Dekalb County, GA — February 3, 2025, four people were injured in a multi-vehicle truck accident at approximately 4:00 a.m. along I.H. 675.

According to authorities, the accident took place on the onramp that connects northbound Interstate Highway 675 to eastbound Interstate Highway 285.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an 18-wheeler failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. This resulted in a wreck involving seven other vehicles, one of which was reportedly a second 18-wheeler.

Four people who had been in the crash suffered injuries of unknown severity; they were each transported to local medical facilities by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When an 18-wheeler drifts out of its lane and causes a multi-vehicle crash, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, lane departures don’t happen randomly—there are often multiple underlying issues that need to be examined.

Was the truck driver distracted at the time of the crash? Modern commercial trucks are equipped with GPS, dispatch systems, and electronic logging devices (ELDs), but those same tools can take a driver’s focus away from the road. Investigators should review dashcam footage, phone records, and in-cab data to determine whether the driver was paying full attention when the truck veered out of its lane.

Did fatigue play a role? This crash happened at 4:00 a.m., a time when many truck drivers have been on the road for hours or may be pushing the limits of their driving shift. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment, making it more difficult to maintain proper lane position. Investigators should review the driver’s hours-of-service logs and work schedule to determine whether they were well-rested before the crash.

Was the truck in proper working order? Mechanical failures like brake issues, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can make it difficult for a driver to maintain control. Investigators should examine maintenance records and conduct a post-crash inspection to determine whether equipment failure contributed to the wreck.

Did the trucking company enforce safe driving practices? Companies are responsible for making sure their drivers are properly trained and their trucks are well-maintained. If a company pushed its driver to meet unrealistic delivery schedules or skipped necessary vehicle maintenance, that could have created the conditions for this crash to occur. Investigators should review company policies, driver training programs, and past safety violations to determine whether broader issues played a role.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.