Aaron Atkinson passes away following an early morning collision with a tractor-trailer in Lenox

LENOX, New York- Motorcyclist Aaron Atkinson, 60, was killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer on Route 13 in Lenox, New York.

According to initial reports, the collision happened around 2:00 a.m. on Route 13 near Lewis Point Road. An unidentified driver of a tractor-trailer lost control and crossed the center line, colliding with Atkinson’s Harley-Davidson.

Atkinson was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not hurt, but investigators suggested he may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.

An investigation is being conducted. No additional information is currently available.

Mr. Atkinson’s family will need answers for the unexpected passing of their loved one

Given the circumstances surrounding this accident—the time, the fact that the truck driver crossed the center line, and the fact that investigators suspect the driver may have been on drugs—it seems clear that the truck driver was engaged in negligent behavior and that this accident was entirely preventable. Our hearts go out to the family of Mr. Atkinson as they process the loss of their loved one. The family deserves a thorough investigation that will ensure all responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence and the death of Mr. Atkinson.

If the investigators are correct and the truck driver was operating his vehicle while under the influence of drugs, that would provide one avenue for Mr. Atkinson’s family to seek legal recourse. All states have laws enacting strict penalties for drivers who engage in such reckless behavior, and the penalties are even more severe if that behavior results in an injury or death.

Any investigation should also look into whether the truck driver may have been engaged in distracted driving as well, as this is another common reason we find that drivers cross the center line. As with driving under the influence, distracted driving is clearly negligent and would subject the driver, and possibly the company, to liability for this accident.

Regardless of the cause, Mr. Atkinson’s family deserves answers quickly, and any wrongdoers must be identified and held responsible for their actions. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Mr. Atkinson at this time.