A motorcyclist died Thursday morning after being struck by two tractor-trailers on I-285 South near Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway in Atlanta, Georgia, according to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP). The crash occurred just before 10:30 a.m. when troopers responded to reports of a collision involving multiple vehicles.

According to GSP investigators, the motorcyclist was lane splitting — riding between two tractor-trailers — when he struck one of the trucks and lost control of his motorcycle. He was ejected from the bike while still positioned between the two vehicles and was struck by the second tractor-trailer. The first tractor-trailer then ran over the motorcyclist, resulting in fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not yet been released by authorities pending family notification.

Emergency personnel, including Georgia State Patrol troopers and first responders, closed the southbound lanes of I-285 to treat the victim and secure the scene for investigation. The crash remains under investigation by GSP, and no further details about the drivers of the tractor-trailers or potential charges have been released at this time.

Location and Infrastructure

I-285, commonly known as "the Perimeter," is one of metro Atlanta's busiest and most heavily trafficked highways, encircling the city and carrying substantial commercial truck traffic alongside daily commuter volume. The stretch near Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, located on the western side of the Perimeter, is a high-volume corridor frequently used by freight carriers accessing industrial areas and nearby distribution centers. This section of I-285 has multiple lanes in each direction with limited shoulder space, conditions that can heighten risks for motorcyclists attempting to maneuver between larger vehicles. Lane splitting, as occurred in this incident, is illegal in Georgia and significantly increases collision risk, particularly in dense traffic involving large commercial trucks with limited visibility and longer stopping distances.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, lane splitting by motorcyclists is prohibited (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312), and this factor may be relevant to any liability determination in this case. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence standard (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), meaning fault may be apportioned among multiple parties, and any recovery could be reduced by a claimant's percentage of fault, provided that percentage remains below 50%. Family members of the deceased may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Georgia's wrongful death statute (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1 et seq.). Potential damages could include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Georgia's statute of limitations for wrongful death and personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the incident (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Commercial trucking companies may carry higher insurance policy limits due to federal motor carrier requirements. Those affected should consult official records and qualified professionals to understand their specific rights.

Related Resources

Emergency & Investigative Services

• Georgia State Patrol – Post 3 Atlanta: gsp.georgia.gov
• Georgia Department of Public Safety: dps.georgia.gov

Traffic Safety Resources

• Georgia Department of Transportation – I-285 Traffic Information: dot.ga.gov
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: gahighwaysafety.org

Support Services for Accident Victims

• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program: georgia.gov/crime-victims-compensation
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Victim Resources: nhtsa.gov

State Traffic Laws & Regulations

• Official Code of Georgia Annotated – Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic): law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-40

This content is based on preliminary reporting from Atlanta News First and official statements from the Georgia State Patrol. Details may be updated as the investigation progresses.