Fatal Teen Crash Prompts Tuesday Road Closure [Alpharetta, GA]

ALPHARETTA, GA (May 28, 2024) – Fatal teen crash prompts Tuesday road closure: The northbound lanes of Westside Parkway between Maxwell and Hembree roads will be closed on May 28 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. for a police investigation, according to the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.

This investigation follows a tragic accident involving two teenagers. Investigators have identified the driver as Rithwak Somepalli, an 18-year-old student at Georgia State University.

Mohammed Liyakath, an 18-year-old senior at Alpharetta High School, was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Their current conditions remain unknown as of this report.

Preliminary police reports suggest that speed may have been a contributing factor in the fatal teen crash. As the investigation continues, the northbound lanes will be closed, while the southbound lanes will remain open to traffic. The Alpharetta police will provide updates as new information becomes available.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, a total of 3,058 teenagers aged 13 to 19 were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2021.

This figure is 65% lower than in 1975 but represents an 11% increase from 2020. In 2021, teenagers accounted for 7% of motor vehicle crash deaths and 9% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths.

The percentage of crash deaths involving passenger vehicle occupants is lowest for age 13 (55%) and highest for ages 17 and 18 (81%).

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of teenage fatalities in motor vehicle crashes and underscores the importance of road safety education and enforcement.

It also raises significant questions about how victims and their families can be compensated for their losses and the role legal representation can play in this process.

Victims of car accidents, particularly those involving fatalities, can seek various types of compensation to address the damages they have suffered.

Compensation can include medical expenses for any treatments received, funeral and burial costs, loss of income for the family members who depended on the deceased, and pain and suffering endured by both the victims and their families.

In cases where negligence or reckless behavior is proven, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

In the wake of such a devastating accident, the services of experienced attorneys can be invaluable. Winston Briggs Law Firm specializes in car accident and wrongful death claims, providing the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of these cases.

Our attorneys are committed to helping victims and their families secure the compensation they deserve. We conduct thorough investigations, gather critical evidence, and work with experts to build a strong case.

Our attorneys understand the emotional and financial strain that such incidents impose on families.

We offer compassionate and personalized legal representation, ensuring that our clients are well informed and supported throughout the legal process. By advocating fiercely on their behalf, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients, helping them find some measure of justice and closure in the aftermath of tragedy.

As the investigation into the fatal teen crash in Alpharetta continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of young lives and looks to legal avenues to provide the necessary support and compensation for those affected by this heartbreaking event.

Disclaimer: The content provided herein serves solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice. In the event of an accident, it is imperative to promptly seek medical assistance. Furthermore, please note that the image included in this post is purely illustrative and does not depict the actual scene of the incident.

Source: Fox5 Atlanta