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Reckless Driving, Road Debris, and Speeding Contributed to Auto Death on I-285

By Casey W. Stevens

Attorney Casey W. Stevens specializes in accident and injury litigation throughout Georgia

A Saturday morning accident on I-285 involving an 18-wheeler resulted in one fatality. The accident was ultimately caused when 45-year-old Ruben Vega struck the retaining wall and dislodged his bumper. The bumper was blocking the lane, and the approaching 18-wheeler slowed to a near stop to avoid colliding with it. Gerald D. Wallace, 36 from Norcross, struck the back of the 18-wheeler and was killed.

Reckless Driving Was a Factor

Witnesses said that Mr. Vega was driving recklessly when he crossed traffic and struck the retaining wall prior to the fatal crash. His bumper came off and obstructed the lane, forcing the 18-wheeler to slow down to a near stop to avoid hitting it. (Running over debris can cause serious accidents and put even more drivers at risk.) The police have charged Mr. Vega with a lane violation as well as 2nd degree vehicular homicide. But according to eye-witness accounts, Mr. Wallace’s vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck the 18-wheeler. The driver of the 18-wheeler has not been charged, and the investigation is still ongoing.

A Complicated Case

Under Georgia law, the liability for this accident lies with the first driver because his reckless driving caused him to strike the retaining wall and leave debris that blocked the lane of traffic. While a tractor trailer’s sheer size is typically a contributing factor to any accident that they are involved in, in this particular case, the size of the truck did not play a role. In fact, as the second driver, the 18-wheeler driver operated his vehicle responsibly and in accordance with Georgia law by slowing for the debris in the road. However, the third driver, if he was in fact speeding, shares some level of responsibility for the accident as well. In a liability lawsuit, a jury would have to decide what percentage of liability lies with each party.

Casey Stevens is an Experienced Georgia Accident Lawyer

Attorney Casey W. Stevens is experienced in handling all types of wrongful death and liability accident cases in North Georgia. If you have been injured through no fault of your own or if you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, contact our office for a free case evaluation. Mr. Stevens will meet with you personally to hear the details of your case and offer his expert opinion. We have six convenient metro area locations, or if your circumstances warrant it, he will gladly make arrangements to meet with you in your home, hospital room, or any location where you are most comfortable.

Contact our office today for your free case evaluation! 770-408-6364

Client Reviews
★★★★★
After being involved and a five car accident I contacted Casey Stevens law firm. I was given his number by a fellow coworker at my job who had used him in the past and was very satisfied with his services. The car accident included myself my husband and my son, the accident was determined to be the fault of two drivers involved in the accident. Casey personally came to my home the next day and said down with me and my family at the kitchen table and went over all the events of the accident. There were months and months of physical therapy, doctor visits injections and while my son had to have his mouth wired after having his jaw broke in three places. Casey and his staff worked continuously on our case and after it was all said and done, they where able to get us over $300,000 in damages. I really want to Thank Casey Stevens and his staff for always being available for phone calls and answering any questions I might have. I will continue to recommend potential clients to Casey Stevens law firm. Nina F
★★★★★
Outstanding Attorney. Casey Stevens is outstanding!! Everyone there put me at ease and made me feel that my case was important to them, I was not just another number to them. Their professional staff were always on hand to answer any questions that I had and they sincerely cared about my well being. If I ever need legal help again, you will be my first and only call Susan