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Car Accidents and Truck Wrecks
- Federal Government Bans Texting for Commercial Drivers
- Yellow Lights Dangerously Shortened for City Profit
- Flying Tire Kills Woman on I-285 in DeKalb County
- Crashes Aren't Accidents
- Cobra Coverage Extended for Unemployed
Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Negligence
- Avandia Linked to Heart Failure
- In Georgia, Middle Ground for Victims of Medical Wrongdoing?
- Radiation From CT Scans Linked to Cancer
- The name “Emory” does not ensure high hospital standards
- Prescription mistakes can be dangerous
Workers' Compensation
- East Atlanta Liquor Store Clerk Killed
- How can an attorney help your Workers' Compensation case?
- Security Guard Killed In Atlanta
- Can workers’ comp claimants in Georgia change doctors?
- Man killed in Collision with big truck
Premises Liability and Negligent Security
- DeKalb Man Killed in Shootout at Apartment
- Atlanta Colleges among the most dangerous
- Rides at Metro Atlanta Carnivals Sometimes Dangerous
- "Hot Coffee" - The Movie
- Atlanta retailers gear up to prevent Black Friday injuries.
Legal News
- Jurors Banned From Tweeting
- The Real Story Behind the McDonald's Coffee Case
- Denture Cream May Cause Zinc Poisoning
- Fixodent and Poligrip May Cause Zinc Poisoning
- Georgia Consumers Resource Bank
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- Winder Four Year Old Injured in Wreck
- Honorable Jay M. Roth Appointed to State Court of Fulton County
News
- Multi-vehicle crash shuts down both lanes of I-75 in Cook County...
Posted on 11/21/2009 - New study shows the uninsured are more likely to die in ER...
Posted on 11/17/2009 - Morehouse-crash bus driver dies after car wreck...
Posted on 11/11/2009 - Clark Atlanta University sued in shooting death of Spelman student...
Posted on 11/8/2009 - DeKalb resident wins medical injury lawsuit...
Posted on 11/2/2009
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Car Accidents and Truck Wrecks
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- Atlanta Accident Attorneys
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- Ten tips for finding good nursing home care
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- Georgia Medical Malpractice Lawsuits: Is a cap on damages unconstitutional?
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- Hurt on the job in Georgia? Four steps that can help you get fair compensation.
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Car Accidents and Truck Wrecks
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..hmmessage P { PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px } BODY.hmmessage { FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; FONT-SIZE: 10pt } http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4
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.High School Student Charged with Vehicular Homicide
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported yesterday that a Sandy Creek High School student has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide. The 16 year old girl was one her way to school in Fayetteville, a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, when she lost control of her Corolla on Old Ford Road. She apparently collided with a stone mailbox. A backseat passenger, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died as a result of injuries he sustained during the collision. Two other passengers, who were wearing seatbelts, suffered only minor injuries. The young driver was also charged with driving too fast for conditions, failure to maintain a lane, and other minor traffic charges. Although the accident remains under investigation, no further charges are expected, according to a spokesman for the Fayette County Sheriff's Office said yesterday. The families of all students involved will likely contact an attorney to discuss their rights and obligations in this situtation. A personal injury attorney in the Atlanta area could help them pursue a claim for damages as a result of the injuries they sustained. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the negligence of another, please call our office now at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for a free consultation. Our office is available is 24 hours a day to assist you.Watch What You Eat
...especially when driving. A Forsyth County woman was killed in a head-on collision apparently caused by her attempt to eat while driving. According to officials in Forsyth County, a little north of Atlanta, a Cumming, Georgia woman was traveling northbound on Georgia 9 at 6:30 pm on Wednesday evening. Her Honda Accord veered across the center line and collided with an oncoming Pathfinder. The woman, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was taken to North Fulton Hospital where she later died from her injuries. The occupants of the Pathfinder were not seriously injured in the head-on collision. This unfortunate accident serves as a reminder to us all that our cars are powerful vehicles. We should refrain from multi-tasking during commutes as much as possible, remembering that driving carefully requires our full attention. It is in those moments that we are distracted from the task of driving that "accidents" occur. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the negligent driving of another, please call Kaufman Law at (888) WRECK-404 (888-973-2540). Our staff is available 24/7 to provide a free initial case consultation.Girl Pinned Under Car at Sandy Springs Whole Foods
As a 9 year old and her mother were leaving the Whole Foods on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, which is a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia a 70 year old driver had an accident and lost control of his car and backed into a cement planter, toppling it over onto a young girl. Fortunately, officers reported the planter took most of the impact from the car, but the girl was trapped until emergency help arrived. She was taken to Children's Heatlhcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite hospital for treatment of non-lifethreatening injuries. It appears the older driver will be liable for her injuries, depending on the reason he lost control of the vehicle. If he suffered an unforeseeable medical condition, such as a stroke or heart attack, without warning, he might not be liable. If, however, he was looking for his cell phone or otherwise distracted, he was driving negligently and will be liable for any damage he caused, both to property owned by the store and for injuries to the girl. If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, please contact Kaufman Law at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) to schedule a free initial consultation.
Investigation of Bus Company Involved in Morehouse Wreck Continues
Investigation of Bus Company Involved in Morehouse Wreck ContinuesLate Monday the Georgia Public Service Commission opened a formal investigation into Superior Transportation Group, the company that owned and operated the bus carrying Morehouse College band members when it rolled over on the Interstate near Atlanta over the weekend. That accident injured several of the Atlanta area students as it travelled on Interstate 75 to a football game in Albany, Georgia. It appears the bus company was operating illegally and without proper licenses and permits issued by the PSC. The PSC requires that all companies provide proof of sufficient insurance and submit to a background check and bus safety inspection to obtain a permit to operate within Georgia. The company was exposed to the PSC in 2008 after someone tried to hire a bus from the company but couldn't find them listed on the PSC website. A "cease and desist" letter was sent at that time, although it appears the company continued to conduct business. Morehouse insists it contracted with Adventure Bus Charter and Tours, Inc. based in Alabama and is not yet certain how Superior Transportation Group is involved. Because the bus was operating without liability insurance, the injured students will have to seek other available coverages to compensate them for their injuries. The students may live with relatives who own vehicles and have purchased medical payment (Med Pay) or uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Residents who live with relatives can usually make claims on those policies, even if they were not in a covered vehicle at the time of the collision. Morehouse and the tour bus company may also have liability, although additional facts are needed to determine the precise involvement of each. Lesson here: Insure your self with high amounts of Med Pay and Uninsured Motorist coverage. Protect yourself because the other guy may not protect you. If you have a serious personal injury from a car, truck or bus wreck in Georgia you may hire a lawyer to help you. This is no place for amateurs. Hire an experienced plaintiff's personal injury attorney to make sure all of your rights have been pursued. Kaufman Law, pc provides attorney services to seriously injured persons who have been hurt by someone else's negligence.
Wreck Shuts Down Stone Mountain Freeway
Stone Mountain Freeway Shut Down After Deadly WreckThe eastbound lanes of Stone Mountain Freeway were shut down on Tuesday afternoon after nine people had to be cut out from an overturned van. Six people were airlifted to Atlanta area hospitals including Grady Memorial Hospital and Atlanta Medical Center. The wreck occurred during rush hour traffic between Stone Mountain Industrial and Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain, Georgia. There were some, as yet unconfirmed, reports that the van was a Southern Company commuter van carrying Georgia Power employees. Witnesses reported that a Dodge Stratus clipped the van as the driver of the sedan attempted to make a lane change.
Recovery for the injured passengers and driver for this accident could become complicated. First, it initially from the news reports it appears the driver of the Stratus is likely at fault. However, there are likely nine victims, some with injuries as severe as death. Depending on the insurance coverages carried by that driver, there will likely not be enough insurance to cover the damages for all nine injured victims. Unfortunately, many drivers carry only the minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 total per accident. If any of the van riders had Underinsured Motorist Coverage, it could potentially be extremely helpful here.
It also appears the van involved is owned by VPSI, a company that leases commuter vans to cities across the country. The Michigan-based company issued a statement explaining that its vans are usually driven by employees of the local companies providing commuter van services. Initial reports indicate the van was not at fault for the accident. If additional investigation reveals otherwise, it is not clear who would be responsible for the resulting damages. More information about who was driving the van and which local company provided the commuter service would be needed.
The injured who were on a van supplied by their employer may also be considered "in the course of" and "in the scope of" employment. If so, workers compensation claims could be filed. The van driver may be an actual employee and would have access to workers compensation benefits.
Part of the insurance search would depend on the leasing arrangement and a determination of who leased the van and whether the passengers paid for the service. If a municipality or authority owned the van then they will hide behind immunity given to them by the state legislature.
The only likely place from which the injured victims of negligence would be able to find funds to help pay for their injuries is the amount of UNINSURED MOTORISTS COVERAGE that each passenger purchased on their own vehicles.
There are many other places that a Trial Lawyers office would search to find liability and resources to help relieve the overwhelming financial pressure these innocent victims have suffered in the past and will suffer in the future. The lesson for readers is to purchase all of the Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Med Pay Coverage that you can find from a reputable insurance company. Don't rely on the other guy to protect you and your family.
At Kaufman Law, we see clients everyday who've been injured in accidents through no fault of their own. Unfortunately, many times a limited insurance policy held by the defendant prevents them from recovering enough to be truly compensated for their injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact our office at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) 24 hours a day to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your legal rights.
Texting and Cell Phones are a major cause of traffic accidents.
According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), 80 percent of crashes result from driver inattention. Sixty-eight percent of rear-end crashes are caused by distracted drivers.
Common causes of driver distraction include
• Cell phone use, texting, or the use of other electronic devices
With distracted drivers on the road, even the safest driver may not be able to avoid an accident. If you or someone you love has been in an accident caused by a distracted driver, call the car wreck attorneys at Kaufman Law toll free at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) for a free consultation.
5 Year Old Killed by Atlanta School Bus
A 5 year old boy was run over by a school bus in a northwest Atlanta neighborhood on Tuesday. He was being dropped off after attending kindergarten at Usher Elementary School. It was not clear whether the boy was killed immediately or died later from injuries sustained in the school bus accident.
Atlanta Police Officer James Polite indicated the boy was walking in front of the school bus when the driver began pulling forward. Charges were still pending Wednesday morning as police investigators sought to determine how the bus driver lost track of this child. The bus driver, who has been driving for six years, has not been identified. It appears both the bus driver personally and Atlanta Public Schools, as his or her employer, is liable to the young boy's family. As the police continue their investigation, it will be important to determine whether the bus driver was distracted at the time and, if so, what things were distracting the driver like a cell phone or other children on the bus. The most significant legal problem in these cases is often Immunity from Liability that the Georgia Legislature has given to schools and their employees. If there is Insurance it is likely to be modest. Another legal issue is calculating damages for the pecuniary worth of a child. The Georgia Wrongful Death Statute gives the child's parents the right to decide whether and how to proceed. It is likely the boy's family will seek the advice of an Atlanta area accident attorney to discuss their legal rights in this situation. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, please call our office at 1-888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) to schedule a free consultation. Our staff is available 24 hours a day.
Alabama Band Bus T-Bones Car
A bus filled with members of the University of Alabama band t-boned a vehicle on Atlanta Street Saturday afternoon in downtown Atlanta. The bus was travelling to the Georgia Dome where the Alabama football team was preparing to play. Fortunately, no students on the bus were injured. The driver of the other vehicle reported injuries, though their extent is unknown. The bus driver said he had become separated from the other six buses in front of him and proceeded into the intersection on a yellow light. The driver of the car said his light was green when he drove into the intersection. No one was charged or cited for the accident. If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, please call our office at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) to schedule a free consultation now.YouTube PSA Shows Dangers of Distracted Driving
YouTube PSA on Texting While DrivingA new YouTube Public Service Announcement details the dangers of texting while driving. The video opens with three young girls, more interested in their phone than the road ahead. What happens next begins a terrifying 4 minute long sequence of the deadly consequences. The video is intended to present the real dangers of driving while distracted, in this case by cell phones. The message is equally applicable to other forms of driver distraction - food or beverages, reaching for dropped items, or changing songs on a iPod. The images are realistic, play in real time, and are disturbing. But they accurately depict the aftermath of a violent collision - from the "jaws of life" being used to remove a passenger to life flight helicopters transporting her from the scene. The caption at the top asks viewers "Will you get the message?" As technology continues to invade our society, we could all use a reminder not to let it distract us from serious activities, such as driving. This video will certainly come to mind the next time I'm tempted to answer a call or send a quick text in the car.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGE8LzRaySk
At Kaufman Law, we've seen many clients injured by a distracted driver and we hope this video encourages more attentive drivers. However, if you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of another, please call our office to schedule a free consultation at 1-888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404).
Douglas Car Wreck Kills Mother and Son
A head-on collision early Monday morning killed a mother and killed her 4 year old son on Skyview Drive in Douglas County. Lt. Paul Cosper of the Georgia State Patrol said a 1998 Pontiac crossed the center line and struck their 1988 Toyota head-on. Two other passengers in the Toyota were also injured in the crash. The driver of the Pontiac, Natasha Searcy, complained of pain at the scene of the collision and was taken to Wellstar Cobb Hospital via ambulance with minor injuries before being released the same day. The Georgia State Patrol continues to investigate and no charges have yet been filed, pending the outcome of the scene reconstruction. The State Patrol's SCRT team is a highly respected accident reconstruction organization. Depending on the reason the Toyota crossed the center line, it appears the driver may be liable for personal injuries and fatalities caused by this collision. If you or a loved on has been injured in a car wreck resulting from the negligence of another, please call our office at 888-973-2540 (888-WRECK-404) to schedule your free initial consultation. Kaufman Law has been helping persons with serious personal injuries sustained in car wrecks and truck wrecks in Douglas County and Douglasville for over 30 years.Contact Our Atlanta, Georgia Lawyers for Representation on all Personal Injury Cases.
The lawyers at Kaufman Law, P.C. accept clients from throughout Georgia, including those in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta, Decatur, Alpharetta, Duluth, Stone Mountain, Covington, Peachtree City, Marietta, Conyers, Savannah, Smyrna, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and all cities within Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cobb County, Rockdale County, Gwinnett County, Bibb County, Whitfield County, Clarke County, Richmond County, Chatham County, Muscogee County, Floyd County, Houston County, Dougherty County, Clayton County, and Lowndes County.
Georgia drivers: are you ready for a drunk driving crackdown?
All across the country states are sending a clear message to drivers: get behind the wheel when you’re too intoxicated to drive, and you’ll be arrested.
Every year the federal government and advocacy groups team up to sponsor a Labor Day drunk driving crackdown. For about two weeks Georgia police will be out in force looking for drivers who appear to be under the influence of alcohol.
Police say they mean business during the crackdown, which runs from August 21, 2009 to Labor Day (September 7, 2009). No warnings will be given to drivers found over the legal limit: they’ll be arrested. Police warn that even first time offenders will go right to jail, no exceptions.
Drivers should be on the lookout for sobriety checkpoints and DUI enforcement patrols. With alcohol involved in one out of every three crashes in Georgia, authorities are anxious to make it clear to drivers that alcohol and vehicles don’t mix.
Want to read more about Georgia’s drunk driving laws? Check out our law library article “Impaired Driving Laws and Penalties for Georgia Drivers”. If you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver in a Georgia traffic accident, please contact the experienced lawyers at Kaufman Law for help.
Warning signs that a medicated driver should not be on the road
We’ve all had to take an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication at some point at our lives, either for a short-term illness or for a chronic condition. The problem comes when the medication has a side effect that makes driving dangerous, or if medications are combined, leading to impaired driving.
There are some signs that a driver who has taken one or more medications should not be behind the wheel. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, stay safe: don’t drive until the side effects are gone. It’s not worth causing a serious traffic accident!
- Problems with reflexes: if a driver has coordinating his or her hands or feet to drive the car, or if they have a problem reading signs or navigating directions, or if they have a slowed reaction time or if they have close-calls (nearly hit something) – they should not be driving.
- Confusion on the road: if a driver appears to be driving erratically (jerky braking or acceleration, abrupt lane changes, drifting into other lanes, etc.) then it isn’t safe to drive.
- Anxiety or anger: a driver who appears very nervous or who loses his or her temper quickly should not be driving. Anxiety, frustration, and anger can contribute to aggressive or distracted driving, two major contributors to traffic crashes in Georgia.
Don’t be afraid to speak up if you think someone you know should not be driving. Read more about overmedicated drivers in our law library article “Are over-medicated drivers a danger on Georgia roads?”
Hall County Teenager Dies After 4 Car Wreck
A 16-year-old Hall County girl died from injuries sustained in a four car wreck near Gainesville Tuesday morning. She was one of seven people injured in the wreck, including her parents, when a pickup truck driven by Jason Greet crossed the center line of Browns Bridge Road. Greer's truck collided with the Ford Escort in which the teenager was a passenger, being driven by her parents, then rolled over before striking a minivan. Debris from that collision struck the 18-year-old driver of another vehicle. At this point, no charges have been filed but the investigation is continuing according to Hall County officials. Regardless of any potential criminal charges filed against the driver of the pickup truck, the facts suggest he may be civilly liable to the others injured or killed in this accident. If you or a family member has been injured through the negligence of another, please call our office at 888-973-2540 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and the steps you must take to protect those rights.Contact Our Atlanta, Georgia Lawyers for Representation on all Personal Injury Cases.
The lawyers at Kaufman Law, P.C. accept clients from throughout Georgia, including those in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta, Decatur, Alpharetta, Duluth, Stone Mountain, Covington, Peachtree City, Marietta, Conyers, Savannah, Smyrna, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and all cities within Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cobb County, Rockdale County, Gwinnett County, Bibb County, Whitfield County, Clarke County, Richmond County, Chatham County, Muscogee County, Floyd County, Houston County, Dougherty County, Clayton County, and Lowndes County.
Cherokee County Road Rage Suspect Released on Bond
The Cherokee County man accused of assaulting another driver with a crowbar has been released from the Cherokee County jail on bond. On July 30, 2009, Woodstock Police responded to a call from a man who said he had been assaulted after making an offensive gesture to another driver who had been tailgating his vehicle. Both men then exited their vehicles as one struck the other's with a crow bar as an 18 month old child watched from the back seat. Nicholas Petty was later identified in a police line up after police tracked him down using his license plate number. He has been charged with aggravated assault, criminal damage to property in the second degree, criminal trespassing and cruelty to children in the third degree for potentially endangering a child. Incidents such as these remind us of the consequences of allowing driving conditions and other drivers to affect our driving decisions. While we all get angry and frustrated by long commutes, it is important to remember the consequences of acting irresponsibly on the road. While criminal punishments are rare, tragic accidents as a result of road rage are unfortunately too common around Metro Atlanta. If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of another, please call our office at 888-973-2540 to schedule a free consultation.Contact Our Atlanta, Georgia Lawyers for Representation on all Personal Injury Cases.
The lawyers at Kaufman Law, P.C. accept clients from throughout Georgia, including those in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta, Decatur, Alpharetta, Duluth, Stone Mountain, Covington, Peachtree City, Marietta, Conyers, Savannah, Smyrna, Jonesboro, Lawrenceville, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and all cities within Fulton County, Dekalb County, Cobb County, Rockdale County, Gwinnett County, Bibb County, Whitfield County, Clarke County, Richmond County, Chatham County, Muscogee County, Floyd County, Houston County, Dougherty County, Clayton County, and Lowndes County.
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