CLAYTON COUNTY, GEORGIA (April 15, 2026) – A 58-year-old pedestrian identified as Demetrius Lamar Has tragically died in a Clayton County semi-truck accident on Interstate 285 by Riverdale Road.
Clayton County officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:45 AM on Wednesday morning. Demetrius Lamar was struck by a passing semi-truck for undetermined reasons.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Demetrius Lamar later died due to the severity of his injuries.
Several lanes of traffic were closed as authorities continued to investigate. The driver of the truck remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
Truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial driver’s license. They are expected to operate with an abundance of caution to avoid colliding with other vehicles or pedestrians on the roadway. According to GA Code § 40-6-180, “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing.” Semi-trucks can be particularly dangerous for several reasons.
Truck drivers must slow down to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway. Even if a pedestrian is in the middle of a road, this does not relieve a driver of their duty of care to slow down to avoid a collision. When truck drivers fail to take evasive action to avoid colliding with a pedestrian, this could be construed as negligence. Liability for the collision could extend to the company that owned the truck or employed the truck driver.
Thousands of pedestrians are seriously injured or killed every year in preventable car accidents. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, “Drivers struck and killed 7,148 people walking in the United States in 2024, down 4.3% from the year before and the second annual decline, but nearly 20% higher than the 2016 level.” Certain actions should be taken after any pedestrian accident.
Pedestrians have a naturally small profile and lack the protections of enclosed vehicles. Drivers must be particularly cautious when any pedestrian is nearby. But far too often this does not take place. Unfortunately, truck companies and their insurance providers will almost never accept responsibility when a person is injured in a truck accident. Evidence preservation is a critical component of holding all responsible parties accountable.
We at Butler Kahn extend our deepest condolences to the family of Demetrius Lamar. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what took place. Several questions remain unanswered. What was the speed of the truck prior to the collision? What is the safety record of the truck driver involved?
Do you need more information about a Clayton County semi-truck accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to helping victims get the information and support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident, we are here for you. You can always reach out to us anytime at 678-940-1444.