Tommy Heaton Injured in Cobb County DUI Accident

Q: Why did the Chevrolet turn into oncoming traffic on Cumberland Parkway?

Investigators are working to determine the exact sequence of events that led the southbound Chevrolet to cross into the path of the northbound Mercedes. While the cause and liability of a crash are being investigated, it is important that a competent attorney handles investigations into cases such as this to ensure the rights of the victim are protected. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal, noted that "In DUI accidents such as this, independent investigators often look beyond the immediate crash scene to determine where the impaired driver consumed alcohol prior to the collision. This can uncover additional avenues of liability, such as dram shop claims against establishments that overserved a visibly intoxicated patron."

Q: How do passenger injury claims work in Georgia?

Passengers who suffer severe injuries in collisions often face extensive medical bills and long recovery periods. Formica has handled personal injury cases across multiple jurisdictions and has observed recurring patterns in how these claims unfold. "When a passenger is injured due to a driver's negligence, they have the right to pursue compensation through the at-fault driver's insurance policy," Formica added. "In cases involving severe injuries, an attorney can also help victims navigate their own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to ensure all medical expenses and future care needs are fully addressed."

Tommy Heaton DUI accident on Cumberland Parkway, Cobb County, Georgia

The two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Cumberland Parkway and Mt. Wilkinson Parkway

Tommy Heaton was seriously injured in a two-vehicle DUI accident on Cumberland Parkway at Mt. Wilkinson Parkway in Cobb County, Georgia, late Tuesday night, according to the Cobb County Police Department.‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‌

The driver of the vehicle Heaton was riding in, 31-year-old Brittany Jacks of Atlanta, was arrested and charged with DUI, serious injury by vehicle and failure to yield. Investigators said she was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Trax southbound when she attempted a left turn and entered the path of a northbound 2001 Mercedes E320.

Heaton and a passenger in the Mercedes, Que’tonyanna Young, both suffered serious injuries and were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

The 18-year-old driver of the Mercedes and another passenger in that vehicle suffered minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the department.

Why did the Chevrolet turn into oncoming traffic on Cumberland Parkway?

National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal, noted that "In DUI accidents such as this, independent investigators often look beyond the immediate crash scene to determine where the impaired driver consumed alcohol prior to the collision. This can uncover additional avenues of liability, such as dram shop claims against establishments that overserved a visibly intoxicated patron."

How do passenger injury claims work in Georgia?

"When a passenger is injured due to a driver's negligence, they have the right to pursue compensation through the at-fault driver's insurance policy," Formica added. "In cases involving severe injuries, an attorney can also help victims navigate their own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to ensure all medical expenses and future care needs are fully addressed."

Georgia personal injury and dram shop laws

Victims in Georgia generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Because evidence such as surveillance footage, toxicology reports, and witness statements can disappear quickly, preserving this information early is critical for building a strong claim.