Semi-Truck Collision with Construction Equipment Shuts Down I-20 in DeKalb County, Georgia

Modified Date: 
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 5:30pm
Accident Date: 
Tuesday, January 28, 2025

I-20 eastbound lanes in DeKalb County back open after semi-truck accident(link is external)

Police said they had to figure out how to get the truck out of the construction zone.

 

A construction zone incident on Interstate 20 Eastbound in DeKalb County resulted in injuries and significant traffic disruption on Tuesday when a semi-truck collided with construction equipment. The crash occurred in the segment between Wesley Chapel Road and Panola Road, prompting authorities to implement a full closure of the eastbound lanes. DeKalb County Police responded to the scene, where they found the tractor-trailer had entered an active construction zone and struck equipment positioned along the interstate. Aerial footage from Atlanta News First's First Alert Chopper revealed the semi-truck stopped along the shoulder of I-20, highlighting the scale of the incident. Emergency responders treated one person for injuries, though the severity and current condition have not been disclosed. The situation required a complex recovery operation, as police faced challenges extracting the truck from the construction zone. After several hours of closure that impacted thousands of commuters, crews successfully cleared the scene and reopened all eastbound lanes to traffic.

Location and Infrastructure

This section of Interstate 20, a major east-west corridor through metro Atlanta, serves as a crucial artery connecting downtown Atlanta with eastern DeKalb County communities. The stretch between Wesley Chapel Road and Panola Road experiences heavy daily traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours, with an average daily traffic count exceeding 100,000 vehicles. The area has been under construction as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements, with designated work zones clearly marked according to Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) specifications. This segment features three main travel lanes in each direction, with acceleration and deceleration lanes serving the Wesley Chapel and Panola Road interchanges. The presence of construction zones requires reduced speeds and heightened attention from drivers navigating through modified traffic patterns.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Georgia, accidents involving commercial vehicles and construction zones fall under specific legal frameworks that affect potential claims and liability. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is two years from the date of the accident. Multiple parties may bear responsibility in construction zone accidents, including the truck driver, trucking company, construction contractors, or government entities responsible for road maintenance and safety. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, where parties less than 50% at fault may seek compensation. Available damages typically include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Commercial vehicle accidents often involve complex insurance considerations, including minimum liability coverage requirements for interstate trucking operations ($750,000 federal requirement) and potential multiple insurance policies.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

  • DeKalb County Police Department: (404) 294-2000
  • DeKalb County Fire Rescue: (678) 406-7731
  • Grady Memorial Hospital Trauma Center: (404) 616-1000

Traffic Safety Resources:

  • Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT): 511 for real-time traffic information
  • DeKalb County Traffic Management Center: (404) 297-3947

Support Services:

  • Georgia State Patrol Accident Reports: (404) 624-7700
  • GDOT Construction Zone Safety Program: (404) 631-1990
  • Georgia Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (404) 527-8700

State Traffic Resources:

Roadway: 
I-20