A serious multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 75 at the Emerson-Allatoona Road exit in Bartow County left four people injured Monday afternoon, including a 7-year-old boy who was ejected from his vehicle and airlifted to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The crash occurred around 4:29 p.m. at mile marker 281, prompting Georgia State Patrol to dispatch emergency responders to the scene.

According to the preliminary GSP report, the collision began when an unidentified white passenger car struck a white Toyota Camry in the northbound lanes, causing a devastating chain reaction. The impact sent the Camry into a white Chevrolet Suburban, and both vehicles veered into the median before crossing through the cable barrier into the southbound lanes. The Suburban overturned upon entering the southbound traffic and collided with a black Chevrolet Silverado, causing the 7-year-old passenger to be ejected from the truck. Three additional victims were transported to Kennestone Hospital with injuries. The white passenger car that initiated the crash fled the scene northbound, and authorities are actively searching for the hit-and-run driver. Southbound I-75 remained closed for approximately three hours as emergency crews worked to clear the extensive wreckage and investigate the scene.

Location and Infrastructure

The Emerson-Allatoona Road exit at mile marker 281 represents a critical junction along Interstate 75 in Bartow County, serving communities between Cartersville and the metro Atlanta area. This section of I-75 carries heavy commuter and commercial traffic, particularly during evening rush hours when the accident occurred. The location features a cable barrier median system designed to prevent cross-median collisions, though this crash demonstrated how severe impacts can breach these safety measures.

The Emerson-Allatoona Road interchange serves as a primary access point for residents of Emerson and surrounding areas, creating merge and exit patterns that require careful navigation during peak traffic periods. This stretch of interstate is known for its rolling terrain and moderate curves, which can affect visibility and stopping distances. The proximity to the Allatoona Lake recreation area also contributes to increased traffic volume, especially during warmer months and weekends when recreational travelers frequent the region.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, hit-and-run accidents carry serious criminal penalties, and victims may pursue both criminal justice and civil remedies against the fleeing driver. Georgia Code § 40-6-270 requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury to stop and provide information, with violations potentially resulting in felony charges. Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Georgia have four years from the date of the incident to file personal injury claims under the statute of limitations.

Insurance considerations may include uninsured motorist coverage, which can provide crucial protection when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks adequate coverage. Medical payments coverage and collision coverage may also apply to help with immediate expenses. Families dealing with serious injuries like those sustained in this crash may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Given the severity of injuries, particularly to the child victim, damages could include future medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, and educational accommodations. It's important to document all medical treatment and consult with experienced personal injury attorneys familiar with Georgia traffic laws and insurance requirements.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Bartow County Emergency Services: (770) 387-5671
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta: (404) 785-6000
• Kennestone Hospital: (770) 793-5000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Georgia Department of Transportation: dot.ga.gov
• Georgia State Patrol: gsp.georgia.gov
• Bartow County Sheriff's Office: (770) 382-5050

Support Services:

• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program: cjcc.georgia.gov
• MADD Georgia (Mothers Against Drunk Driving): madd.org/georgia
• Brain Injury Association of Georgia: braininjurygeorgia.org

Legal Resources:

• Official Code of Georgia (Traffic Laws): sos.ga.gov
• Georgia Department of Insurance: oci.georgia.gov
• State Bar of Georgia Attorney Referral: gabar.org