Cobb County, GA — January 22, 2025, Christopher Johnston was killed and one person was injured in a car versus van accident at 3:00 p.m. on Hickory Grove Road.

According to authorities, 40-year-old Christopher Johnston was traveling in an eastbound BMW on Hickory Grove Road when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the car entered the oncoming lanes of traffic. There, it was involved in a collision with a westbound Ford Transit. Johnston suffered fatal injuries due to the wreck, but the person from the van was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive treatment for injuries incurred in the wreck. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When accidents like this occur, it's natural to ask what might have caused such a collision. While early reports indicate that Christopher Johnston’s vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic, the reasons behind that deviation remain unclear. Pinning down the cause will require a detailed investigation to determine whether the crash was the result of driver behavior, external conditions, or mechanical factors.

In situations where a vehicle leaves its lane, investigators typically start by examining the driver's actions. Was there a moment of distraction or an attempt to avoid something in the road? Medical emergencies, though rare, can also lead to sudden loss of control. It’s equally important to explore whether road conditions, such as poor pavement quality or unclear markings, played a role. Even weather conditions at the time—though not mentioned in initial reports—can contribute to such incidents.

The investigation should also scrutinize the mechanical condition of the BMW. Were there issues with the steering, brakes, or tires that caused the driver to lose control? If so, these failures may indicate broader maintenance concerns that could shift liability toward other parties.

The van driver’s perspective also matters. Did they have enough time and space to avoid the oncoming vehicle, or was the incident too sudden for evasive action? Although it appears the driver of the van was not at fault, the impact on them—both physical and emotional—should not be overlooked.

In my decades of experience handling commercial vehicle cases, I’ve often seen situations where a crash is attributed to one factor but is, in reality, the result of several intersecting issues. That’s why a full and independent investigation is so vital here. Every piece of evidence, from dashcam footage to skid marks on the roadway, can help paint a clearer picture of what led to this fatal event.

Ultimately, a thorough investigation is the least that can be done to ensure that all the facts are uncovered and accountability is determined. Even if it requires independent investigation, it’s only through such careful means that those affected by this crash can receive the clarity and closure they deserve.