A tragic head-on collision on South Fulton Parkway in Chattahoochee Hills resulted in one fatality and serious injuries to another driver early Friday morning. The deadly crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Georgia State Route 70 near Rico Road, according to Georgia State Patrol investigators. The collision involved two SUVs - a Toyota RAV4 and a Honda CR-V - when the Toyota driver attempted an improper passing maneuver in the westbound lane. Fire Chief Greg Brett reported that the crash happened near a dangerous curve in the roadway. After losing control during the passing attempt, the Toyota crossed into the eastbound lane and struck the Honda CR-V head-on. The impact caused the Toyota RAV4 to burst into flames, tragically killing the driver inside. The Honda CR-V flipped onto its side from the force of the collision, trapping the driver who required rescue extraction by emergency personnel. The Honda driver was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The roadway remained closed for nearly four hours as first responders worked the scene, with traffic resuming around 6:15 a.m.

Location and Infrastructure

South Fulton Parkway, also designated as Georgia State Route 70, serves as a major thoroughfare connecting communities in south Fulton County. The stretch near Rico Road in Chattahoochee Hills is characterized by rural terrain with curves that can present visibility challenges for drivers, particularly during nighttime hours. This section of roadway carries both local and through traffic, connecting the city of Chattahoochee Hills with other parts of Fulton County and the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. The area features limited lighting typical of rural Georgia highways, which can make nighttime driving conditions more hazardous. The presence of curves along this corridor requires extra caution from motorists, especially when attempting passing maneuvers. Chattahoochee Hills, incorporated in 2007, encompasses rural areas of south Fulton County and maintains several state routes that serve as primary transportation corridors. The intersection with Rico Road provides access to residential areas and local businesses in this growing community located approximately 30 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, drivers involved in serious traffic accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that victims can recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. In cases involving improper passing violations, as reported in this incident, the at-fault driver's insurance should typically cover damages to other parties. Georgia requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Victims of serious accidents have two years from the date of the crash to file personal injury lawsuits under Georgia's statute of limitations. In fatal accident cases, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims, which have a two-year filing deadline from the date of death. Available compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and pain and suffering. Consulting with a qualified Georgia personal injury attorney can help accident victims understand their rights and navigate insurance claims or legal proceedings. 

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Fulton County Emergency Services: (404) 612-8000
• Chattahoochee Hills Police Department: (770) 463-8881
• Georgia State Patrol: 1-800-GSP-MOVE

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT): www.dot.ga.gov
• Fulton County Traffic Engineering: (404) 612-8000
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: www.gahighwaysafety.org

Support Services:

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia: (770) 451-3242
• Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund: (404) 657-2222
• Fulton County Victim Services: (404) 612-4900

Legal Resources:

• State Bar of Georgia Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 237-2629
• Georgia Official Code of Laws: www.legis.ga.gov
• Georgia Traffic Laws and Regulations: O.C.G.A. § 40-6-1 et seq.