A Georgia Car Accident Lawyer is sharing critical insights after a devastating Wrong-way Crash on Interstate 285 in Atlanta left one man dead and another in critical condition on June 16, 2025. According to Atlanta News First, the crash occurred around 3:36 a.m. on the northbound lanes of I-285 near the Benjamin E. Mays Bridge.
Police say a Toyota Tacoma was driving south in the northbound lanes when it struck a Nissan Sentra head-on. The driver of the Nissan, a 40-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 24-year-old Toyota driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
This tragic incident highlights how quickly a routine drive can turn into a life-changing emergency—and why working with an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer is essential after a serious crash.
Why You Should Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer After a Major Crash
Wrong-way collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents. They often involve high speeds, direct impact, and little or no time for the victim to react. In the I-285 crash, the severity of the head-on collision caused total vehicle damage and closed down the expressway for hours.
These accidents are often caused by:
Driving under the influence
Driver fatigue
Confusion at poorly marked exits
Reckless or distracted driving
The consequences can be catastrophic. A trusted Georgia car accident lawyer can investigate what happened, determine who’s at fault, and help victims or their families take legal action.
What Legal Rights Do Victims and Families Have in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, if a car crash is caused by another person’s negligence, victims—or their surviving family members—can seek financial compensation. A knowledgeable Georgia car accident lawyer can help you recover damages for:
Medical bills
Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
Even when the at-fault driver is critically injured or deceased, their insurance policy may still cover the damages. Acting quickly helps preserve your rights and gives your legal team more time to build a strong case.
Steps to Take After a Crash: Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Recommendations
Following a crash like the one on I-285, knowing what to do can make all the difference. Here’s what the team at Coker Accident Lawyers recommends:
Call 911 and ensure a police report is filed.
Seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel okay at first.
Take photos of the crash scene, injuries, and vehicle damage.
Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company without legal advice.
Contact a Georgia car accident lawyer to start your claim and protect your future.
The sooner you take action, the easier it is to secure evidence and witness statements, and the stronger your case will be.
What Makes Georgia Car Accident Claims Unique?
Every state has its own set of rules when it comes to personal injury law, and Georgia is no exception. Here are a few key factors that affect car accident claims in Georgia:
Comparative Fault Rule: In Georgia, you can still recover damages if you’re found partially at fault for a crash—but your compensation may be reduced. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover. A Georgia car accident lawyer can help defend against unfair fault claims.
Statute of Limitations: You have a limited time (often two years or less in some cases) from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation.
Uninsured Motorist Claims: Georgia drivers are required to carry auto insurance, but not all comply. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own insurance policy might cover the loss—if you have UM/UIM coverage.
Punitive Damages: In cases involving drunk driving or extreme recklessness, Georgia courts may award punitive damages as a way to punish the at-fault party and deter future misconduct.
These legal nuances are why working with a Georgia car accident lawyer who understands state laws and insurance practices is essential.
How a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Helps You Recover
At Coker Accident Lawyers, we represent individuals and families throughout Georgia who are affected by serious car accidents. We understand how overwhelming this process can be, and we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
When you hire a Georgia car accident lawyer, we help with:
Full crash investigation and evidence collection
Working with medical experts and accident reconstruction teams
Managing insurance company communication and negotiations
Filing claims for both injury and wrongful death
Taking your case to trial if necessary
You don’t have to go through this alone. We’ll handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing and rebuilding.
Justice After the I-285 Crash Starts with a Call
The recent crash on I-285, as reported by Atlanta News First, is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can change due to someone else’s mistake. Whether you’ve suffered injuries or lost someone you love, a Georgia car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and take the next step.
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