A devastating collision between a tractor-trailer and passenger vehicle on Interstate 85 in Fulton County claimed the lives of two people late Thursday night, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The fatal crash occurred around 11:03 p.m. near the Senoia Road area when a black Hyundai Sonata, driven by Derrick Anthony Epps, struck the rear of a white tractor-trailer that was slowing for traffic in the second lane from the median. Both Epps and his front-seat passenger, Ka'Mia Sh'Mashira Frazier, were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators determined the Hyundai appeared to be following too closely behind the commercial vehicle when the collision occurred. A 7-month-old child in the back seat of the Hyundai was properly restrained and appeared uninjured but was transported by Grady EMS to Arthur Blank Children's Hospital for precautionary evaluation. The tractor-trailer driver was unharmed in the incident. Emergency responders closed I-85 North for approximately two and a half hours to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage before reopening the roadway to traffic.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash site on Interstate 85 near Senoia Road represents a heavily traveled corridor through Fulton County, serving as a major north-south transportation artery for the Atlanta metropolitan area. This section of I-85 experiences significant commercial and commuter traffic throughout the day and night, with tractor-trailers frequently using this route for freight transportation between Atlanta and points south. The area near Senoia Road is characterized by multiple lanes in each direction with merge points and exit ramps that can create varying traffic patterns and speed differentials. The second lane from the median, where the collision occurred, is commonly used by through traffic and commercial vehicles. Traffic conditions requiring sudden deceleration, as appeared to be the case in this incident, can create hazardous situations when following distances are insufficient. The proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and various industrial facilities contributes to consistent heavy traffic volumes along this stretch of interstate.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, following too closely or "tailgating" is a traffic violation that can result in liability for rear-end collisions, as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 40-6-49. Families affected by fatal traffic accidents may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims under Georgia's Wrongful Death Act (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1 et seq.), which allows recovery for the full value of the deceased's life, including both economic and non-economic damages. In cases involving commercial vehicles, federal regulations governing trucking companies and driver qualifications may also apply. Georgia's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death, making timely legal consultation important for families considering their options. Insurance considerations may involve multiple policies, including personal auto insurance, commercial trucking coverage, and potentially umbrella policies. Compensation in fatal accident cases can include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and pain and suffering. The surviving child may have separate claims for loss of parental consortium and support. 

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Georgia State Patrol: (404) 624-7000
• Grady EMS: (404) 616-1000
• Arthur Blank Children's Hospital: (404) 785-5437

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Georgia Department of Transportation: www.dot.ga.gov
• Fulton County Traffic Safety: (404) 612-8400
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: www.gahighwaysafety.org

Support Services:

• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program: (404) 657-1956
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia: (770) 451-3622
• Grief counseling through Georgia Crisis & Access Line: (800) 715-4225

Legal Resources:

• Georgia Rules of the Road: www.dds.ga.gov
• Official Code of Georgia Annotated: www.legis.ga.gov
• State Bar of Georgia Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 237-2727