A tragic multi-vehicle collision claimed the life of a 35-year-old man on Interstate 20 westbound near Lee Street in southwest Atlanta early Thursday morning. The crash, which occurred just after 3 a.m. at Exit 55, involved four vehicles including a tractor-trailer and resulted in the complete closure of I-20 westbound for over four hours. Lawrence Perrino, 35, died in the crash when his Ford Expedition collided with a tractor-trailer that had slowed due to an initial crash between a Ford Focus and Ford Ranger. He died at the scene. Emergency responders worked to clear the scene as crews removed multiple damaged vehicles, with lanes reopening around 7:40 a.m. The Atlanta Police Department investigated the fatal incident while the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the victim's identity. Traffic delays stretched into downtown Atlanta, and commuters were urged to seek alternate routes including Martin Luther King Jr. Drive as suggested detours during the lengthy closure.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred on Interstate 20 westbound at the Lee Street exit (Exit 55), a critical junction in southwest Atlanta that serves as a major arterial for commuters traveling through the heart of the metropolitan area. I-20 is the main east–west Interstate in Georgia and ranges from six lanes wide in the most outlying counties to 10 lanes wide in downtown Atlanta. This particular section near Lee Street experiences heavy traffic volumes during both morning and evening rush hours, serving residential neighborhoods in southwest Atlanta and connecting to downtown business districts. The Lee Street interchange provides access to local surface streets and serves as a critical exit point for drivers heading to nearby communities including the West End and Westview neighborhoods. The interstate infrastructure in this area includes multiple lanes of traffic, overhead signage, and standard interstate safety features, though early morning visibility and traffic patterns can create challenging driving conditions for motorists navigating this busy corridor.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Georgia follows a pure comparative fault system, which allows individuals to receive compensation even if they are partially at fault for an accident, with compensation adjusted based on each party's percentage of fault. Under Georgia Code section 9-3-33, injury claims must be filed within two years after the right of action accrues, meaning accident victims or their families have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the crash to pursue legal action. In wrongful death cases, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that this breach directly caused the accident and resulting damages. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium for surviving family members. Georgia requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage stands as optional but recommended protection. According to Georgia Code section 40-6-273, drivers must report accidents involving injuries or significant property damage immediately to local police, which helps establish an official record crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Atlanta Police Department - (404) 546-4235
• Atlanta Fire Rescue Department - (404) 546-8030
• Grady Emergency Medical Services - (404) 616-1000
• Georgia State Patrol - (404) 624-7000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (511 Georgia) - Dial 511 or visit 511ga.org
• Governor's Office of Highway Safety - (404) 656-6996
• Atlanta Regional Commission Transportation Planning - (404) 463-3100

Support Services:

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia - (404) 256-4653
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - (888) 327-4236
• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program - (404) 559-4949
• Fulton County Victim Services - (404) 613-4945

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Georgia Traffic Laws: O.C.G.A. Title 40
• Georgia Department of Driver Services - (678) 413-8400
• State Bar of Georgia Lawyer Referral Service - (404) 527-8700
• Georgia Department of Insurance - (404) 656-2070