A devastating collision at the intersection of State Road 20 and Cline Smith Road in Cartersville, Georgia, claimed the lives of four young men on Saturday night, leaving their families and the local community in mourning. The victims have been identified as Adhonest Thomas, Shaun Miller, Isaiah Ross, and Xavier Thompson. According to the Georgia State Patrol, the fatal crash occurred when the vehicle carrying the four men ran a traffic signal and collided with another vehicle at the intersection. Thomas, also known as AD, was pronounced dead at the scene. Miller and Ross succumbed to their injuries while being transported by medical helicopters to the hospital. Thompson was airlifted to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where he died after 16 hours, with his mother Danielle Walker at his bedside. The occupants of the other vehicle involved were also transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, though their conditions have not been disclosed. The crash site has become a memorial, with families placing crosses and community members gathering to pay their respects. GoFundMe pages have been established by each family to assist with funeral expenses.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of State Road 20 and Cline Smith Road in Cartersville represents a significant junction in Bartow County's road network. State Road 20, also known as Canton Road in this area, is a major east-west corridor that handles substantial daily traffic volumes as it connects communities throughout northwest Georgia. The intersection is controlled by traffic signals, and the area serves both local residents and through-traffic traveling between Cartersville and surrounding municipalities. Cartersville, located approximately 40 miles northwest of Atlanta, has experienced significant growth and development in recent years, leading to increased traffic volumes on major thoroughfares like State Road 20. The roadway in this area features multiple lanes and serves commercial and residential areas, making proper adherence to traffic control devices essential for safe navigation through the intersection.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, victims of motor vehicle accidents and their families may have legal rights to pursue compensation for damages. Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence system, where victims can recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-20 requires all drivers to obey traffic control devices, including traffic signals, and violations can establish negligence in civil claims. Families of deceased victims may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2, which allows recovery for the full value of the life of the deceased, including both economic and non-economic damages. Georgia's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and pain and suffering. Survivors of accident victims should consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand their legal options, as insurance considerations and liability determinations can be complex in multi-vehicle collisions.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Bartow County Emergency Services: 911
• Georgia State Patrol Post 32 - Cartersville: (770) 387-0303
• Wellstar Kennestone Hospital: (770) 793-5000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT): www.dot.ga.gov
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: www.gahighwaysafety.org
• Bartow County Sheriff's Office: (770) 382-5050

Support Services:

• Georgia Victim Assistance Program: 1-800-VICTIM-1
• Grief counseling and support groups through local community centers
• American Red Cross - Northwest Georgia Chapter

Legal Information:

• Georgia Official Code (Traffic Laws): www.legis.ga.gov
• Georgia Department of Driver Services: www.dds.ga.gov
• State Bar of Georgia Attorney Referral Service: 1-800-237-2251

Victim Support Funds:

• GoFundMe pages established for each victim's family (links available through local news coverage)