A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of 56-year-old Andy Lamar Hines on Monday night when he was struck by a vehicle while walking along Highway 27 in Trion, Chattooga County. The fatal collision occurred on the heavily trafficked highway, prompting an immediate response from local emergency services. Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy McElhaney officially released the victim's identity on Wednesday evening, confirming that Hines was a Chattooga County resident. Law enforcement and accident investigation teams were dispatched to the scene, and while specific details about the driver and vehicle involved have not been released, authorities continue their active investigation into the circumstances surrounding this fatal incident.

Location and Infrastructure

Highway 27, also known as U.S. Route 27, serves as a major north-south arterial highway through Trion and Chattooga County, carrying significant local and regional traffic through the area. The highway corridor through Trion features both commercial and residential development, with numerous business entrances and intersections that create multiple conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians. While the road is designed primarily for vehicular traffic, local residents occasionally need to cross or walk along the highway to access nearby businesses and residential areas. The section of Highway 27 through Trion typically experiences higher traffic volumes during evening hours as commuters return home from work in neighboring communities.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia law, the family of a deceased pedestrian accident victim may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of death. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, where recovery may be possible as long as the pedestrian was less than 50% at fault for the accident. Potential compensation could include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost future income, and loss of companionship for surviving family members. Insurance considerations typically involve the at-fault driver's liability coverage, and potentially the victim's own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if applicable. Families are advised to preserve all evidence and documentation related to the accident.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Chattooga County Emergency Services: (706) 857-3400
• Trion Police Department: (706) 734-2223
• Chattooga County Sheriff's Office: (706) 857-3411

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety
• Chattooga County Traffic Safety Coalition

Victim Support Services:

• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program
• Georgia Department of Driver Services Crash Report Request Portal
• Georgia Victim Assistance Program

Legal References:

• Georgia Code Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Georgia Pedestrian Safety Guide
• Georgia Department of Transportation Safety Resources