A crash between an 18-wheeler and a passenger car in Thomson in late September killed two kids on impact. The 16-year-old driver of that vehicle died the following day. Another passenger in the car, the decedents’ mother, had been hospitalized since the crash recovering from life-threatening injuries. Doctors released her to go home to her family late last week though.
The Georgia State Patrol hasn’t yet concluded their investigation into what led to the fatal crash early on the morning of Sept. 26. The 2 a.m. incident happened right in front of Thomson High School on a Friday. It’s unclear what the family was doing out on the road together that morning in McDuffie county, an area that is located just over 30 miles west of Augusta.
Pictures and video from the crash scene show an 18-wheeler midturn at the intersection near 1100 White Oak Road. The same footage also shows what little is left of the family’s mangled Nissan. It’s still unclear what resulted in the crash.
The two kids who died on impact in the crash include a 12-year-old female and a 14-year-old male. The siblings’ brother, who had turned 16 that same day, was operating the vehicle that the family was in. He was initially listed as being in critical condition but died by the following day. It’s unclear what the mother’s long-term prognosis is.
Rural areas such as where this crash occurred can be dangerous. They’re often poorly lit and there are seldom any shoulders for motorists with disabled cars to pull off. Drivers often speed or become distracted along these roadways. Others make turns not anticipating someone being in their path at certain times at night. These are just some of the reasons some of the most disabling or fatal crashes happen in these types of environments.
Motorists who are fortunate enough to survive a serious crash are bound to have significant medical expenses in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Families of loved ones may be faced with having to cover a costly funeral. It can be hard coming up with the means to pay unexpected costs. An accident attorney can aid you in recovering the compensation necessary to meet your financial burdens.