FedEx truck strikes pedestrian near Crescent Center Boulevard
December 12, 2025 | Decatur, GA
A tragic incident claimed the life of 77-year-old Berhane Tedla when he was struck by a FedEx truck in DeKalb County.
Berhane Tedla, 77, died after a FedEx truck struck him while he crossed a private driveway at Target on Northlake Parkway near Crescent Center Boulevard in Tucker.
What Happened in the Crash?
DeKalb police reported that the accident occurred at approximately 11:13 a.m. on Northlake Parkway near Crescent Center Boulevard in Tucker. Tedla was crossing a private driveway at a Target store when the FedEx truck, attempting to turn from the driveway onto Northlake Parkway, struck him.
Authorities confirmed Tedla's identity and noted the severity of the collision, which resulted in his death at the scene.
Key Details of the Incident
- Victim: Berhane Tedla, 77 years old
- Location: Northlake Parkway near Crescent Center Boulevard, Tucker, DeKalb County
- Date and Time: Dec. 12, 2025, around 11:13 a.m.
- Vehicle Involved: FedEx delivery truck
- Circumstances: Pedestrian crossing private driveway struck during the truck's turn
- Investigating Agency: DeKalb County Police Department
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety remains a critical concern in urban areas like DeKalb County. Factors such as driver visibility, road design, and pedestrian behavior often contribute to these tragedies.
A study by pedestrian advocacy group Propel ATL highlighted that in 2024, DeKalb County recorded 40 pedestrian fatalities, down from a 10-year high of 59 in 2023, yet still the highest in the five-county Atlanta region. Nationally, the Governors Highway Safety Association estimated 6,721 pedestrian deaths in 2020, a 4.8% increase from 2019.
Year |
DeKalb County Pedestrian Fatalities |
Regional Comparison (Five-County Area) |
National Projection (GHSA) |
|---|
2023 |
59 |
Highest in the region |
Not Available |
2024 |
40 |
Highest in the region |
Not Available |
2020 |
Not Available |
Not Available |
6,721 |
Data sourced from Propel ATL and Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). For more statistics, visit GHSA or CDC.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Accidents
In cases such as this, a thorough investigation is essential to determine liability and support affected families.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond emphasized the need for independent investigation by experienced attorneys to protect victims' rights.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” Bond added. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on pedestrian crashes:
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all times, especially in driveways and intersections.
- Environmental factors like poor lighting or obstructed views can play a role in negligence claims.
- Independent investigations help gather evidence beyond official reports.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, noted the emotional toll on families.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Formica. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Families may pursue wrongful death claims for compensation covering funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional distress, pending investigation outcomes.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience in commercial trucking accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you need legal support.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).