports, full-sized pickups dominate the market, with models like the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500 leading in sales. As of 2020, full-sized trucks held 79% of the pickup market.

However, as this recent accident illustrates, large pickup trucks can pose significant risks on the road. Understanding these dangers is crucial for protecting your legal rights if you’re injured in an accident involving one.

• Size and weight disparity. Large pickup trucks often outweigh other vehicles with which they share the road, leading to catastrophic damage in collisions. For example, in a car accident involving a smaller vehicle, the sheer mass of a pickup truck can cause more severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or even death. For pedestrians and cyclists, the risks are even higher.
• Blind spots and reduced visibility. The elevated height of pickup trucks can result in large blind spots, which make it difficult for a driver to see pedestrians, bicyclists, or smaller vehicles around them. This lack of visibility can lead to increased accidents. When drivers can’t see what’s in their blind spots, it increases the risk of rear-end collisions or even running over pedestrians when making turns or backing up. Consumer Reports found that some trucks had “front blind spots 11 feet longer than those in some sedans and 7 feet longer than in many popular SUVs.”
• Longer stopping distances. Because pickup trucks are heavy, they take significant time and distance to stop. In an emergency, pickup truck drivers may not be able to stop as quickly as drivers of smaller vehicles. This delay can result in rear-end accidents, and the inability to stop in time can cause multi-car pileups or severe injuries to those in the vehicle struck.
• Higher center of gravity. Compared to other vehicles, large pickup trucks have a higher center of gravity. This can make them more prone to rollover accidents, especially during sharp turns or in poor weather conditions. These are among the deadliest types of crashes, leading to severe injuries to everyone involved.
• Aggressive driving. Pickup trucks are often marketed for their power and toughness, and some drivers may adopt more aggressive driving behaviors behind the wheel of one. Speeding, tailgating, and reckless driving are common causes of truck-related accidents. When combined with the sheer size and power of a large pickup truck, this aggressive driving can have fatal consequences for other road users.
• Pedestrian safety: The height of pickup trucks can result in increased pedestrian fatalities. The front-end design of many trucks, particularly those with large grills, is often higher than that of cars, striking pedestrians at their chest or head level instead of lower extremities. This increases the likelihood of life-threatening injuries when a truck hits a pedestrian, even at relatively low speeds.

Victims of large pickup truck accidents may face severe injuries, extensive medical bills, and long recovery times. The personal injury attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP help our clients hold negligent drivers accountable. Liability in these cases may involve not only the truck driver but also the manufacturers or maintenance providers if faulty design or maintenance issues contributed to the crash.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a large pickup truck, don’t face the aftermath alone. The severe injuries and overwhelming costs can be life-altering, but you have the right to pursue compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP today for a free consultation, and let us fight to hold negligent drivers accountable while you focus on your recovery. Please call or use our contact form to schedule a consultation at our offices in Atlanta or Savannah.