Man Killed in Oconee County Ambulance Accident on Atlanta Highway

Beloved Grandfather Killed in Oconee County Car Accident With Ambulance on the Atlanta Highway by Whitehead Road

OCONEE COUNTY, GEORGIA (March 28, 2026) – A grandfather was killed and his grandson was injured in an Oconee County ambulance accident on Atlanta Highway by Whitehead Road.

Oconee County officials are saying that the collision took place on Sunday night. A grandfather was in the process of helping his grandson after his vehicle became disabled on the roadway.

Both victims were outside of their vehicles when they were struck by an ambulance that was heading west. The impact pushed all three vehicles onto the north shoulder of the road.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene to help all of the victims. The grandfather became pinned underneath the ambulance as a result of the crash.

He was extricated and taken to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center with major injuries. Sadly, he later died.

The grandson was also transported to the hospital to receive treatment. A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.

Liability for Oconee County Ambulance Accidents

Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any vehicle in the roadway. This necessitates that they maintain a safe speed and follow distance with other vehicles. According to GA Code § 40-6-180, “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing.” Drivers should take several other measures to avoid collisions.

• Drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for vehicles and other hazards.
• Drivers should use their horns as necessary to alert other drivers of their presence.
• Drivers should reduce their speed during periods of heavy traffic.

Ambulance drivers are expected to operate with an abundance of care to avoid collisions. Emergency drivers in Georgia are allowed to speed and conduct other maneuvers that would be considered risky. But they must use their lights and sirens to alert other drivers of their presence. Even if an ambulance is being used for emergency purposes with their lights and sirens, their drivers must not operate with a reckless disregard for the safety of the public.

Steps to Take After Oconee County Ambulance Accidents

Accidents involving emergency vehicles remain quite common. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2023, 198 people died in crashes involving emergency vehicles. More than half of these deaths were occupants of non-emergency vehicles (57%). Deaths among pedestrians accounted for 23% of the total, while emergency vehicle drivers represented 11%, and emergency vehicle passengers accounted for about 7% of the deaths.” Multiple actions should be taken after any ambulance accident in Oconee County.

• Trip Purpose: It should be determined if an ambulance was being used for an emergency purpose at the time of a collision.
• Video: Any video footage of the accident captured from the perspective of the ambulance driver should be sought.
• Medical Records: All medical records related to a person’s injuries should be preserved.
• Independent Review: Any person impacted by an ambulance accident should carefully consider their options with a team experienced in accident reconstruction and tort claims.

Ambulance accidents tend to be highly preventable. This is particularly true when any driver collides with a vehicle ahead of them. Even if a vehicle is stationary in the roadway, this does not relieve a driver of their duty to slow down and avoid a collision. Victims of ambulance accidents are protected by a number of laws. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil action. This right extends to the family members of any person who died.

Investigating Oconee County Ambulance Accidents

We at Butler Kahn extend our deepest condolences to the family of the grandfather killed in this accident. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. It is our hope that the other victim will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police.

Do you need more information about an Oconee County ambulance accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that ambulance companies are held fully accountable for their misconduct. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any crash, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 678-940-1444.

Jeb Butler

Jeb Butler’s career as a Georgia trial lawyer has led to a $150 million verdict in a product liability case against Chrysler for a dangerous vehicle design that caused the death of a child, a $45 million settlement for a young man who permanently lost the ability to walk and talk, and numerous other verdicts and settlements, many of which are confidential at the defendant’s insistence. Jeb has worked on several cases that led to systemic changes and improvements in public safety. He has been repeatedly recognized as a Georgia SuperLawyer and ranks among Georgia’s legal elite. Jeb graduated in the top 10% of his class at UGA Law, argued on the National Moot Court team, and published in the Law Review. He is the founding partner of Butler Kahn law firm. Connect with me on LinkedIn