A high-speed police pursuit ended in a serious multi-vehicle collision Tuesday evening on Rockbridge Road in DeKalb County, Georgia, resulting in injuries to three people. According to DeKalb County Police, the incident began when officers identified a vehicle that had been reported stolen during a previous carjacking. When police attempted to initiate a traffic stop near 4483 Rockbridge Road in the vicinity of Allgood Circle, the driver refused to comply and fled the scene, prompting officers to pursue. The chase concluded dramatically when the suspects' vehicle collided with three uninvolved vehicles at an intersection, causing significant damage. First responders arrived quickly at the crash site, where they found two suspects in serious condition. Both individuals were taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Additionally, one occupant from an uninvolved vehicle sustained minor injuries in the collision. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the incident. The Georgia State Patrol has now taken over the investigation of the crash itself, while DeKalb County Police continue to investigate the original carjacking that initiated the sequence of events.

Location and Infrastructure

The pursuit and subsequent collision occurred on Rockbridge Road near Allgood Circle, a busy thoroughfare in eastern DeKalb County that serves as a major connector between Stone Mountain and Interstate 285. This section of Rockbridge Road typically experiences moderate to heavy traffic, particularly during evening hours when the crash occurred. The area is characterized by a mix of commercial properties and residential developments with numerous intersections and entry points from adjacent neighborhoods. Traffic in this corridor moves at varying speeds, with posted limits typically between 35-45 mph, though the road's straight sections sometimes encourage higher speeds. The intersection where the crash occurred features standard traffic signals and turn lanes, designed to manage the substantial daily traffic flow between the eastern suburbs and metro Atlanta proper. Several commercial establishments and apartment complexes are located nearby, contributing to the regular presence of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, victims of motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent or criminal actions may pursue various forms of compensation. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), meaning victims can recover damages as long as they are less than 50% responsible for the incident. In cases involving police pursuits, liability determinations can be complex, potentially involving the fleeing suspects, governmental entities, or other drivers. Georgia's statute of limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) generally allows accident victims two years from the date of injury to file personal injury claims and four years for property damage claims. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Additionally, Georgia's Crime Victims Compensation Program may provide financial assistance to innocent bystanders injured during criminal incidents. Individuals affected by such incidents should consider consulting with a personal injury attorney experienced in both auto accident claims and cases involving police pursuits.

Related Resources

Emergency Services

• DeKalb County Police Department: (404) 294-2911
• DeKalb County Fire Rescue: (678) 406-7700
• DeKalb Emergency Management Agency: (404) 294-2900

Traffic Safety Resources

• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: (404) 656-6996
• DeKalb County Traffic Engineering: (404) 371-2000
• Georgia Road and Traffic Conditions: 511 (www.511ga.org(link is external))

Support Services

• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program: (800) 547-0060
• DeKalb Victim Witness Assistance Program: (404) 371-2561
• Georgia Brain Injury Alliance: (404) 712-5504

Legal References

• Georgia Department of Driver Services: (404) 657-9300
• Georgia Code (Traffic Laws): www.legis.ga.gov(link is external)
• Georgia State Patrol: (404) 624-7000