Fatal Rollover Crash at Covington Highway and Lithonia West Drive in DeKalb County, Georgia: Driver Killed in Multi-Vehicle Collision

A driver died Sunday afternoon, September 13, following a multi-vehicle rollover crash at the intersection of Covington Highway and Lithonia West Drive in DeKalb County, Georgia, according to DeKalb County police. Officers responded to a reported collision at approximately 2:01 p.m. Preliminary investigation suggests that a sedan struck an SUV, causing the sedan to overturn multiple times. The driver of the sedan died at the scene. Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased driver. Investigators also have not confirmed whether any occupants of the SUV were injured, and the cause of the initial collision has not been determined. Because the investigation is in its preliminary stages, the details described here may change as police release additional information. This report reflects only confirmed details from official sources. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the person who died, and with anyone else affected by the collision.

Location and Infrastructure

Covington Highway is a major arterial roadway serving southern and eastern DeKalb County, linking residential neighborhoods, shopping areas, and employment centers in communities including Decatur and Lithonia. Corridors like this carry a mix of commuter, commercial, and local traffic, and intersections along them often see frequent turning movements and vehicles entering from side streets. Lithonia West Drive intersects Covington Highway in this developed area of the county. Arterial intersections are typically managed with traffic signals, signage, and pavement markings, but authorities have not released information about the traffic control devices in operation at this location. Weather, lighting, and roadway conditions at the time of the crash have also not been reported. Drivers who travel this corridor are encouraged to remain alert at intersections and to allow extra caution during busy periods.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Georgia follows an at-fault system for motor vehicle collisions, meaning the party responsible for a crash may be liable for resulting losses. Under Georgia's modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), a person found 50 percent or more at fault may be barred from recovering damages, and awards are reduced in proportion to any fault assigned. Georgia requires minimum liability coverage of 25,000/50,000/25,000, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also be relevant. Personal injury and wrongful death claims are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), though shorter notice deadlines can apply when a government entity is involved. In fatal crashes, recoverable damages may include medical and funeral expenses, lost income, and the full value of the life of the deceased. Individuals with questions about their circumstances should consult a licensed Georgia attorney.

Related Resources

Emergency and Local Services

• Emergency: Dial 911
• DeKalb County Police Department: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/police-services
• DeKalb County Fire Rescue: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/fire-rescue

Traffic Safety

• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: https://www.gahighwaysafety.org
• Georgia Department of Transportation: https://www.dot.ga.gov
• Georgia Department of Driver Services: https://dds.georgia.gov

Support for Victims and Families

• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program (Criminal Justice Coordinating Council): https://cjcc.georgia.gov
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988): https://988lifeline.org
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) victim support: https://www.madd.org

Georgia Traffic Laws and Regulations

• Georgia General Assembly (Official Code of Georgia Annotated): https://www.legis.ga.gov
• Georgia Motor Vehicle Laws, Title 40: https://www.legis.ga.gov