Decatur, GA (February 14, 2026) – A 59-year-old man died on Thursday, February 12, after being struck by a fleeing vehicle during a police pursuit in unincorporated Decatur. The fatal crash occurred around 8:45 p.m. on Candler Road near Whites Mill Road.
Officials said an officer attempted to stop a Mercedes-Benz sedan for window and license plate tint violations. The driver initially pulled over but then accelerated away, prompting a chase along Candler Road.
During the pursuit, the Mercedes struck a pedestrian with its front bumper. The vehicle continued driving, and the pursuing officer later lost sight of it, ending the chase.
The victim was identified by the medical examiner as 59-year-old Decatur resident Terry Loman. He died at the scene.
Authorities confirmed the suspect vehicle has not yet been located. The Georgia Department of Public Safety released a photo of the Mercedes-Benz and stated the license plate number is BLK63.
The Georgia State Patrol is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information about the driver to come forward.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the victim during this challenging time.
Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia
Georgia law grants two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. This deadline usually begins on the day the person died. Certain legal rules can pause or adjust that timeframe in specific situations.
The filing period often starts on the date of death rather than the date of the crash. This distinction can matter when medical treatment continues for days or weeks after an accident.
Some situations can temporarily stop the legal clock. A related criminal case may pause the civil deadline while charges move through court. Once that matter concludes, the remaining time may begin running again.
Opening an estate can also affect timing. A probate court must appoint a personal representative before certain claims move forward. Delays in that process may influence when legal action begins.
Claims involving a city, county, or state agency follow separate notice requirements. These cases often require written ante litem notice within a much shorter period. Missing that step can permanently block a later lawsuit.
Georgia recognizes more than one type of claim after a fatal crash. A wrongful death action seeks the full value of the person’s life. A separate estate claim may address final medical expenses and other related costs.
Courts strictly enforce filing deadlines. Submitting a case after the legal limit expires can lead to dismissal. Even strong evidence cannot revive a claim filed too late.
A wrongful death attorney can calculate the proper filing date and identify any exceptions that may apply. A lawyer helps families meet court requirements and avoid costly errors.
At Karma Injury Law, we represent families who have lost loved ones in fatal pedestrian crashes across Georgia. Our team reviews records, explains filing deadlines, and outlines available legal options.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal crash, contact Karma Injury Law at (678) 607-8312. We can review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your next steps.
Notes: Our writers rely on multiple external sources to create this accident news post, including local and national news reports, police accident reports, and, sometimes, eyewitness accounts of injury accidents in Georgia. If you find any inaccuracies in this post, please contact Karma Injury Law promptly so we can make corrections. We will also remove the post upon request.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a business solicitation. Please be aware that the information provided does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances. We encourage you to contact Karma Injury Law directly for personalized legal guidance. The featured image in this post is not related to the actual accident scene.
