A tragic crash took the life of a 49-year-old tow truck operator recently on Interstate 85 at mile marker 40 in Coweta County. According to Georgia State Troopers, the victim was at the site of an earlier crash, assisting emergency crews with clean up when he was struck by a Honda that troopers say was driving too fast for conditions.
According to a statement by police, the 31-year-old driver was speeding when he swerved to avoid hitting fire trucks that were at the scene of the earlier crash, causing him to slam into the victim. Troopers arrested the driver at the scene, charging him with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, and a move-over law violation. A deputy was also injured in the accident but is expected to survive his injuries.
Ironically, just feet away from the site of the accident sits a sign that reminds drivers, “State Law: Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.” Every year, approximately two dozen tow truck drivers and emergency responders are killed while assisting at crash sites – despite move-over laws. Move-over laws require drivers to slow down and switch lanes in order to keep these workers safe. Although every state has move-over laws in place, more than 70 percent of American drivers say they are unaware of these laws.
Many of these laws also include disabled vehicles. The number of accidents involving disabled vehicles that happen each year is disturbing and is responsible for the deaths of more than 550 people annually. Almost 15,000 people are seriously injured.
Severe Injuries
The number of victims who are killed in move-over law accidents is high. For those that do survive their injuries, many are left with long-term or permanent disabilities. Although the degree of permanent disabilities varies depending on the circumstances of the crash, many do result in significant impacts on victims’ quality of life, leaving them unable to do many of the activities they could before the crash. The injuries may be so severe that the victim is left unable to care for themselves and require life-long personal care assistance and medical care.
Some of these catastrophic injuries can include:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Paralysis
- Emotional trauma
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm Today
If you have been injured in a crash caused by the negligence of another driver, call Norris Injury Law to find out what legal options you may for the losses your injuries have caused you. You may be entitled to financial compensation for a number of different damages, including medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, permanent disability, loss of life enjoyment, and more. If your loved one was severely injured or killed in an accident, our firm can also help assist you with these types of cases.
Call our office today to meet with a dedicated Watkinsville, GA car accident lawyer and get the financial justice you deserve