Tractor-Trailer Hit-and-Run on Pleasant Hill Road in Gwinnett County Leads to Arrest

Modified Date: 
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 8:39am
Accident Date: 
Tuesday, January 28, 2025

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
Topics: 
Hit and Run
People Involved: 
Christian Barrier