Georgia Personal Injury Blog

There are a number of factors contributing to car accidents that can’t be controlled, such as the weather.  But in our modern society, a major safety concern on our roadways is distracted driving due to communications technology.  The AAA 2014 Traffic Safety Index focuses on drivers’ opinions, experiences and behavior, and key findings revealed the contrast between people’s attitudes and behaviors regarding cellphone use and texting.  For example, while most people surveyed disapprove of talking on handheld cellphones and texting while driving, many admit to recently engaging in the behavior themselves.  Here are some key survey findings regarding cellphone use and texting while driving in Georgia:
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The Jeep Cherokee recall is yet another in a string of faulty airbags recalled for various car makes and models. In November, I wrote about the Takata airbag recall due to a serious malfunction that could result in severe personal injury or even death. It was especially urgent that Georgia residents are informed about that issue because the airbags are more likely to become defective in warm, humid climates.

And just last week, it was announced that more than 2 million Toyota, Chrysler and Honda vehicles that were "fixed" as a result of an airbag recall now require a second fix for airbags that may "inadvertently inflate" when the car is running. Vehicle owners are being asked to bring the cars back into a dealership to have the units fully replaced, as the previous airbag replacement didn't solve the problem.

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We're fortunate to live in a milder climate than many Americans, Georgia drivers still need to exercise caution when encountering rain, snow, ice, or the dreaded "wintry mix."  However, motorists should avoid using cruise control during weather events such as snow, ice or even rain. While cruise control is a convenient way to maintain a legal speed on busy interstates, such as I-75 when traveling through the Henry County area, it can be dangerous in bad weather. 
The risks associated with cruise control are higher in older model cars that are not equipped with traction control systems, but it is still recommended that car owners of all models avoid using cruise control in bad weather.
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The speed limit on a few highways leading in and out of metro Atlanta are increasing, causing some worry amongst metro Atlanta residents.  Speed limits will increase to 70 miles per hour on portions of I-85 and I-20, and parts of I-75 will increase to 65 miles per hour.  A spokesperson from the Insurance Institute for Highways Safety also expressed a concern to the AJC that tentative drivers – such as new drivers, older driver and others who are not confident with highway driving skills – will feel pressured to keep up with faster traffic.    And issues such as distracted driving are even more dangerous at higher rates speeds.
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While we celebrate the freedom that motorcycles represent, we also know these vehicles come with inherent risks.  For every mile driven, a motorcyclist is 16 times more likely to die in an accident than someone in an automobile. And more than 80 percent of all motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the motorcyclist.  But according to the NHTSA, wearing a helmet can reduce that risk by almost one-third (29 percent).
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Some of the factors influencing motorcycle accident statistics are surprising.  For example, rain may prevent motorcycle accidents, and urban areas in the afternoon are most dangerous time and place for motorcyclists.
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This time of year millions people are rushing to buy gifts for loved ones.  There is a lot to consider when buying a gift – especially for a child.  Is it age appropriate?  Does it require parental supervision?  Will the child be able to enjoy using it safely by him or herself? 

Manufacturers should be accountable for products made and marketed specifically for children, and consumers located in the greater Henry County or south Atlanta area that have been injured by a defective or mislabeled product should contact our highly skilled personal injury attorneys for a free consultation.

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Between Daylight Savings and the shorter days of Fall, more commuters are now driving home in the dark.  This is important for drivers in the greater Henry County area because the risks associated with traffic accidents increase after dusk.  Not only is it harder see in the dark, but drivers are also more prone to drowsiness.  And according to the NHTSA, sleepy drivers are not as watchful, have a slower reaction time and a deficit in information processing, putting everyone at higher risk.

Here are some quick tips to help keep the roads safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists after dark...

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Concussions are medically classified as a “mild form of traumatic brain injury.” And while concussions are not often life threatening, the media is raising awareness of how the injury can negatively affect the victim’s quality of life in a drastic way.

Football and other contact sports are often cited in headlines as common causes for concussions. Other frequent causes of concussions include falls, car wrecks, assaults and unintentionally being hit by a heavy object. A single heavy blow can cause a concussion, as well as the head moving rapidly back and forth. As a personal injury attorney located in Stockbridge, Georgia and serving the greater Henry County and Atlanta areas, I am working to raise awareness of the symptoms commonly related to concussions and encourage anyone who suspects a concussion to immediately seek medical attention.
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Airbags manufactured by Takata, a Japanese auto supplier, have been recalled due to a possibility of serious malfunction that can result in severe personal injury or even death. It's especially urgent that Georgia residents are informed about this issue because the airbag is more likely to become defective in warm, humid climates.  To complicate the problem: There is no question that these airbags are dangerous and should be replaced as soon as possible, however Takata does not have enough airbags on hand to replace the millions of cars that are affected.
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Car accidents that involve three or more vehicles are not as common as wrecks involving just one or two cars.  Commonly referred to as “pile-ups,” this type of accident is usually a result of two cars colliding, then sliding into other vehicles nearby.  Bad weather, poor visibility and road conditions can all contribute to the increased risk of a multi-car pile-up.  Busy highway systems are often the scene of such pile-ups, such as the I-75 corridor near our law offices located in Stockbridge, McDonough, Jackson and Barnesville in Henry, Lamar and Butts Counties.

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