Fatal Pedestrian Collision on Columbia Drive in DeKalb County Claims Life of 29-Year-Old Woman

A tragic hit-and-run collision followed by a secondary impact involving a school bus claimed the life of a 29-year-old female pedestrian at the intersection of Columbia Drive and McAfee Road in DeKalb County, Georgia. The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m. on Thursday when the victim was initially struck by what witnesses described as a white or gray long-bed pickup truck traveling northbound on Columbia Drive. Following the initial impact, a DeKalb County school bus was unable to avoid striking the victim. DeKalb County Police officers arrived to find the woman deceased in the roadway. While the school bus driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities, the pickup truck driver fled northbound. No students were aboard the bus at the time. Police are actively investigating the incident and seeking information about the hit-and-run vehicle.

Location and Infrastructure - The intersection of Columbia Drive and McAfee Road is a major junction in central DeKalb County, connecting residential areas with commercial corridors. Columbia Drive serves as a primary north-south thoroughfare, experiencing heavy commuter traffic during morning rush hours when this incident occurred. The intersection is controlled by traffic signals and includes marked crosswalks. Located near several schools and shopping centers, this area typically sees significant pedestrian activity. Recent traffic studies have noted increased vehicle volumes during school arrival times, corresponding with when this accident took place.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Georgia Code § 40-6-270, leaving the scene of an accident involving death is a felony offense. The victim's family may have grounds for multiple claims, including wrongful death action against the hit-and-run driver and potential claims involving the second collision. Georgia's two-year statute of limitations applies to personal injury and wrongful death cases. Compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. Georgia's modified comparative negligence laws could affect claim outcomes. The involvement of a government vehicle (school bus) requires adhering to specific notice requirements and deadlines under the Georgia Tort Claims Act. An experienced DeKalb County injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

• DeKalb County Police Department: 770-724-7610
• DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office: 404-508-3500
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety
• DeKalb County Victim Assistance Program
• Georgia Department of Transportation - Traffic Safety Resources
• Georgia Code Title 40 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Laws