A complex chain-reaction crash on Sunday evening at the intersection of Dallas Highway and Midway Road in Cobb County left four people injured, including a 5-year-old girl. The incident occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. when a vehicle operated by 22-year-old Jackson Vasquez of Marietta, which was partially blocking the first westbound lane due to a previous collision, was struck by an approaching car driven by 61-year-old Mark Richter of Dallas. The secondary impact had cascading effects, as Vasquez was outside his vehicle at the time checking on occupants from the initial crash. The collision caused Vasquez's vehicle to rotate and strike another individual, compounding the severity of the incident. Emergency responders transported Jackson Vasquez to Kennestone Hospital with serious injuries, while three passengers in his vehicle—Maridelia Lopez, 27, Elder Vasquez, 35, and a 5-year-old girl—suffered minor injuries and were also taken to Kennestone. Richter emerged from the collision uninjured. Cobb County Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this multi-vehicle incident.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of Dallas Highway (also known as State Route 120) and Midway Road represents a significant traffic junction in western Cobb County, connecting the communities of Marietta and Dallas. This heavily traveled corridor experiences substantial daily traffic volume, particularly during evening hours when visibility conditions can be challenging. The intersection features standard traffic control signals, but the approach along Dallas Highway includes multiple lanes in each direction, creating complex traffic patterns during heavy congestion. The area surrounding this intersection has seen considerable commercial and residential development in recent years, contributing to increased traffic density. Emergency vehicles from nearby West Cobb fire stations and police precincts typically respond to incidents at this location, which sits approximately 5 miles west of Marietta's city center and forms part of a major east-west thoroughfare through Cobb County's western region.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, individuals injured in multi-vehicle collisions may have various legal remedies available depending on the determination of fault. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning injured parties can recover damages as long as they are less than 50% responsible for the accident. The state's mandatory auto insurance requirements include minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, though these limits may prove insufficient in accidents involving multiple victims or serious injuries. Affected parties should be aware that Georgia's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Potential compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases involving chain-reaction collisions, liability determination often requires thorough investigation of each driver's actions, road conditions, and other contributing factors. Insurance claims should be initiated promptly, as delays can complicate the recovery process.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services: Cobb County Police Department (770-499-3987), Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Emergency Department (770-793-5000)
• Traffic Safety Resources: Cobb County Department of Transportation (770-528-1600), Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety (404-656-6996)
• Victim Support Services: Cobb County Victim Witness Assistance Program (770-528-3047), Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program (800-547-0060)
• Legal Information: Georgia Department of Driver Services (www.dds.georgia.gov), Georgia Code Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)