Tommy Heaton Injured in Cobb County DUI Accident
Brittany Jacks charged with DUI after turning into oncoming traffic on Cumberland Parkway
Tommy Heaton and Que’tonyanna Young were seriously 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 said the southbound 2020 Chevrolet Trax attempted a left turn and entered the path of an oncoming 2001 Mercedes E320.
Heaton, a passenger in the Chevrolet, and Young, a passenger in the Mercedes, were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for treatment. Another passenger in the Mercedes, Kymani Russell, suffered minor injuries and was also transported for treatment.
The 18-year-old driver of the Mercedes suffered minor injuries but declined medical treatment.
The crash remains under investigation.
Why did the Chevrolet turn into oncoming traffic on Cumberland Parkway?
While the criminal case against the driver proceeds, investigators will examine the intersection's sightlines and the driver's level of impairment. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "In DUI accidents such as this, independent investigators often review toxicology reports and intersection camera footage to establish a clear timeline of the impaired driver's actions leading up to the collision."
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for nearly a quarter of all traffic deaths in the state each year.
What are the legal options for the injured passengers?
Passengers injured in crashes caused by impaired drivers often face mounting medical bills while waiting for the criminal justice system to run its course. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal, noted that "Victims of DUI crashes have the right to pursue civil claims against the at-fault driver's insurance independently of any criminal proceedings, ensuring their medical expenses and recovery needs are addressed."
Georgia personal injury and DUI liability
Victims typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. Recoverable damages in these claims include hospital bills, ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.