Tractor-Trailer Hit-and-Run on Pleasant Hill Road in Gwinnett County Leads to Arrest
Tractor-Trailer Hit and Run
On January 31 Barrier turned himself into the Gwinnett County Jail.
Video shows truck pushing car through two intersections, resulting in charges for truck driver, Georgia cops say
Barrier faces charges of Hit and Run, Improper Lane Change, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Conduct.
A hit-and-run incident involving a tractor-trailer on Pleasant Hill Road in Gwinnett County, Georgia, resulted in charges against an Alabama truck driver. On January 28, 2024, a silver passenger vehicle traveling over the I-85 overpass near Venture Parkway was struck by a tractor-trailer attempting to change lanes. The impact caused the car to spin in front of the truck, which then pushed the vehicle through two intersections before stopping. The truck driver fled the scene, leaving the passenger car driver shaken but uninjured. Following an investigation by the Gwinnett County Police Accident Investigation Unit, authorities identified the truck driver as Christian Barrier, 31, of Alabama. Barrier faces multiple charges including Hit and Run, Improper Lane Change, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Conduct. He surrendered to authorities at the Gwinnett County Jail on January 31.
Location and Infrastructure
The incident occurred on Pleasant Hill Road, a major east-west arterial corridor in Gwinnett County that intersects with Interstate 85. The area around Venture Parkway is characterized by heavy commercial traffic due to numerous retail establishments and business parks. The I-85 overpass section of Pleasant Hill Road typically experiences high traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours, as it serves as a crucial connection between Duluth and Lawrenceville. The intersection features multiple lanes in each direction with dedicated turn lanes and is controlled by traffic signals, making safe lane changes critical for large vehicles like tractor-trailers.
Legal Rights and Considerations
Under Georgia Code § 40-6-270, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense that can result in both criminal penalties and civil liability. Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Georgia have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Compensation may be available through multiple channels, including the at-fault driver's commercial vehicle insurance, the victim's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP) if applicable. Commercial vehicle accidents often involve complex liability issues, including potential claims against the driver's employer under vicarious liability laws. An experienced Georgia personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.
Related Resources
- Gwinnett County Police Department: 770-513-5000
- Gwinnett County Traffic Engineering: 770-822-7400
- Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety
- Georgia Department of Driver Services - Commercial Vehicle Division
- Georgia State Law Library - Traffic Laws Portal
- Victim Witness Program - Gwinnett County: 770-822-8444
What you need to know after a serious Gwinnett County injury accident
When someone has been injured in Gwinnett County, they must deal with medical bills and lost wages while on the road to recovery. Whether the injury happened in a car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, or some other kind of accident, injured people need help to recover.
After a significant injury, it is crucial to quickly get the information needed to make good decisions. Getting appropriate medical treatment is just one aspect of recovering. Getting help in handling the personal injury insurance claim that will begin financial recovery is another.
If the injuries are serious, it is best to contact an experienced Gwinnett County injury lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation. Injury accident claims are hard to handle without the help of a good lawyer who understands the process. Learn more about the help you can get from an experienced Gwinnett County truck accident lawyer.
Spinal cord injuries are not uncommon in catastrophic accidents. A person will usually require intense medical care to recover from them, and many can’t return to the work they did before the injury. When an accident causes this serious type of harm, the victim can bring a personal injury claim against any party responsible for it. A good Gwinnett County spinal cord injury attorney can help by handling the insurance claim after a significant spine injury.