On February 11, a tragic pedestrian accident occurred in downtown Atlanta when 67-year-old Pradeep Sood was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing Peachtree Street. The incident happened around 1:00 PM near the Peachtree Street MARTA station, where Sood was walking across a faded crosswalk that, according to city officials, had not been active since 2023 despite still being visible on the roadway. Video surveillance obtained by Atlanta News First showed Sood being hit by a black truck while in this decommissioned crosswalk area. Emergency responders rushed Sood to nearby Grady Memorial Hospital, but he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. A police report later declared Sood at fault for the incident, though his family believes the confusing infrastructure contributed significantly to the tragedy. The accident has prompted immediate action from the Atlanta Department of Transportation, which announced plans to remove all remaining signs of the crosswalk as early as the following week.

Location and Infrastructure

The accident occurred on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta, a major thoroughfare that has undergone several configuration changes in recent years. The crosswalk in question was originally installed in Summer 2021 as part of the "Peachtree Shared Street Project," which reduced the street from four travel lanes to two and added planters to accommodate less vehicular traffic. Though the project was officially removed in March 2022 at the direction of the mayor's office, the white crosswalk markings remained visible but faded, creating a potentially confusing situation for pedestrians. City officials acknowledged that dozens of people continue to use the faded crosswalk daily, crossing into oncoming traffic. The Atlanta Department of Transportation has indicated that while the crosswalk remnants will be removed immediately, a complete resurfacing of Peachtree Street is planned for late Summer/early Fall 2025, with potential for properly designed pedestrian infrastructure as part of ongoing "Moving Atlanta Forward" initiatives.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Georgia, pedestrian accident victims and their families may have legal recourse through personal injury or wrongful death claims. While the police report indicated the pedestrian was at fault in this case, Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning compensation may still be possible if the victim was less than 50% responsible for the accident. Infrastructure design and maintenance issues could potentially create municipal liability if it can be demonstrated that negligent design or upkeep contributed to the accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is generally two years from the date of the incident, giving family members limited time to pursue legal action. Potential compensation could include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Those affected should consult with an attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents to understand their specific rights.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services: Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department
• Traffic Safety Resources: Atlanta Department of Transportation Vision Zero Program, Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety
• Victim Support Services: Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia Chapter, Atlanta Legal Aid Society
• Traffic Laws and Regulations: Georgia Department of Driver Services, Georgia Code Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)