A serious multi-vehicle crash in south Habersham County disrupted traffic and sent one person to the hospital Saturday evening. The wreck occurred at a busy intersection along GA 365 and serves as another reminder of how quickly routine driving decisions can lead to dangerous outcomes, situations a car accident lawyer often reviews when multi-vehicle collisions result in injuries.
According to authorities, the crash happened around 6:45 p.m. on January 10 at the intersection of GA 365 and Duncan Bridge Road. The collision involved three vehicles and caused the southbound lanes of GA 365 to shut down for more than an hour as emergency crews worked to clear the scene and assist those involved.
Details of the Crash at GA 365 and Duncan Bridge Road
Troopers with the Georgia State Patrol reported that a Honda CR-V was traveling northbound on GA 365 when the driver attempted to make a left turn onto Duncan Bridge Road.
During the turn, the driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic. A southbound Chevrolet Tahoe attempted to stop but was unable to avoid impact. The Tahoe struck the right rear side of the Honda CR-V with significant force.
The impact caused the Honda to spin out of control and collide with a Ford Fusion SE that was stopped at a red light on Duncan Bridge Road. Airbags deployed in multiple vehicles due to the force of the crash.
Injuries Reported Following the Collision
The driver of the Honda CR-V, 69-year-old Roy Rickman of Lakeland, Florida, sustained injuries in the crash. Emergency responders from Habersham EMS transported him to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville for medical treatment.
Authorities did not release details regarding the extent of his injuries, but the response indicates that medical care was necessary following the collision.
The drivers of the other vehicles involved were not injured. Selina Buell, 55, of Buford, who was driving the Chevrolet Tahoe, and Jennifer Harris, 47, of Demorest, who was driving the Ford Fusion, were evaluated at the scene and did not require hospital transport.
Failure to Yield Cited as Cause of the Crash
Troopers charged the driver of the Honda with failure to yield while turning left. Left turn accidents are among the most common and dangerous types of traffic collisions, especially at busy intersections like GA 365 and Duncan Bridge Road.
When a driver fails to yield, oncoming traffic often has little time to react. Even when another driver attempts to brake, the stopping distance may not be enough to avoid a collision.
In this case, the failure to yield set off a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles, illustrating how a single traffic violation can place numerous people at risk.
Heavy Emergency Response at the Scene
Initial reports suggested that as many as eight vehicles could have been involved in the wreck. While later information confirmed three vehicles were directly impacted, the response required coordination from multiple agencies.
The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, the Baldwin Police Department, and Georgia State Patrol all responded to assist with traffic control, investigation, and scene safety.
Emergency crews worked for more than an hour to clear the wreckage, remove damaged vehicles, and reopen the southbound lanes of GA 365.
Traffic Disruptions on GA 365
GA 365 is a major transportation route in northeast Georgia and sees significant traffic throughout the day. The closure of southbound lanes caused delays and congestion for drivers traveling through the area on Saturday evening.
Intersections along highways like GA 365 are particularly vulnerable to serious crashes due to higher speeds and turning movements. When a crash occurs at such locations, clearing the scene safely often takes considerable time.
Drivers were advised to seek alternate routes while crews worked to restore normal traffic flow.
Why Left Turn Crashes Are So Dangerous
Left turn crashes frequently result in serious injuries because they often involve side impacts. These collisions can expose drivers and passengers to direct force with less structural protection than front or rear impacts.
Factors that commonly contribute to left turn crashes include:
- Misjudging the speed of oncoming vehicles
- Obstructed views at intersections
- Distraction or inattention
- Impatience during heavy traffic
At busy intersections, even a brief lapse in judgment can have severe consequences.
Multi Vehicle Collisions and Chain Reactions
This crash demonstrates how quickly a single mistake can escalate into a multi vehicle collision. When one vehicle is struck and loses control, nearby vehicles may have no opportunity to avoid impact.
Chain reaction crashes often result in increased property damage, multiple injury claims, and complex investigations. Determining responsibility may involve analyzing traffic signals, vehicle positions, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene.
These cases can be especially stressful for drivers who were stopped or traveling lawfully when the collision occurred.
Legal Questions That Often Follow Multi Vehicle Crashes
After a multi vehicle crash, injured individuals and drivers often face important legal questions, including:
- How fault is determined among multiple drivers
- Whether traffic violations influence liability
- How insurance coverage applies to chain reaction crashes
- What options exist for those injured through no fault of their own
In situations involving failure to yield, responsibility may extend beyond the initial point of impact due to the cascading nature of the collision.
Ongoing Investigation by Authorities
Georgia State Patrol confirmed that the crash remains under investigation. Investigators may review vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signal timing, and witness statements to fully document the incident.
While charges have already been issued, investigations often continue to ensure that all contributing factors are identified. This process plays an important role in determining accountability and preventing future crashes at the same location.
The Impact on Drivers and Families
Even when injuries are reported as moderate, the effects of a crash can last far beyond the initial incident. Medical treatment, follow-up appointments, and physical recovery can disrupt daily life.
Drivers who were not injured may still experience emotional stress, vehicle damage, and time away from work. For families, the sudden disruption caused by a crash can be overwhelming.
Incidents like this highlight the importance of careful driving and awareness at intersections where traffic patterns intersect.
Community Safety and Intersection Awareness
Crashes at intersections such as GA 365 and Duncan Bridge Road often lead to renewed focus on traffic safety. Communities may call for improved signage, better visibility, or increased enforcement to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
Drivers are reminded to approach intersections with caution, remain patient, and ensure that it is safe to proceed before making turns across traffic.
About Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm, is a Georgia-based personal injury law firm recognized for standing with individuals affected by serious motor vehicle crashes. We proudly represent injury victims throughout Georgia, including Atlanta, Athens, Savannah, Columbus, Warner Robins, and Macon. The firm is known for its commitment to accountability, fairness, and protecting the rights of those harmed in preventable roadway incidents. Contact us today for a free consultation.
