A fatal collision involving a pedestrian has resulted in the complete closure of Interstate 20 in both directions in Cobb County, Georgia. The incident occurred before 5:30 a.m. on Friday morning near the exit to Riverside Drive. According to information provided by the Cobb Police Department, their Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit was dispatched to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation of the collision. As a precautionary measure and to facilitate the investigation process, authorities have temporarily closed both eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate. Emergency personnel responded promptly to the scene, though specific details about their actions have not been released. At this time, officials have not disclosed the identity of the pedestrian involved in the fatal incident, and there is no clear indication of when the roadway will reopen to traffic.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred on Interstate 20 near the Riverside Drive exit in Cobb County, a heavily trafficked corridor that serves as a major east-west route through metropolitan Atlanta. This section of I-20 typically experiences significant commuter traffic, particularly during early morning hours when visibility can be compromised. The Riverside Drive exit (Exit 46) connects the interstate to residential and commercial areas north and south of the highway, including parts of Austell and Mableton. The area features standard interstate infrastructure with multiple lanes in each direction, limited shoulder space, and controlled access points. While pedestrians are prohibited on interstate highways in Georgia, various circumstances occasionally lead to pedestrian presence on these high-speed roadways, creating extremely hazardous conditions for both pedestrians and motorists.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, pedestrian-vehicle accidents involve complex liability issues that depend heavily on the specific circumstances of the incident. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party, with recovery barred if a party is 50% or more at fault. Survivors of deceased pedestrians may have grounds for a wrongful death claim, which must be filed within two years of the date of death according to Georgia's statute of limitations. Potential compensation could include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost wages and benefits, and pain and suffering. Additionally, Georgia's statutes explicitly prohibit pedestrians from walking on interstate highways except in emergencies, a factor that may affect liability determinations in this case.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services: Cobb County Police Department, Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services
• Traffic Information: Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Navigator, Georgia 511
• Victim Support: Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program, Georgia Victim Assistance Network
• Legal Resources: Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety, Georgia Code Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Safety Organizations: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia Chapter, Georgia Walks