Bryce Smith Injured in Cobb County Car Accident
Brittany Jacks charged with DUI after turning into oncoming Mercedes on Cumberland Parkway
Bryce Smith, 18, of Marietta, was injured in a two-vehicle crash on Cumberland Parkway at Mt. Wilkinson Parkway in Cobb County, Georgia, on Tuesday, according to the Cobb County Police Department.
Brittany Jacks, 31, of Atlanta, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, serious injury by vehicle and failure to yield. Investigators determined her southbound 2020 Chevrolet Trax attempted a left turn directly into the path of an oncoming 2001 Mercedes E320.
Paramedics transported two passengers, Tommy Heaton and Que’tonyanna Young, to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with serious injuries. Another passenger, Kymani Russell, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, while Smith declined medical treatment at the scene.
The collision occurred around 10:43 p.m. Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the department as the investigation continues.
How does a DUI charge affect the Cobb County crash investigation?
While criminal charges hold impaired drivers accountable to the state, injured victims and their families must handle a separate civil process to address medical bills and recovery costs.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "In DUI car accidents, the criminal proceedings establish a baseline of liability, but a parallel civil investigation is necessary to uncover all contributing factors, including whether a third party over-served the impaired driver."
According to the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety, alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of severe collisions across the state, accounting for hundreds of preventable injuries each year.
What are the legal options for the injured passengers?
Passengers who suffer severe trauma in collisions often face extensive hospital stays and long-term rehabilitation. Authorities continue to review the sequence of events leading up to the Tuesday night collision to finalize their reports.
National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal, noted that "Victims of impaired driving crashes have the right to pursue compensation for their physical and emotional damages, independent of the criminal court's timeline or outcome."
Individuals involved in DUI accidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
Georgia personal injury and dram shop laws
Victims generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. Recoverable damages in these claims can include current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.