Driver fled after vehicle struck pedestrian at Jess Norman Way
December 20, 2025 | Doraville, GA
Cesar Alonso Sebastian Marquez lost his life in a hit-and-run incident in Doraville on Dec. 20.
The tragic accident unfolded late Saturday night, leaving authorities to pursue justice for the victim.
Cesar Alonso Sebastian Marquez died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run at the intersection of Buford Highway and Jess Norman Way in Doraville.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities reported that Marquez was walking when a vehicle struck him at the intersection of Buford Highway and Jess Norman Way around 11:38 p.m. The driver fled immediately after the crash.
- Date and Time: Dec. 20, 2025, approximately 11:38 p.m.
- Location: Buford Highway and Jess Norman Way, Doraville, GA
- Victim: Cesar Alonso Sebastian Marquez, pedestrian
- Outcome: Pronounced dead at the scene
- Suspect Status: Driver apprehended, facing charges including vehicular homicide by hit-and-run and reckless driving
Emergency responders arrived quickly but could not save Marquez, who was declared deceased on-site.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers fearing legal consequences, such as intoxication or unlicensed operation. These collisions highlight vulnerabilities for pedestrians on busy roadways like Buford Highway.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracks such cases nationwide. From 2018 to 2022, over 4 million people encountered hit-and-run accidents, with more than 12,000 resulting in deaths.
Year Range |
Total Hit-and-Run Incidents |
Fatalities |
|---|
2018-2022 |
Over 4 million |
More than 12,000 |
Source: NHTSA
This table underscores the scale of the issue, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on pedestrian collisions and hit-and-runs, drawing from broad experience in motor vehicle cases.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline, stressed the urgency of independent reviews.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” Bond added. “In cases such as this, it is important to have an independent investigation conducted sooner than later to preserve any evidence.”
Key takeaways include:
- Preserve evidence promptly through professional analysis.
- Review police reports alongside other factors like road conditions.
- Demonstrate negligence to build a strong case.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, addressed broader implications.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica.
Potential Wrongful Death Claims
Families affected by such tragedies may pursue wrongful death claims to address losses. These can cover companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
“Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” Formica noted.
Pending the ongoing investigation, Marquez's family could explore these options.
Newsline, owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards as a premier digital news platform with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our reports draw from verified data, and we invite corrections via our Corrections Policy, ensuring a 24-hour review process for accuracy.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(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).