LEESBURG, Lee County, Ga., Sept. 20, 2026 — Three people were taken to a hospital after a car crashed into Carter's Fried Chicken on Cedric Street in Leesburg on Saturday evening, September 19, according to authorities. State troopers say a medical episode behind the wheel led to the crash.
Georgia State Patrol says the crash happened just before 6 p.m. near 255 Cedric St., with a trooper from Post 40 in Worth County arriving to investigate around 5:10 p.m. A 63-year-old Albany woman driving a 2013 Lexus LS was headed west on Cedric Street when the car reportedly left the roadway, crossed onto the restaurant's property, and struck the back of a 2022 Toyota RAV4 driven by a 48-year-old Albany woman. The Lexus then hit the restaurant building.
Troopers believe the Lexus driver suffered a medical episode that caused her to lose control of the vehicle, according to GSP. That determination remains part of an ongoing investigation.
The Lexus driver, an 84-year-old passenger riding with her, and the RAV4 driver were all taken to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital by Lee County EMS. Authorities described their injuries as non-life-threatening. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and were towed from the scene.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What the Numbers Show About Everyday Passenger Vehicle Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023. That gap, a smaller share of miles than of the vehicle fleet, reflects how much daily driving happens in cars, SUVs, and pickups rather than commercial trucks or motorcycles, and it helps explain why crashes involving ordinary passenger vehicles remain the most common type investigated by state troopers.
Medical emergencies behind the wheel, ranging from seizures to sudden cardiac events, are one of several factors that can turn a routine drive into a loss-of-control crash. These events are difficult to predict and are usually confirmed only after the fact, through medical records or a driver's own account to investigators.
When a vehicle leaves the road unexpectedly, the outcome often depends on what sits nearby: another car, a building, a utility pole. Crashes into storefronts and other structures are commonly linked to driver impairment, pedal error, or a medical episode rather than road conditions or weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers and wait for law enforcement to document the scene before leaving.
Where do most car accidents happen?
Many crashes occur on local roads and in commercial areas at moderate speeds, often at intersections or where vehicles cross into parking lots or private property.
What are the most common injuries in car accidents?
Bruises, whiplash, and cuts from broken glass are common in lower-speed crashes. Impacts involving a building or another vehicle can also cause broken bones or head injuries, even when they're not considered life-threatening.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Leesburg, Georgia
If you're involved in or witness a crash in Leesburg, stay calm and check yourself and others for injuries before doing anything else. Call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours to appear.
Once you're safe, seek a medical evaluation, particularly after any jolt or impact, and follow up with your doctor if new symptoms develop in the days after. Keep a copy of the police report and any medical records in case they're needed later. Lee County EMS and Georgia State Patrol responded quickly in this case, a reminder that reporting a crash promptly helps ensure everyone involved gets the care and documentation they need.
