I-575 Crash Kills One

After a pickup truck crossed the I-575 median in Cobb County and hit two vehicles head on Sunday night, the woman driving the truck was pronounced dead at the scene.  Three others, including the passenger of the pickup truck, were injured in the wreck.  Northbound lanes of 575 were closed for several hours during an investigation.  Traffic was re-routed to I-75 and using the Chastain Road exit ramp to return to I-575 Northbound.  If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, please contact our office for a free consultation 24/7 at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404).

Motorcycle Crash Kills Jonesboro Man

32 year old Albert Davis of Jonesboro, Georgia was killed early Sunday after a collision between his motorcycle and a SUV.  The SUV apparently pulled in front of the motorcycilst on Old National Highway near Jolly Road in Fulton County.  Mr. Davis was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Fulton County Police Corporal Kay Lester.  The motorcycle was apparentlyl listed as stolen out of Delaware and the owner at the time of the collision was undetermined.  The status of the vehicle as stolen may change the availability of insurance as many policies exclude coverge for stolen vehicles.  If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, call Kaufman Law 24 hours a day at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for a free consultation.

Crash May Have Been Caused by Accelerator Pedal Malfunction

On Sunday, a man and woman were injured when their vehicle crashed into a Sonic restaurant on Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville, Georgia in Gwinnett County.  Gwinnet County Fire and Emergency Services Captain Tommy Rutledge said the vehicle was embedded almost three feet inside the building after the collision.  A malfunctioning accelerator pedal apparently caused the vehicle to lurch forward uncontrollably.  The make and model of the vehicle were not available, nor has the vehicle been examined.  If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another or a product defect, please call Kaufman Law 24 hours a day at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for a free consultation.

Grady Ambulance Stolen, Then Wrecked

A Grady Memorial Ambulance was stolen late Wednesday night, reports the AJC.  It was soon discovered in a ditch alongside Thomasville Avenue in southeast Atlanta.  According to Atlanta Police, paramedics had responded to a call at an Atlanta area apartment complex, leaving the engine running to investigate the scene, when the ambulance was stolen.
It appears no one was injured in the collision, but the drivers have not yet been identified or located.  If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the negligence of another, please call Kaufman Law 24 hours a day at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for a free initial consultation.

Two New Traffic Laws In Effect Today

Beginning today, two new traffic laws go into effect.  Drivers should be certaint o carry extra change if they're travelling on GA 400 through the toll plaza.  As of today, drivers who cannot pay the toll, will be slapped with a fine rather than simply a ticket for the $0.50 toll.  Additionally, new bans on cell phone use while driving go into effect today.  These laws prevent drivers under 18 for using a cell phone for any purpose while driving.  Drivers over the age of 18 are only prevented from texting while driving.  Police agencies will begin a public education campaign today and will issue warnings to drivers breaking this new law during the month of July.  After this month-long campaign, citations and fines will be issued. 

Two Seconds Can SaveYour Teen's Life

Two seconds are all it takes to create a safety state of mind, according to AJC guest columnist Tom Hazlett.  His first wife was killed in a car accident and his young son, who was unbuckled, suffered severe brain trauma when he was thrown from the vehicle.  Hazlett's article explores the importance of consistently wearing seatbelts.  Seatbelts keep the driver and passengers in the correct position to be protected by the vehicle's airbags.  Airbags and seatbelts need to be used together for maximum safety of the occupants.  Victims of a collision are much safer when they remain inside the vehicle.  Ejection or being tossed around during a collision greatly increases the likelihood of death or serious injury.  Unbuckled passengers can become missiles within a vehicle during a collision, injuring even the buckled passengers severely. According to Teens in the Driver Seat, a safety group, more than 6,000 teens die in car crashes each year.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's data shows that 4,497 teens ages 16 through 20 have been killed in car wrecks since 2008.  These sobering statistics remind us to remind our teen drivers - as well as ourselves - to spend the extra two seconds necessary to save our lives or prevent serious injury every time we get into a car.  If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the negligence of another driver, please call our office 24 hours a day for a free consultation at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404).

Seat Belt Crackdown Begins

Georgia's seat belt crackdown recently began.  Georgia Police Agencies  began their annual Click It or Ticket Campaign with road checks trhough June 6th.  Those who aren't wearing seatbelts will be ticketed and subject to a $15.00 fine for the first offense.  A $25 fine will be assessed for child passengers who are improperly restrained.  This campaign leads up to a new state law scheduled to take effect in July which will require the use of seat belts in pickup trucks.  These vehicles were previously exempt from the seat belt laws.  Trucks still used for farming will remain exempt under the new law.

Gubernatorial Candidate Injured in Crash

Carl Camon, a candidate for governor, was injured in a motor vehicle collision Monday night.  He and his wife were hospitalized in Soth Georgia as a result.  Camon, who is the mayor of Ray City, was rear-ended on Ga. 125 in Nashville on Monday afternoon according to reports on the Albany TV Station WALB.  Fortunately, they're being treated for injuries not deemed life-threatening at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Georgia.  If you or a family member has been injured as a result of the negligence of another, please call our office for a free consultation 24 hours a day at 888-973-2450 (888-WRECK-404).

Young Driver Kills Self and Brother in Troup County Crash

Christopher Truitt, driving on a suspended learner's permit, drove off the road on Thursday while trying to pass another car.  His younger brother, just 17 years old, died while being transported to a nearby hospital.  A 17 year old backseat passenger was taken to West Georgia Medical Center.  Both passengers were students at Callaway High School, where the younger Truitt played on the varsity football team.  The family of the survivor will likely seek legal counsel regarding their rights in this situation.  If you or a family member have been injured by the negligence of another, please call our office 24 hours a day at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for a free initial consultation. 

Georgia Court Allows Lawsuit Winner to Recover Attorney Fees from Other Side

A salon owner who sued an ex-Falcon for defamation was ordered to pay $50,000 in legal fees after she lost her case.  Under the "offer of judgment" provision of Georgia's 2005 tort reform law, if a defendant makes a settlement offer and the plaintiff rejects it but ends up losing their case, the defendant is entitled to have all his legal fees paid by the plaintiff.  The defendant would also be entitled to legal fees if the plaintiff wins but receives less than 75% of the settlement offer.  The original trial judge held this provision unconstitutional, arguing that it impedes access to the judicial system as it unnecessarily discourages plaintiffs from bringing rightful suits.  However, the Georgia Supreme Court overturned that decision, holding the state constitution does not guarantee such access to our state's courts.  The bill's advocates cite an increased incentive to settle cases and reduce the backlog of litigation in the busy court system.  Chris Clark, a Macon attorney, argues the bill instead acts as an unfair impediment to individual citizens who might decide not to pursue a meritorius case and risk a big bill forthe other side in the end.  This provision unfairly impacts individuals and small businesses, who don't have the same resources and cannot accept the same risks as larger corporations.  Most attorneys agree this measure does little to reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits.  Instead, it is merely designed to eliminate the "dice-rolling" aspect in litigated disputes.  If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the negligence of another, please call our office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-973-2540 for a free initial consultation. 

Piedmont Opens New Surgery Center in Atlanta

Those seeking medical attention have a new option in Atlanta.  The new Piedmont Surgery Center is now open at Piedmont West Medical Office Park on Howell Mill Road near Interstate 75.  This 15,600 square foot facility will provide a range of surgical treatments related to orthopaedic, gynecological, urological and plastic surgery treatments.  The facility will expand the outpatient surgery options currently available at Piedmont Hospital's McDonnell Surgery Center on the main Piedmont Hospital campus.  The facility contains four operating rooms, two procedure rooms and seventeen preoperative suites.

52 Year Old Woman Dead After Cherokee County Car Wreck

A 52 year old woman died in a one car wreck in Cherokee County, north of Atlanta, on Thursday.  The woman, from Bartow County, was traveling Westbound on Georgia 108 when her vehicle left the road.  Apparently, the vehicle went airborne over a creek before landing.  The vehicle may also have hit a tree.  Lanes in both directions were shut down as Cherokee County officials investigated the scene.  Weather may have played a role in the wreck.  f you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck, please contact our office at 888-WRECK-404 24 hours a day for a free consultation.

Video Catches Jonesboro Road Hit and Run

In Forest Park on Friday, a pedestrian crossing Jonesboro Road was hit by a car.  The driver briefly exited the car to apologize, before driving off again.;  The drivver, a white female in her late 20s or early 30s and approximately 5 feet 5 inches tal,l was wearing thick glasses.  She was driving a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with a chrome step bar and tinted rear passenger seats.  The incident was caught on video from the dashboard cam of a nearby Forest Park Police Officer's vehicle.  The officer witnesses the accident, then stopped to help the injured pedestrian.  The Henry Daily Herald has asked that any one else with knowledge about the event contact the Forest Park Police Department.  If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of the negligence of another, please contact our office at 888-973-2540 (999-WRECK-404) for a free consultation 24 hours a day.

Wrong Way Driver Causes Collision on I-20

A wrong way driver caused a deadly collision on Interstate-20 near Atlanta on Saturday.  The head-on collision occurred near Six Flags over Georgia.  The 71 year old driver had traveled eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-20 for at least a mile before colliding with a Marine Lance Corporal and his wife.  Marine Lance Cp. Gregory M. Suedmeyer, 21 years old, died approximately 2 hours later at Grady Memorial Hospital.  His wife remains hospitalized at Atlanta Medical Center in critical, but stable, condition.  The elderly driver, from Villa Rica, also remains hospitalized in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital.  It is unclear why the driver was headed the wrong direction at the time of the collision.  Charges are pending against the elderly driver and police continue to  investigate the accident.  Determining why the driver was headed the wrong way will be important and will affect whether the insurer for the responsible driver will be liable for the accident.  It is expected that the families involved will seek legal representation.  If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, please contact our office at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for a free consultation 24 hours a day.

Federal Government Bans Texting for Commercial Drivers

The federal government banned texting for commercial drivers.  Violators of the ban will be subject to penalties as high ast $2,750.  These regulations,Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says, will help prevent unsafe driving and hopefully more than 5,800 deaths a year.  The Transportation Department cited resesarch showing that drivers take their eyes of the road for an average of 4.6 seconds for every 6 seconds they send or receive texts while driving.  This ban does not apply to in-cab computers used by companies like FedEx and UPS.  Most of the companies affected by the ban fully support it.  A spokesperson for UPS states the company "is known for its committment to safe driving."  If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of another please call our office 24 hours a day at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for an initial consultation.

Yellow Lights Dangerously Shortened for City Profit

Faced with increasing budget shortfalls, cities have turned to the increasingly popular red light camera.  The executive director of the National Motorists Association recently told AlterNe that "there is little doubt that the desire for ticket revenue trumps safety concerns."  Recently, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger noted the expected additional annual revenue of $338 million with his proposal to add 500 speed sensors to existing red light cameras.  Safety, however, wasn't mentioned.  In fact, repeated studies show that these red light cameras are not effective at reducing collisions at intersections.  They are, however, highly effective at increasing revenue.  Some cities have even admitted to shortening the length of yellow lights in an attempt to generate additional citations.  Biller, director of the National Motorists Association, notes that even an increase of only one second can reduce the frequency of red-light running by at least 50 percent.   By shortening the yellow lights, cities are actually creating more accidents.  If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the negligence of another, please call our office 24 hours a day at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for an initial consultation.

Flying Tire Kills Woman on I-285 in DeKalb County

After woman was killed after a major vehicle collision in DeKalb County on Interstate 285 west of Bouldercrest Road on Thursday near Atlanta Georgia. The rear left tire of a Georgia State University van came off, crossed the median wall and struck the vehicle being driven by a 56 year old Virginia woman.  It is unclear what caused the tire to come off the van.  The interstate in that area north of Atlanta was shut down entirely as police agencies from DeKalb County continued their investigation.  Additional facts are necessary to determine what liability Georgia State University and the driver ofthe van may bear for the death of the woman.  If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, please contact our office 24 hours a day at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for an initial consultation.

Crashes Aren't Accidents

"Crashes Aren't Accidents" Campaign

 

by Pamela Anikeeff, Traffic Safety Programs

 

On June 8 [1997], at the opening of the Lifesavers/15 Conference in Orlando, Florida, Administrator Ricardo Martinez, M.D., with Secretary Rodney Slater kicked off the new nationwide campaign "Crashes Aren't Accidents". The Campaign was initiated by Administrator Martinez to encourage removal of the word "accident" from our vocabulary. The campaign kickoff featured a poster sized Proclamation (see box) announcing the "Crashes Aren't Accidents" campaign which was signed by the Administrator as part of the ceremony. In a short time, numerous organizations representing thousands of supporters joined the Administrator and literally "signed onto" the Proclamation as well.

 

A Crash Is Not an Accident

 

Changing the way we think about events, and the words we use to describe them, affects the way we behave. Motor vehicle crashes and injuries are predictable, preventable events. Continued use of the word "accident" promotes the concept that these events are outside of human influence or control. In fact, they are predictable results of specific actions.

 

Since we can identify the causes of crashes, we can take action to alter the effect, and avoid collisions. These events are not "acts of God" but predictable results of the laws of physics.

 

The concept of "accident" works against bringing all the appropriate resources to bear on the enormous problem of motor vehicle collisions. Continuous use of "accident" fosters the idea that the resulting injuries are an un-avoidable part of life.

 

"Crash", "collision", "incident", and "injury" are more appropriate terms, and should be encouraged as substitutes for the word "accident".

 

Within the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (US DOT/NHTSA), the word "accident" will no longer be used in materials published and distributed by the agency. In addition, NHTSA is no longer using "accidents" in speeches or other public remarks, in communications with the news media, individuals or groups in the public or private sector.

 

Recently, two other U.S. Department of Transportation agencies, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) joined NHTSA Administrator, Dr. Ricardo Martinez, endorsing his goal to eliminate "accident" from the agencies' vocabulary. In this manner, attention will be focused on causes of crashes, and what can be done to prevent collisions and the resulting injuries.

 

Campaign materials include three specific items: 1) a four page booklet which contains a letter from Administrator Martinez concerning the campaign, a copy of the Proclamation announcing the campaign, a sample article for newsletters, and a page of the "Crashes Aren't Accidents" logo in various sizes ready for use; 2) a brochure which lists 15 proven ways to prevent crashes and avoid injuries; 3) Stickers with the "Crashes Aren't Accidents" logo. These three items are available from the Office of Communications and Outreach, Marketing and Media Division. Additional materials for conference exhibits include: Plastic carrying bags, red plastic paper clips, and lapel pins with the "Crashes Aren't Accidents" logo.  

 

PROCLAMATION

 

Whereas, changing the way we think about events and the words we use will affect the way we behave. Our goal is to eliminate the word "accident" from the realm of unintentional injury, on the highway and across the nation;

 

Whereas, motor vehicle crashes and injuries are predictable, preventable events. Continued use of the word "accident" promotes the concept that these events are outside of human influence or control. In fact, they are predictable results of specific actions;

 

Whereas, we can identify their causes and take action to avoid them. These are not "acts of God", but predictable results of the laws of physics;

 

Whereas, use of the word "accident" works against bringing the appropriate resources to bear on this enormous problem. It allows the idea that the resulting injuries are an unexpected part of life;

 

Now, therefore, we the undersigned, in recognition of this life saving and injury preventing opportunity, do hereby proclaim a national campaign:

 

"Crashes Aren't Accidents"

 

To eliminate the word "accident" from the realm of unintentional injury, on the highway and across the nation, with our partners, with the media, and in all public contexts.

 

I encourage the use of other appropriate terms such as "crash," " collision," "incident," and "injury."

 

NHTSA Now Volume 3 Number 11  August 11, 1997

Cobra Coverage Extended for Unemployed

President Obama's 2011 budget contains a proposal to subsidize 65% of the COBRA premiums paid by workers who lose their jobs between March 1 and the end of 2010.  These employees are eligible to continue their health care coverage under the federal law known as COBRA.  The subsidy would continue for 12 months and extend the popular program under which those who were laid off between September 2008 and February 2010 get a 65% break on their COBRA premiums for up to 15 months.  The federal government currently reimburses health plans for that 65%.  The proposal only covers those workers who are ineligible for other health care plans, through a spouse's employer or Medicare for example.  The subsidy also phases out for individuals earning in excess of $125,000 and families earning more than $250,000.  This proposal would enable more individuals and families to seek out the health care they need for accidents, injuries or illnesses, regardless of the current employment status of a family breadwinner.  Because many people cannot afford or chose not to purchase Medical Payments Coverage through their auto insurer, unfortunately many accident victims are left with injuries they cannot afford to treat and repair.  Insurance companies use this to their advantage, basing settlement offers on the small amount of medical care a victim received before being shut out from the health care system due to an inability to pay. 

Oprah's Cell Phone Pledge

Oprah is asking viewers to sign a "No Phone Zone" pledge.  She asks us all to pledge that our cars will become a "No Phone Zone" and we will not be one of the thousands of distracted drivers on the road causing accidents each day.  Over 100,000 people have already signed.  Do your part to cut down on unsafe distracted driving and click the link to sign the pledge today.

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Passenger Ejected From Pick-Up Truck After 1-285 Collision

A passenger riding in the bed of a pick-up truck was ejected onto Interstate 285 in Sandy Springs, near Atlanta, Georgia on Monday afternoon around 2:30 p.m.  The pick-up truck was involved in a collision with a Mercedes, according to the Sandy Springs Police.  Three lanes were closed near Northside Drive for two hours as officials investigated the wreck.  The man was ejected after the pick-up truck rolled following the impact between the two vehicles.  He was rushed to Atlanta Medical Center and treated for his injuries.  Three other passengers were treated for minor injuries; it appears the driver of the Mercedes was not injured.  Early reports did not suggest which driver was liable for the collision, but there will likely be several available insurance policies for the injured passengers to collect from.  It is expected that an Atlanta Area Accident Attorney will be contacted.  If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the negligence of another, please contact our office at (888) 973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) 24 hours a day to schedule a free initial consultation.

DeKalb Teen Killed in Wreck

A 14 year old Stone Mountain High School student was killed in a car wreck in DeKalb County near Atlanta on Wednesday.  Three students were walking along Central Avenue when a 17 year old driver lost control of his vehicle and drove onto the sidewalk, striking the three students.  Tanesha Williams died later at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta from injuries she sustained.  A witness claimed the car was involved in a collision with another vehicle before running up on the sidewalk.  As DeKalb County police continue to investigate, it is likely that one or both drivers will be found liable for the injuries caused to the two teenagers and the death of Ms. Williams.  Family members will likely consult an Atlanta area personal injury attorney or lawyer for information.  If you or a family member has been injured by the negligence of another, please contact our office 24 hours a day at (888) 973-25400 (888-WRECK-404) for a free initial consultation.

Two Wrecks Delay Traffic in Clayton County

Two separate car accidents near Atlanta, Georgia, slowed traffic on Thursday morning.  At about 4:30 a.m. near Forest Parkway and Tara Boulevard, a pikcup truck hit a guard rail and the right rear side of a tractor-trailer semi.  After flipping over, both occupants of the pickup truck were ejected and one was killed.  The other was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.  Clayton County Police believe speed and alcohol may be contributing factors. 

At about the same time in South Fulton County, a tanker truck overturned and caught fire on Fulton Industrial Boulevard.  All lanes of Fulton Industrial Boulevard were shut down in both directions as the Department of Transportation worked to clear the fire and large fuel spill.  It is unclear what caused the tanker to overturn, but driver error may be involved.  Fortunately, it appears no other vehicles were involved in that second incident.  If you or a family member has been injured due to the negligence of another, please call our office 24 hours a day at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for a free consultation.

Transportation Secretary Says Driving While Texting Kills

Ray LaHood, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, recently wrote a guest column in the Atlanta Journal Constitution detailing the terrifying statistics on texting while driving.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 6,000 people died last year in crashes involving a distracted driver.  Yet, two-thirds of drivers surveyed admitted they talk or text while driving.  21 percent admitted to actually reading email while driving.  John Lee of the Center for Human Performance and Risk Analysis says texting is the "perfect storm" of driver distraction because drivers take their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road and their minds of the task of driving.  In fact, President Obama quickly banned texting while driving by federal employees on official business.  Secretary LaHood reminds us all to thank those important to us for keeping their phones in their pockets and their attention on the road.  

Many of the cases that Kaufman Law handles result from distracted defendant drivers. We have observed that injuries and death caused by rear end collisions and lane violations have increased greatly. In addition to greater numbers of wrecks resulting from texting while driving we are seeing substantially more serious injuries and deaths occur much more often.  These type of wrecks often result in rear end collisions from a vehicle travelling at expressway speeds hitting vehicles that are stopped in traffic. When these wrecks involve distracted semi tractor trailer drivers the consequence is almost always catastrophic injury or death. Juries often are enraged that a careless texter could cause injury sufficient to change a victim's life in moments.  It often further inflames them when Insurance Defense Lawyers distract them from the business of applying justice.  If our jury awards and settlements are small then the taxpayer eventually ends up paying for the expensive needs of an person injured by a distracted driver's use of a cell phone. If you know someone injured by a distracted driver call Kaufman Law,PC at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) 24 hours a day for help.

Toddler Ran Over at Family Gathering

A 2 year old girl died late Sunday after a family member backed over her when leaving the driveway in Cherokee County, just north of Atlanta.   The girl was rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where she died as a result of her severe injuries.  A Cherokee Sheriff's Office spokesman said further investigation was being conducted, but no charges had been filed as of yesterday.  During this busy season of family gatherings, this accident reminds us to be vigilant around children.  Young kids are unable to appreciate the danger cars pose and are prone to impulsive actions.  At Kaufman Law, we wish you all a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.  If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of the negligence of another, please call our office at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) 24 hours a day for a free initial consultation.