A pedestrian is recovering from serious injuries following a hit-and-run accident in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. Ashley Drumm was struck while using a crosswalk at the busy intersection of 10th Street and Peachtree Street around 7:45 p.m. last week as she was walking home from work. According to reports, a driver plowed into Drumm before fleeing the scene without stopping to render aid. Bystanders quickly responded to the emergency, calling for an ambulance that transported the victim to a local hospital. Drumm has already undergone two separate surgeries to address multiple severe injuries, including two broken femurs, a fractured skull, ankle and pelvis injuries, and several broken ribs. The Atlanta Police Department has confirmed they are actively investigating the incident, though they have not yet released information about the vehicle involved or whether surveillance footage captured the collision. Drumm faces an extended recovery period and has expressed her desire for the driver to be identified and held accountable.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of 10th Street and Peachtree Street sits at a critical juncture in Midtown Atlanta, one of the city's busiest commercial and residential districts. This high-traffic corridor features multiple lanes in each direction on Peachtree Street, Atlanta's signature thoroughfare, and serves as a major connector for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists moving through the area. The intersection is equipped with traffic signals and marked crosswalks designed to manage the substantial pedestrian traffic from nearby office buildings, restaurants, retail establishments, and the Midtown MARTA station. Despite these safety measures, the intersection has historically presented challenges due to high vehicle speeds, dense traffic patterns during rush hours, and the constant flow of pedestrians throughout the day and evening. The accident location is within blocks of prominent landmarks including the Margaret Mitchell House, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and Piedmont Park.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, victims of hit-and-run accidents have several legal protections and potential avenues for compensation. Georgia Code § 40-6-270 requires drivers involved in accidents causing injury to stop immediately, remain at the scene, and render reasonable assistance to injured persons. Violations constitute a felony offense, carrying significant penalties including imprisonment. Injured pedestrians typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Georgia's statute of limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Compensation may be available through multiple channels, including the victim's own uninsured motorist coverage, which can provide benefits even when the at-fault driver remains unidentified. Recoverable damages often include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. Injured parties may benefit from preserving evidence, obtaining police reports, and consulting with a personal injury attorney familiar with Georgia traffic laws.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services: Atlanta Police Department: (404) 614-6544; Grady Memorial Hospital: (404) 616-1000
• Traffic Safety Resources: Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: https://www.gahighwaysafety.org; PEDS (Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety): https://www.peds.org
• Victim Support Services: Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program: (800) 547-0060; Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission: (404) 651-5112
• Legal Information: Georgia Department of Driver Services: https://dds.georgia.gov/; Georgia Code (Traffic Laws): https://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode/