Fatal Head-On Collision Claims Life of Christopher Johnston, 40, on Hickory Grove Road in Cobb County, Georgia
1 dead, 1 injured in head-on collision on Hickory Grove Road in Cobb County
Witnesses or individuals with pertinent details are encouraged to contact the S.T.E.P. Unit at 770-499-3987, referencing case number 25004468.
A tragic head-on collision on Hickory Grove Road in Cobb County claimed the life of 40-year-old Christopher Johnston of Acworth on January 22, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 3:05 p.m. east of Carina Drive when Johnston's silver 2021 BMW M3, traveling eastbound, crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a white 2019 Ford Transit. The impact left both vehicles locked together in the westbound lane. Emergency responders transported both drivers to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where Johnston succumbed to his life-threatening injuries. The 54-year-old Transit driver from Kennesaw sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover. Cobb County Police Department's Special Operations, Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P.) Unit is actively investigating the collision.
Location and Infrastructure - Hickory Grove Road serves as a vital connector in Cobb County's transportation network, linking residential areas with major arterial roads. The section where the collision occurred, near Carina Drive, features a two-lane configuration typical of suburban collector roads in the area. This stretch experiences moderate to heavy traffic during peak hours, particularly as it serves as a route between Kennesaw and Acworth communities. The road's layout includes several residential access points and intersections, requiring drivers to maintain heightened awareness of turning vehicles and changing traffic patterns.
Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Georgia law, accidents resulting in fatalities typically involve complex liability determinations governed by O.C.G.A. § 51-1-1 et seq. Surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim, which must be filed within Georgia's two-year statute of limitations. Insurance considerations include potential claims against both personal injury protection and liability coverage. Compensatory damages may encompass medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. The state's modified comparative negligence system may affect recovery based on each party's degree of fault.
Related Resources:
- Cobb County Police Department S.T.E.P. Unit: 770-499-3987
- Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Emergency Services: 770-793-5000
- Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: www.gahighwaysafety.org
- Georgia Department of Driver Services: dds.georgia.gov
- Georgia Victim Assistance Program: 404-657-2222
What you need to know after a serious Cobb County car accident
When someone has been seriously injured in a car crash in Cobb County, they are faced with unexpected medical costs and lost income. In the weeks and months following a car accident, injured people and their families can be overwhelmed as they struggle to manage day-to-day living.
After a serious or fatal car collision, it is crucial to quickly get the information needed to make good decisions. Getting appropriate medical treatment is just one aspect of healing. Finding help in handling the insurance claim that will begin financial recovery is another.
If the injuries are serious or if you have questions about what you should do, it is best to contact an experienced Cobb County injury lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation. Serious injury accident claims are difficult to handle without the assistance of a lawyer who understands the process and can obtain the highest possible settlement. Learn more about how a Cobb County car accident attorney can help.