During the last week of August, three teens lost their lives after being struck by a car driven by a woman talking on a cell phone and under the influence of anti-depressant drugs. 16-year-old Tony Bishop died on the roadside; 17-year-old Octavius Sorrells died after being taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. Timothy Aaron, 17 years old, was also taken to Grady with a serious brain injury where he died after being taken off of life support.
Priscilla Dianne Johnson, a 48-year-old woman from Lithonia, is facing several charges related to the accident. According to police, Johnson had taken anti-depressants and was talking on a cell phone when the wreck occurred. Johnson faces charges of vehicular homicide, hit and run along with obstruction of an officer, driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license and driving in the emergency lane. Johnson also had no proof of insurance. A friend of Johnson’s told a local news station that she was fighting with her husband on the cell phone at the time of the crash, which took place near Stockbridge on Ga. 138.
Police say the three teens were walking in the emergency lane in an eastbound direction near the intersection of I-675 when they were hit by the vehicle. Now, three Georgia families are facing grief and dealing with the loss of their loved ones. While it provides a certain measure of comfort to the families of these three teens that the woman responsible is being held accountable, nothing can bring the boys back. Lives have been changed forever, and three individuals have lost a chance at any type of future.
Days after the accident it was unclear whether the families would pursue a legal remedy. Under the circumstances the victims’ families could pursue a wrongful death claim, whereby they may be compensated for pain and suffering, medical and/or funeral expenses, possible punitive damages and other costs.
Those who lose a loved one due to negligent actions of others are encouraged to contact a reputable Atlanta wrongful death attorney.
