Impatient Driver Allegedly Causes 8 Vehicle Fatal Crash

Clayton County experienced a terrible car crash involving 8 different vehicles resulting in serious injuries of three people and the death of a 2-year-old girl.

There is still an ongoing investigation, but as of right now, no one has been arrested concerning the accident. Even if no one is found to be at fault - as a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the offense of following too closely in our state as it commonly coincides with a charge for DUI in Georgia.

In fact, the majority of accident cases result in a driver being charged with following too closely in Georgia. 

Following too Closely in Georgia

According to Georgia Law, O.C.G.A. §40-6-49, following too closely is outlined as:

(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.

(b) The driver of any motor vehicle which is drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residential district and which is following another motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or other vehicle.

(c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residential district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This subsection shall not apply to funeral processions, parades, or other groups of vehicles if such groups of vehicles are under the supervision and control of a law enforcement agency.

(d) Vehicles which approach from the rear any other vehicle or vehicles stopped or slowed to make a lawful turn shall be deemed to be following for purposes of this Code section.

To put it simply - following too closely is the default ticket in a rear end case.

Practice Note

The most important take away is to always leave enough space between you and other drivers on the road. If charged with following too closely and DUI, then the accident will be used against you in court to prove that you were actually a less safe driver.

But if this is your case - it is important to know that no case is hopeless. We can help you today. Contact us now.