Fulton Co., GA (January 19, 2026) – On January 17, one person died and two others were seriously hurt after a crash involving three vehicles early on Interstate 285 (I-285) West near Old National Highway, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
The crash happened early on Saturday morning, near the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Authorities said a Honda Accord was traveling westbound on I-285 when it struck the left side of a tractor-trailer. After the impact, the Accord continued off the roadway and collided with an abandoned vehicle parked on the shoulder.
One passenger inside the Honda was killed in the crash. The driver and another passenger were taken to a nearby hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Their names and current conditions have not been released.
The Georgia Department of Transportation rerouted traffic at I-285 and I-675 during the investigation and cleanup. Troopers are continuing to investigate the events leading up to the collision.
Our deepest sympathies are with the family of the victim who passed away, and we also wish a prompt and complete recovery to those who were injured.
What Makes Highway Shoulder Crashes in Fulton County So Dangerous?
Crashes involving stopped vehicles on highway shoulders are often far more dangerous than they appear. These types of collisions are particularly dangerous because they often involve high-impact force. When a moving car strikes a stationary one, the energy of the crash can result in serious injuries or death.
Shoulder crashes also pose risks to anyone standing nearby, including vehicle occupants, tow truck drivers, or emergency responders. That’s why many safety experts recommend staying inside the vehicle with seatbelts on and waiting for professional help rather than exiting near fast-moving traffic.
If a driver swerves or loses control, they can collide with a parked or disabled vehicle in seconds. That’s what reportedly occurred in the recent I-285 crash, where a vehicle hit both a tractor-trailer and an abandoned car on the shoulder.
It can be overwhelming to figure out what to do legally after a crash with deaths and injuries. A wrongful death lawyer can help you by checking traffic citations, going over insurance information, and explaining what kind of payments your family could get.
When more than one vehicle is involved, figuring out who’s at fault can be challenging. Having legal advice means that you won’t miss anything important, so you can focus on your recovery.
At Karma Injury Law, we handle a wide range of serious crash cases, including those involving highway shoulders and multi-vehicle impacts.
If you’re unsure of your next step or have questions about your legal options, call Karma Injury Law at (678) 607-8312. Our team can walk you through what may apply to your situation and help you make informed decisions.
Notes: Our writers rely on multiple external sources to create this accident news post, including local and national news reports, police accident reports, and, sometimes, eyewitness accounts of injury accidents in Georgia. If you find any inaccuracies in this post, please contact Karma Injury Law promptly so we can make corrections. We will also remove the post upon request.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a business solicitation. Please be aware that the information provided does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances. We encourage you to contact Karma Injury Law directly for personalized legal guidance. The featured image in this post is not related to the actual accident scene.
