In a tragic incident that marked Athens-Clarke County's first traffic fatality of 2025, 63-year-old Joseph Buckles of Athens lost his life after being struck by a vehicle during the morning rush hour. The accident occurred around 7:00 AM on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, near the intersection of West Broad Street and Old Epps Bridge Road. Emergency medical services were already administering life-saving measures when Athens-Clarke County Police officers arrived at the scene. Despite these urgent medical interventions, Mr. Buckles was pronounced dead at the location. The driver, a 21-year-old resident of Lawrenceville, was uninjured in the collision. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has launched an investigation into the incident, with Senior Police Officer James Trotter leading the case and seeking additional witnesses.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of West Broad Street and Old Epps Bridge Road represents a crucial junction in Athens' western corridor, serving as a major arterial route connecting downtown Athens with residential and commercial areas. This section of West Broad Street typically experiences heavy morning traffic as commuters travel between Athens and nearby communities. The area features multiple retail establishments and business complexes, contributing to significant pedestrian activity. The intersection is equipped with standard traffic signals and crosswalks, though the surrounding infrastructure has historically presented challenges for pedestrian safety due to the width of the roadway and the volume of turning vehicles during peak hours.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, pedestrian accident victims and their families may be entitled to seek compensation through various legal channels. Georgia's statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation may cover medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning compensation may be adjusted based on the relative fault of parties involved. Insurance considerations typically involve the driver's auto liability coverage, potential uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and possibly premises liability if road conditions or signal malfunctions contributed to the accident. An experienced Athens personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Athens-Clarke County Police Department: (762) 400-7326
• Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services: (706) 613-3360
• Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center: (706) 475-7000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Athens-Clarke County Transportation and Public Works: (706) 613-3440
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: (404) 656-6996

Victim Support Services:

• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program: (800) 547-0060
• Georgia Department of Driver Services: (678) 413-8400
• Athens-Clarke County Victim Services: (706) 613-3358