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Single Car Accident Takes the Life of 18-Year Old Girl in Fort Valley

Whenever we hear that an accident takes place in the middle of the night, we think the worst. We imagine someone who’s either under the influence or overtired losing control of their car. That’s not always the case though. This morning, a single car accident takes the life of an 18-year old girl in Fort Valley.

The single-car crash happened on Highway-96 at Brock Road not far from the Pure Flavor greenhouse. A man driving a 2015 Nissan Altima was traveling Westbound with a female passenger in the car. At about 5:30 am, the driver lost control of the car and that is where things took a turn for the worst.

Cornell Ham, the man driving the Nissan, lost control and his car left the road onto the shoulder. It then hit a ditch and crashed into a tree, ultimately flipped over and injuring both the driver and the passenger.

Ham told authorities that he was trying to avoid hitting a deer right before the accident. Thankfully for Ham’s sake, his injuries were only minor. He was taken to the Medical Center in Macon, Georgia and is expected to make a full recovery. Sadly, the same can’t be said for the passenger, 18-year old Kendall Ratliff.

When the car flipped over, Ratliff suffered life-threatening injuries. She was taken to the hospital but died as soon as she got there.

The investigation is ongoing. Depending on the outcome, Ratliff’s family may have a valid claim against the driver.

If your loved one has been injured in any sort of accident, call and talk to one of our experienced lawyers.  We can review your case and let you know if you’re entitled to compensation.