Moreland Avenue at Gracewood Avenue
Local News
Police are investigating the fatal Mooreland Avenue accident, which claimed the life of 28-year-old Shantha Poole and injured several others Saturday, March 7, 2015.
According to the Atlanta Public Safety Examiner, Ms. Poole was traveling northbound in a Kia Optima on Moreland Avenue, near Gracewood Avenue, shortly before 1:30am Saturday morning. A southbound Dodge Ram pickup truck allegedly veered into the northbound lane, striking Ms. Poole’s Kia in a head-on collision.
Ms. Poole perished at the scene, per media reports. Her passenger was transported to Grady Memorial with serious injuries. The two occupants of the Dodge Ram were also taken to the hospital for injuries. Their conditions have not been released.
The APD Accident Response Team is currently investigating what caused the Dodge Ram to cross into the northbound lane. Authorities have not yet announced whether distraction, impairment or speed are considered a factor in this tragedy. No charges have yet been filed.
Our Legal Take
The accident comes amid Department of Transportation and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration warnings that distracted driving has reached “dangerous epidemic” proportions on America’s roadways. The Murray Law Firm is questioning whether distraction may have been a factor in this fatal crash:
Do cellphone records and traffic surveillance footage reveal whether texting or other distractions may have been a factor in this fatal accident?
As the details of this tragedy continue to emerge, and if the southbound driver is deemed to be at-fault, the family of Shantha Poole may elect to pursue a legal claim against the southbound driver’s insurance carrier. Such claims would serve as a grave reminder to all Atlanta drivers on the need to adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions and keep our roadways safe.
The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly to protect victims of motor vehicle accidents such as this one and we offer our legal expertise, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us at 404.842.1600. Consultations are free and confidential.
