Two people died in a vehicle crash in Union City on Labor Day, according to officials. The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Roosevelt Highway and Lower Dixie Lake Road on Monday morning, prompting responses from both Union City police and Georgia State Patrol troopers. The Fulton County medical examiner's office identified one of the deceased victims as 54-year-old Ronald Tookes, while Georgia State Patrol identified the second victim as Miriam Tookes. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find two badly damaged cars, with the Georgia State Patrol taking the lead on the investigation according to Union City police. The tragic Labor Day incident has prompted authorities to urge drivers to avoid the area while the investigation continues, and no additional details about the circumstances leading to the crash have been released at this time.

Location and Infrastructure

Roosevelt Highway provides unsafe conditions for pedestrians according to Union City transportation planning documents, which note ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian infrastructure along this corridor. The intersection of Roosevelt Highway and Lower Dixie Lake Road represents a significant traffic junction in Union City, with Roosevelt Highway (also designated as SR 138) serving as a major thoroughfare connecting various parts of the metropolitan Atlanta area. The City of Union City has proposed sidewalk installations along Roosevelt Highway from SR 138/Jonesboro Road to Stonewall Tell Road on the west side, including storm drainage improvements, highlighting the ongoing infrastructure challenges in this area. The intersection area features commercial establishments, including a BP fueling station at the intersection of Roosevelt Highway and Lower Dixie Lake Road, making it a busy location for both vehicular traffic and pedestrians throughout the day.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia's at-fault insurance system, an accident victim must be less than 50% at fault to recover compensation for car accident injuries or property damage, with the state following modified comparative negligence rules. In cases involving fatal accidents, surviving spouse, children of the deceased, parents of the deceased, or the executor of the estate may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against responsible parties. Georgia's statute of limitations gives you two years to sue for personal injury, while if the car accident caused someone's death, the deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is also two years from the date of death. Georgia law requires minimum liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, though families may need to pursue additional coverage through uninsured/underinsured motorist policies if damages exceed these limits. Potential compensation in wrongful death cases can include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and pain and suffering, depending on the specific circumstances of each case.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Union City Police Department: (770) 964-1333
• Georgia State Patrol: *GSP (*477) or (404) 624-7000
• Fulton County Emergency Services: 911

Traffic Safety and Support Resources:

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT): 511 for traffic updates
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: (404) 656-6996
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia: (404) 252-7991
• Victim Services Programs through the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) - Traffic Laws: www.legis.ga.gov
• Georgia Department of Insurance - Motor Vehicle Insurance Information
• State Bar of Georgia Lawyer Referral Service: (404) 527-8700
• Georgia Legal Services Program for low-income legal assistance