Road Rage Cited as Factor in Four-Vehicle Newnan Accident
As the Metro Atlanta area expands and gets more crowded, it is very common for drivers to experience frustration on heavily trafficked Georgia roads. When people often feel that one of their fellow motorists is driving in an unsafe manner, they usually express their displeasure through some angry words, a horn blast or possibly an unpleasant gesture. However, there are situations where a driver’s aggression poses serious danger to others around them.
Georgia State Police say that on August 14th, the operators of two vehicles were antagonizing each other traveling south on Newnan Crossing Bypass near the intersection with Route 16. A Chevrolet driven by one of the motorists, Brandon Siez, cut directly in front of the Nissan driven by the other, Asher Thull. At that point, the police report says Siez slammed on his brakes, causing Thull’s car to strike his vehicle from behind.
Unfortunately, this road rage incident affected others besides the participants. Following the collision, both cars careened out of control and hit other vehicles. In all, three people were hospitalized as a result of the chain-reaction crash, including a passenger in a Ford F-150 that was hurt when Thull’s car crossed over the median into the northbound lanes.
Police interviews with the drivers revealed that they were engaging in several different behaviors commonly associated with road rage, including speeding, swerving and “flipping off” with one’s finger. The initial impact was caused by what is known as “brake checking,” which is another common tactic in disputes between drivers.
What begins as a moment of frustration or retaliation can lead to catastrophic auto accidents, including multi-vehicle collisions like that one that happened in Newnan. Given that the participants in these incidents are often traveling at high speeds, cars and trucks in these crashes often roll over, increasing the likelihood of head trauma, spinal injuries, bone fractures and internal bleeding.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a car crash, it is important to pinpoint the circumstances that led up to the collision. Whether road rage, alcohol, smartphone use or something else contributed to the collision, an experienced lawyer can conduct an investigation to bolster your legal claim.
The Law Office of S. Mark Mitchell, LLC in Newnan pursues maximum compensation for Georgia clients in personal injury and wrongful death actions stemming from auto accidents and other types of incidents. For a consultation about the relief you might be entitled to, please call 470-344-8550 or contact me online.
