Investigators are questioning whether distraction or speed were possible factors in the Brunswick accident, which claimed the life of 52-year-old Renee Dowdy on Sunday, January 5, 2014.
According to Georgia State Patrol, Mrs. Dowdy and her husband, Daryl Dowdy, were behind two vehicles in the turning lane of Golden Isles Parkway in Brunswick when a pickup truck crashed into the back of their car. The impact forced the Dowdy's car into the vehicles in front of them. Tragically, Mrs. Dowdy succumbed to her injuries. Mr. Dowdy was air-lifted to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition.
The driver of the pickup, 19-year-old Kyle Cashmir, was taken to a local hospital in stable condition. Although charges have not yet been filed, attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are questioning whether distraction and speed were factors in the teen driver's inability to stop.
- The posted speed limit on much of Golden Isles Parkway is 45mph. What speed was the pickup truck driver traveling when he crashed into the Dowdy's?
- The Dowdy's were behind two other vehicles waiting to turn. How did the pickup truck driver fail to notice he was approaching three stopped vehicles and how did his vehicle end up traveling in the turn lane? Was he engaged in distractive devices, such as a cellphone, radio or GPS, at the time of the accident?
- Was a blood-alcohol test performed following the accident and, if so, did it reveal whether drugs, alcohol or medications may have contributed to the truck driver's inability to stop or avoid the stopped vehicles in time?
According to the Department of Transportation, teen drivers are among "the most likely to text and talk behind the wheel." Should the young driver in this accident be found at fault for speeding and distracted or impaired driving, the family of Renee and Daryl Dowdy may elect to hold him civilly liable for the wrongful death and injuries of their family members. Such claims will serve as a grave reminder to other Georgia teens about the perils of reckless and distracted driving.
Our sincere condolences are with the family of Renee Dowdy and we pray for the swift recovery of Daryl Dowdy and all those injured in this tragic accident. The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly to protect the victims of distracted drivers and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.
Anyone seeking further information on our investigation into this incident is encouraged to contact us at 912.385.9690 or toll free at 888.842.1616.