Kane Hammock Arrested After His Semi-Truck Collided With Dodge Van on Interstate 85 Following Crash That Killed 8 People
JACKSON COUNTY, GEORGIA (October 19, 2025) – Eight people have tragically died in a Jackson County semi-truck accident along Interstate 65, according to the Georgia Highway Patrol.
Jackson County officials are saying that the collision took place around 4:15 PM on October 13. A Dodge van with 37 cats and multiple passengers was headed to New England.
The driver of a semi truck failed to slow down in time and struck the rear of the Dodge van, causing it to burst into flames. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help all of the victims.
Tragically, three adults and five children were killed in the crash and subsequent blaze. Kane Aaron Hammock, the driver of the semi-truck, was cited for following too close behind the van.
He has since been arrested on homicide charges. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing.
Liability for Jackson County Semi-Truck Accidents
Driving a commercial truck comes with great responsibilities. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds, and it’s difficult to bring them to a stop at freeway speeds. Truck drivers must maintain a safe follow distance with the vehicles ahead of them. Pursuant to GA Code § 40-6-49, “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.” Truck drivers should take several other actions to avoid collisions.
- Speed: Truck drivers must maintain a safe speed at all times, given the prevailing traffic and road conditions.
- Scanning: Truck drivers must continuously scan the road ahead of them and slow down during heavy traffic.
- System Checks: Truck drivers must ensure that all of the various systems and functions of their truck are in working order.
- Fatigue Management: Truck drivers must take periodic rest breaks and limit the number of hours that they work in any given day or week.
There is a presumption of negligence on the part of any truck driver that rear-ends another vehicle in their own lane of traffic. These collisions are nearly always preventable and the result of serious traffic violations. This can include situations where a truck driver is traveling too fast or failing to maintain a safe distance with the vehicle ahead of them. If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with a vehicle in their own lane of traffic, this may be construed as negligence.
Third-Party Liability for Jackson County Semi-Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in collisions with commercial trucks. According to one report by Newsweek, “In total, the US saw 170,716 reported large truck accidents last year alone—resulting in 86,842 injuries and 5,078 deaths.” There could be several sources of liability for any truck accident aside from a truck driver.
- Truck Company: The company that employed a truck driver could be liable for a crash. As a general rule, employers can be vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their workers.
- Truck Owner: The owner of the truck could also be liable if this entity was separate from the company using the truck. Vehicle owners can be liable for the wrongful conduct of people who make use of their vehicle with their permission.
- Cargo Loader: The company responsibility for loading a truck could bear some measure of liability for a crash. Overloading a truck can put an enormous strain on the brakes and easily contribute to a rear-end collision.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: The company that manufactured a vehicle that caught fire could also be liable for a collision. Vehicle fires could easily be the result of a design defect, like having a gas tank too close to the back of the vehicle.
Truck accidents are often highly preventable. It is critical that all of the evidence related to the crash be properly preserved. This includes the logbook that a truck driver was using. Many collisions involve truck drivers that became fatigued after working beyond their allotted schedule. The family of any person who died due to the negligent actions of a truck driver may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Jackson County Semi-Truck Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victims killed in this collision. This was a preventable tragedy that should never have taken place. Any person who may have more information should reach out to the Georgia State Patrol. So many questions remain unanswered at this time.
Do you need more information about a Jackson County semi-truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck companies are held accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to support you. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.