Five Injured and One Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash in DeKalb County

The Dunwoody Police Department (DPD) reports that one person was killed and five more were injured in a multi-vehicle accident on I-285 in DeKalb County.

According to Atlanta News First, officers responded to the crash at 4:43 a.m. on I-285 westbound at Chamblee Dunwoody Road, where they found six vehicles involved. Initially, three vehicles collided, which led to a second crash, causing a chain reaction with additional vehicles.

Tragically, one driver involved in the initial crash was outside their vehicle and was struck by other cars, resulting in their death at the scene. Five other individuals were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, as confirmed by DPD.

This crash remains under investigation, and anyone with any information should contact Officer Smith at William.smith@dunwoodyga.gov.

What is a multi-vehicle crash?

A multi-vehicle crash refers to a collision that involves three or more vehicles and can take various forms, such as rear-end collisions or highway pileups. For instance, if Car A rear-ends Car B, causing it to crash into Car C, that would qualify as a multi-vehicle accident.

What causes multi-vehicle accidents?

Following are just a few common causes of Atlanta multi-vehicle accidents:

• Distracted driving: In today’s era of smartphones, distractions exist everywhere. Texting behind the wheel takes one’s attention away from the road, potentially causing a crash.
• Driving under the influence: Drunk or drugged driving can cause a variety of car accidents, including multi-vehicle collisions because another driver decided to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Weather conditions: Adverse weather, such as fog or snow, can create hazardous driving conditions. Poor visibility and slippery roads significantly heighten the risk of accidents.
• Speeding and aggressive driving: Excessive speed and aggressive driving can lead to multi-vehicle collisions. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and makes it challenging to react to unexpected changes in traffic. Also, aggressive driving, like tailgating or weaving in between lanes, can increase the chances of these types of crashes.
• Challenges at intersections: Intersections are hotspots for multi-vehicle crashes due to the convergence of traffic from various directions. Common causes include failure to yield, running red lights, or confusion over right-of-way.

What is a secondary crash?

The multi-vehicle crash in DeKalb County led to tragedy because it also became a secondary collision. Nearly ten percent of collisions on highways are secondary crashes. These accidents take place because the car or cars involved in a first crash create an obstacle or unexpected obstruction in the road. In cases of poor visibility or when a driver isn’t paying attention, a second crash can take place. In many cases, it is worse than the first collision, especially if people have exited their vehicles. This highlights the importance of checking your surroundings and trying to get to a safer location whenever possible. Sometimes, the only action to take is to stay in your vehicle if it is unsafe to exit.

What to do if you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident

Multi-vehicle accidents can be frightening and overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

• Ensure safety: Check yourself and others for injuries and, if possible, move to a safe location on the side of the road to avoid further accidents.
• Call emergency services: Report the accident to emergency services, providing your location and the number of vehicles involved. If anyone is injured, request immediate medical attention.
• Gather information: Exchange contact information, like names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information, of all the drivers involved in the collision. Record the make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles. If you can, take photos of the accident scene, making sure to include damaged vehicles, skid marks, and road conditions.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, remember that adrenaline can mask pain. Get a medical evaluation to address any hidden injuries. Keep detailed records of your medical appointments, diagnoses, and treatments. These will be valuable for your legal case.
• Contact your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company, providing them with only the necessary information. Do not admit fault for any part of the accident. Follow your insurance company’s instructions when filing a claim.
• Consult with an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney: At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, we can help you understand your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and maximize your compensation. We can also assist in gathering evidence to support your claim.
• Avoid making any statements: Don’t admit fault or speculate on the cause of the accident, and refrain from discussing your accident with anyone other than your attorney.

Remember, acting promptly and seeking legal advice can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome in a multi-vehicle accident case.

Don’t let the complexities of a multi-vehicle accident overwhelm you. Contact the experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP today for a free consultation. We’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your health and recovery. Please call or use our contact form to schedule a consultation at our offices in Atlanta or Savannah.