Fort Valley, GA (July 23, 2025) – A pedestrian incident occurred in the early morning hours of July 23 when a pedestrian was struck and killed in a hit-and-run on Highway 96 near Braswell Street. Authorities say 66-year-old James Oates was pushing a shopping cart along the roadway when he was struck around 2 a.m. Emergency personnel responded quickly but were unable to save him; Oates was pronounced dead at the scene approximately 30 minutes later.
According to coroner Kerry Rooks, the victim died before medical aid could be administered. A report from the Georgia State Patrol indicates that Oates was hit by a charcoal gray vehicle, which fled the scene. Investigators say the vehicle has a damaged, tinted headlight and may have sustained front-end damage. Law enforcement is now working to identify the driver involved in this fatal incident. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the vehicle remains at large.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of James Oates.
Pedestrian Accidents in Georgia
Understanding how pedestrian accidents unfold can help raise awareness and accountability:
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Vulnerable Victims: Pedestrians are among the most at-risk individuals on roadways. Without any protective barrier, even low-speed impacts can lead to severe or fatal injuries.
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Frequent Locations: Many fatal pedestrian incidents occur on highways or dimly lit streets without sidewalks. Highway 96, where this crash happened, is a high-speed area where visibility can be limited at night.
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Vehicle Clues Matter: Damage to specific vehicle parts, such as a headlight or bumper, is often critical in helping police identify hit-and-run drivers. Witness accounts and nearby surveillance footage can also support investigations.
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Legal Consequences: Fleeing the scene of a fatal crash is a felony in Georgia. Once located, the driver could face serious charges, including vehicular homicide and hit-and-run penalties.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a pedestrian incident, reaching out to a Fort Valley pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible is crucial. A lawyer can work with investigators to secure traffic footage, identify witnesses, and support claims for medical expenses or wrongful death compensation. Families affected by hit-and-runs need guidance navigating Georgia’s legal system, especially in cases involving unidentified drivers or insurance complications.
Karma Injury Law is here for you after such an unimaginable loss. We offer free consultations to families impacted by fatal pedestrian accidents. Our compassionate wrongful death attorneys will listen to your story and discuss how we may help pursue justice for your loved one. Whether negotiating with insurers or building a wrongful death claim, we aim to lessen your legal burden during this difficult time. With experience handling serious injury and hit-and-run cases, we’ll fight to hold the responsible party accountable. Contact us today at (678) 607‑8312 to take the first step.
Notes: Our writers rely on multiple external sources to create this accident news post, including local and national news reports, police accident reports, and, sometimes, eyewitness accounts of injury accidents in Georgia. If you find any inaccuracies in this post, please contact Karma Injury Law promptly so we can make corrections. We will also remove the post upon request.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a business solicitation. Please be aware that the information provided does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances. We encourage you to contact Karma Injury Law directly for personalized legal guidance. The featured image in this post is not related to the actual accident scene.
