A former track star from the University of Georgia, 25-year-old Torrin Lawrence, was killed in a car accident in Georgia this week, as he made his way home to Jacksonville, Florida. According to Georgia police, Lawrence was driving on Interstate-75 near Cordele, GA when he experienced a blowout, and was struck by a tractor-trailer when he got out of the disabled vehicle to make a phone call. If you have been injured in a trucking accident in Atlanta, Marietta, or elsewhere in Georgia, consult our knowledgeable lawyers at Rechtman & Spevak to discuss your legal options. Our law firm is located in Atlanta, and our personal injury attorneys have years of experience protecting the rights of trucking accident victims and their families throughout the state of Georgia.
Deadly Trucking Accident on I-75
According to Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock, the deadly trucking accident took place about 90 miles from the Georgia-Florida state line, as Lawrence was on his way to Jacksonville after training in Athens, Georgia. The accident report indicates that Lawrence was traveling along Interstate-75 in Georgia at about 1:40 a.m., when one of his tires blew out. “Evidence indicates [Lawrence] lost control of the car and stopped in the center lane of southbound traffic,” said Hancock. The runner got out of the vehicle to make a phone call and was waiting for authorities to arrive on the scene and provide assistance, just as a tractor-trailer came over the crest of the highway. The big-rig struck Lawrence’s vehicle from behind, either throwing Lawrence from the car on impact, or knocking the vehicle into Lawrence, and killing him.
Tractor-Trailer Responsible for Lawrence’s Death
Authorities have confirmed that the semi-truck was responsible for Lawrence’s death, but have yet to determine where the sprinter was positioned at the time of the fatal collision. According to Hancock, it’s possible that Lawrence was still in the vehicle when it was struck by the tractor-trailer, but it’s also possible that the semi-truck pushed the vehicle into Lawrence after he exited. News of Lawrence’s death has resulted in an outpouring of grief from his colleagues at the University of Georgia and within USA Track & Field. “We were devastated to learn of Torrin’s passing early this morning,” said USA Track & Field CEO Max Siegel. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and everyone who knew him. Torrin represented USATF with pride and passion, and had an incredible future ahead of him. We join those who will miss him deeply.”
Contact Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
If you have suffered injuries in a Georgia car accident, or if you lost a loved one in a wreck with another vehicle, contact our reputable attorneys at Rechtman & Spevak today for legal help. You may have grounds to file a personal injury or wrongful death suit against the person or party found at-fault in the accident, in order to pursue financial compensation for your losses.
