Augusta Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorneys Blog

Georgia authorities cracking down on drunk boating

2013-05-21T21:05:01Z

Summer is almost upon us, and that means fun in the sun and in the water, swimming, waterskiing, and boating. Summertime is a great season to enjoy with friends and families, and many people head to their favorite lake to party on the beach or in the water. Unfortunately, this almost certainly means increased accidents with boaters operating their vessels while intoxicated. In addition to criminal charges, people who cause serious injuries while boating drunk may be held liable for medical expenses and other penalties.

Local and state authorities are making increased efforts this season to stop drunken boaters from ruining the fun for everyone. The Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety says there will be road checks near boating areas to make sure people aren’t entering or leaving lake grounds intoxicated. The legal limit for drinking and operating a vessel has been lowered from .10 to .08, to reflect the knowledge that boating while intoxicated is just as serious and dangerous and driving drunk.

]]> Officials from several state agencies are planning a tour across Georgia to spread the word that this year, boating and driving while intoxicated will be taken especially seriously.

Last year, five people in Georgia were injured or killed due to someone boating while drunk. Law enforcement in our state wants to prevent it from happening again this year. There is no reason people can’t enjoy a beautiful summer day on the lake with a few drinks; however, following the law as well as common sense, such as designating a sober driver, will go a long way toward ensuring everyone’s safety and avoiding legal charges.

Source: Source: WALB News, “Don’t drive your boat drunk,” Stephanie Springer, May 15, 2013

Driver causes crash near Atlanta that kills boyfriend, baby

2013-05-16T18:28:03Z

Many drivers make bad decisions that change victims’ lives forever, but probably one of the most terrible things a driver can do is engage in dangerous driving that takes the life of a child. It’s especially upsetting to know that some driving decisions which result in a car wreck could have been prevented. Drivers can be held liable for medical expenses or funeral costs stemming from an accident they caused, as well as face criminal charges.

A woman caused a car accident that killed her 7-month-old baby and 19-year-old boyfriend, when she started racing another car on Interstate 20 near Atlanta earlier this month. The 22-year-old woman lost control of her vehicle, hit a guardrail, and bounced back into lanes of traffic before being struck by a Chevy pickup.

]]> The woman was taken to the hospital, and passengers in the pickup truck were also hurt. Another crash was also caused by the accident, when another driver was rear-ended while slowing down to avoid the scene. The driver of the vehicle the woman was racing against was identified, and police say he or she will be interviewed for additional details.

Because this accident caused two deaths and multiple injuries, it’s likely several people may attempt to take the woman to court for their expenses, as well as pain and suffering. Receiving compensation for medical expenses may help families who are already overwhelmed by a tragedy, as well as give them some closure in knowing the person responsible was held accountable for his or her actions.

Source: USA TODAY, “Authorities: Baby, teen killed as cars race in Georgia,” May 10, 2013

Loganville residents talk about pedestrian safety problems

2013-05-06T18:42:05Z

Neighborhoods should be safe places for kids to play and residents to socialize. It’s too bad when parents feel that the streets where they live aren’t safe for their children to walk down, or to cross without the fear of being hit by a car. Unfortunately, a recent report revealed that Georgia’ safety record for pedestrian accidents is worse than the national average. Many neighborhood residents are fed up with feeling endangered walking on their streets, and they want a change.

Last week, a 12-year-old Loganville boy skateboarding in his neighborhood was hit by a car, which prompted nearby residents to discuss the problem about auto-pedestrian accidents. Many of them shared the same observations of cars speeding through residential streets, not slowing down or even seeming to notice nearby pedestrians. Parents with young children expressed fear of allowing their children outside to play--a sad situation when children should be able to play near their homes and enjoy the fresh air.

]]> One person suggested local parents don’t set a good example, by walking out into the street without watching for traffic. Others suggested the installation of speed bumps, and called for the city council to arrange a safety evaluation of the neighborhood’s roads. People cautioned that although pedestrians have the right of way, even crossing an intersection at a green light has risks, as there can always be a drunk or distracted driver who isn’t paying attention to his or her surroundings.

With the track record that Georgia has for pedestrian accidents, these suggestions are worth looking into. Anyone who is injured by a negligent driver has the right for compensation of his or her medical expenses. But more than that, we believe Georgia pedestrians have the right to share the streets safely with vehicle traffic.

Source: Loganville-Grayson Patch, “Neighbors Near Car-Skateboard Accident Discuss Road Safety,” Perry Parks, May 2, 2013

Trucker arrested for Georgia DUI caused previous fatal accident

2013-04-29T21:13:04Z

Like anyone else, truck drivers are no exception when it comes to making the decision to drink behind the wheel, and even repeat the offense many times. Truck accidents are dangerous even when the driver is sober. When alcohol is a factor, the potential consequences are almost too scary to think about.

In early April, a truck driver was pulled over after several witnesses called the Newton County Sheriff’s Office to report a tractor trailer swerving all over Interstate 20. While he was being questioned, the police officers noticed a smell of alcohol on the driver’s breath, despite being told he hadn’t had anything to drink in days. He had difficulty with several field sobriety tests, and then blew a .222 on a Breathalyzer machine, well over Georgia’s legal limit. Officers arrested him after finding an empty can of hard lemonade in a console inside the truck cab.

]]> The drunk truck driver had been hauling 26 tons of stone, which could have caused a devastating accident if he hadn’t been stopped in time. In fact, in January this same driver had been involved in a crash that caused the death of a 27-year-old student at Medical University of South Carolina.

Perhaps what is most confusing is that the truck driver’s original charge of felony DUI was reduced to reckless homicide. After his latest arrest, the man asked officers if he could plead guilty immediately and serve his time so he could be out of jail in time to make the hearing for his reckless homicide charge. It may be reasonable to think that if more drunk drivers were held accountable for more severe charges, they might be less likely to repeat the offense and endanger others on the road.

Source: ABC News 4, “Trucker involved in fatal 526 accident faces DUI charges in GA,” April 23, 2013

Former Georgia trooper charged with motorist's death

2013-04-26T15:57:50Z

Causing a fatal car accident can happen to anyone, because all it takes is a moment of inattention. Reckless and negligent driving are common causes of injuries and deaths across the country. It's extremely important to pay attention while driving, both to protect yourself from the negligence of another, and to avoid causing a wrongful death. However, most people wouldn't expect an officer of the law to mistakenly cause a fatal accident.

A former Georgia state trooper was charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and violating oath of office, after a New Year's Eve 2011 accident that cost the life of another driver. According to a representative of the District Attorney's office, the trooper was going 65 miles per hour in a 25 zone, while responding to another officer's call for backup, when he ran a red light and crashed into a car in the intersection, killing the driver.

]]> The trooper pleaded guilty to the charges of reckless driving and vehicular homicide. A jury has been selected for the charge of violating the oath of office. Prosecutors say the trooper has three other accidents on his record for which he was at fault. The trooper's defense attorney said he had the records of at least ten other troopers with records that were worse than his client's.

Although the attorney was citing these records in defense of his client, it's scary to think that many members of Georgia law enforcement may be taking the lives of others into their hands by driving negligently. The outcome of this case may show how the victim's surviving husband and son are compensated for her death, as well as whether any changes will be suggested on how law enforcement can quickly, yet safely, respond to emergency calls.

Source: 11Alive.com, "Donald Crozier pleaded guilty in fatal 2011 crash," Don Buckindail, April 15, 2013

Drunk Macon driver crashes car that isn't his own, dies

2013-04-18T18:55:23Z

With just one simple decision, an intoxicated person can either choose a safe way to make it home, or change someone's life forever by getting behind the wheel drunk. It's a sad fact that drunk drivers continue to be a major cause of deadly auto accidents all over the country.

A Macon man has been trying to get his car back since December, after two men took it out for a joy ride, which resulted in a drunk driving accident that killed one of them. According to the car's owner, he had taken the vehicle to a repair shop to replace a part. That night, unknown to him, the mechanic and another man took his car out to drive around the town.

]]> A police officer pulled the mechanic over that night and arrested him with drunk driving. Somehow the mechanic's passenger, who didn't have a license to drive, got behind the wheel of the car and drove off. Later that night, the man crashed the car, totaling it, and was killed.

The car's owner is blaming the Macon Police Department for allowing the unlicensed man to drive away with a car that didn't even belong to him. The deceased man's family also blames law enforcement for the incident, and is looking for an attorney. The drunk driver's brother-in-law wonders why police didn't run a license plate check on the vehicle to see if the car belonged to either of the men.

This is a tricky case that may be difficult to pinpoint blame and may need the court's help to sort out. No doubt the family of the drunk driver wants to see justice when the car should have been impounded; the car's owner is also seeking compensation for the damages and wants his car returned to him.

Source: 41NBC.com, "Macon Man Seeks Damages After Deadly Drunk Driving Crash," Jasmine Williams, April 8, 2013

Atlanta bicyclist killed by unknown driver

2013-04-12T15:24:07Z

Bicyclists make up a portion of Georgia traffic, and they share the same rights as anyone else on the road. But because of their lack of protection, and the fact that they can sometimes be hard for drivers to see, they're at great risk when they share the road with motor vehicles. Laws exist to protect bicyclists, and in some areas there are special lanes to make it safer for bicycles to navigate in traffic. Even so, a significant number of pedestrian accidents resulting in serious injuries or death involve bicyclists either riding or walking their bikes.

At this time, law enforcement is still looking for a hit-and-run driver that struck a bicyclist in northwest Atlanta in early March. Police said the man, who had been walking his bike along the road and was nearly home, was hit and dragged by the vehicle, whose driver didn't stop after the collision. Because there were no witnesses, police don't know whether the culprit was a drunk driver.

]]> One man, a stranger to the victim and his family, was affected enough by the man's tragic death to create a memorial and place it near the accident. He says he hopes it will raise public awareness for these types of auto-pedestrian accidents. The man, who survived a head-on collision two years ago, understands the difficult emotions that result from being hit. He says that in finding out who caused the accident that killed the bicyclist, the victim's family may be able to grieve and move on.

If the police investigation finally yields answers for the man's family, they may be able to pursue legal action against the driver.

Source: My Fox Atlanta, "Tribute made for bicyclist killed in hit-and-run," Kaitlyn Pratt, March 28, 2013

Student injured when truck hits mirror of Georgia school bus

2013-04-05T18:59:25Z

Because of their size and speed, trucks have the potential to cause serious injury or death in a collision. Any injuries that result from a drunk or distracted truck driver can result in legal responsibility for the driver or the truck company. Because truck accidents are common across the country, laws have been enacted to regulate truckers' driving hours in order to prevent as many accidents as possible and protect everyone on the road.

The cause of a minor trucking accident with a Georgia school bus was unknown, as authorities have no leads on the driver who hit the bus on Vermont 104A. The bus driver reported they were going northbound over a bridge, while a southbound tractor trailer hit the bus's side mirror and shattered it. Pieces of the broken glass flew inside the bus over the student passengers. One child was treated at the scene for minor cuts.

]]> After hitting the bus, the truck continued on the highway without stopping. It's not known whether the truck driver even knew he or she had clipped the bus. Since the bus driver was unable to provide a detailed description of the truck or the driver, chances are authorities won't be able to hold the driver or trucking company responsible for the damages.

Truck drivers who are responsible for an accident that causes injuries can be held liable for victims' medical expenses, as well as any law enforcement charges that apply. If the driver who shattered the bus's mirror is discovered, school officials and the parents of the injured student have the right to pursue legal action for damages and expenses.

Source: Burlington Free Press, "Truck shatters mirror of Georgia school bus, minor injuries reported," Mar. 13, 2013

Fatal Georgia I-285 accident caused by fallen ladder

2013-03-25T22:23:44Z

Drivers in Georgia should realize they're not only responsible for safe driving practices, but also any loads that they may be carrying or hauling, in order to ensure the safety of themselves and everyone else on the road. If a driver fails to secure any vehicle equipment and it causes a fatal car accident, he or she can be held liable for wrongful death criminal charges, as well as compensation for the medical and funeral expenses of the person who was killed. Taking the extra precautions to be sure a load is safely strapped down before getting behind the wheel is a small price to pay to avoid making a life-changing mistake.

A ladder that fell off a truck on I-285 appears to have been the cause of an accident that killed one person and injured two others. One vehicle struck the ladder in the highway, then was hit by three other vehicles, including a tractor-trailer. The driver of the first vehicle was killed. Authorities have been looking for the owner of the truck that lost the ladder.

]]> State troopers have said the owner of the ladder now faces criminal charges. The Georgia Department of Public Safety Commissioner is stating what we've often said: when the negligence of another results in a fatal accident, that person can be held liable for vehicular homicide and other criminal charges. He also advises drivers to keep their distance from each other to leave room to avoid an accident if a dangerous situation occurs on the road.

When an accident causes injury or the loss of a loved one, victims or their families have the right to seek justice and compensation for their expenses and pain and suffering.

Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Driver who lost ladder in fatal I-285 crash could face criminal charges," Angel K. Brooks and Marcus K. Garner, Mar. 12, 2013

Fatal DUI results in 12-year sentence for Evans, Georgia man

2013-03-19T18:20:32Z

When an intoxicated person gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, he or she is jeopardizing the lives of everyone else on the road. Drunk driving causes serious injuries and deaths across the state of Georgia every year. Courts and juries take the crime seriously, and impose strict penalties and sentences on those who hurt others in accidents caused by driving drunk.

Tragically, a 19-year-old Martinez woman lost her life in a car accident caused by a man from Evans, Georgia, who was driving drunk. After running a red light, his truck smashed into the driver's side of a car turning left in the intersection, killing the 19-year-old and sending her two passengers to the hospital for less serious injuries. The 43-year-old man's blood alcohol content was found to be nearly four times higher than the state's legal limit.

]]> After expressing remorse to the victim's family and friends in Columbia County Superior Court, the man received 12 years in prison for first-degree vehicular homicide. The judge didn't end his sentence with the prison term. After his release, he faces four years of probation, alcohol treatment, and 500 hours of community service educating others on the devastating consequences of drinking and driving.

Although seeing the drunk driver face justice for his actions won't bring back the life of their loved one, the victim's family and friends may find some form of closure knowing that others will hear of their story and perhaps think twice before driving while intoxicated. In addition, those injured may also consider seeking compensation for their medical bills and pain and suffering.

Source: The Augusta Chronicle, "Man gets 12 years in fatal Evans crash," Valerie Rowell, Mar. 7, 2013

Football player causes one-car DUI crash in Lincoln County

2013-03-13T13:16:06Z

Far too often, drunk drivers cause auto accidents that involve more than one vehicle, resulting in serious injuries or death to thousands of innocent people a year. However, it's also common for intoxicated drivers to be involved in single-vehicle accidents that cause injury to others, whether they're passengers in the same vehicle or pedestrians near the road. Anyone who is injured by a drunk driver has the right to pursue compensation for their medical expenses - in addition, family members can do the same if the victim of a drunk driving accident was killed.

A professional football player for the Tennessee Titans was arrested for a single-car accident on Georgia Highway 220 in Lincoln County. The accident report states the driver lost control of his vehicle and flipped it one and a half times over a ditch drain. The officer who arrived at the scene reported a strong smell of alcohol on the driver's breath. He refused both field sobriety tests and chemical testing, and was charged with DUI and failure to maintain lane.

]]> Two passengers refused medical treatment after the car accident. Since it's unusual for a rollover accident not to result in injuries, it may be assumed that the driver's passengers could later seek treatment for common accident-related injuries that show up several days after the crash, such as whiplash or back problems. Passengers in a drunk driving accident who initially refuse medical treatment are certainly entitled to seek compensation, if they later find out that they've sustained injuries that require treatment.

Source: The Augusta Chronicle, "Tennessee Titans player Brandon Barden arrested on DUI charge," Feb. 28, 2013

Breaking the deadly habit of texting and driving

2013-03-08T23:58:30Z

A deadly driving habit that's coming more and more into prevalence is texting and driving. Negligent drivers cause thousands of auto accidents a year. In fact, studies have shown that texting while driving is even more dangerous than drunk drivers.

A PhD has offered a few tips to convince friends or family members to put the phone down while driving, and perhaps save a life. Although the list is especially helpful for teenagers who find themselves in the awkward position of riding in a car with a texting driver, these tips can help anyone in the same situation.

]]> • Offer to text for the driver or suggest you've seen a few police officers on the road lately. This might remind the driver to put down his or her phone.

• Bring attention to bad or reckless drivers on the road and speculate whether they may be texting and driving too. This may get the driver to pay more attention to the road.

• Don't be afraid to be direct and truthful. Telling the person that you're not comfortable riding with a texting driver is a perfectly acceptable thing to say. After all, it's your life he or she is risking.

• Refuse to ride in the car with a person who ignores your concerns. If possible, be the designated driver, or appoint someone in your group who is safer.

• If it's an adult who's being the distracted driver, don't hesitate to bring it to his or her attention. Most of the time, a gentle reminder from a teen is more than enough to remind parents that they need to practice what they preach!

When more people realize the dangers of texting and driving-and speak up in dangerous situations-hopefully there will be fewer deaths and injuries caused by negligent drivers.

Source: KidsHealth.org, "5 Ways to Get Drivers to Stop Texting," D'Arcy Lyness, PhD, April 2012

Hit-and-run accident in Athens leaves pedestrian critically hurt

2013-02-27T21:58:04Z

Heading out to enjoy a walk in the fresh air shouldn't be thought of as a dangerous activity, but unfortunately there's a certain amount of risk involved when pedestrians are in the same area as motor vehicle traffic. Sometimes visibility or carelessness can be the cause of pedestrian accidents, but alcohol is suspected to have been at fault in a recent incident where a 19-year-old woman was struck by a pickup truck.

The Woodstock woman had been in Athens visiting a friend and was walking on a grassy shoulder in the early morning hours when she was hit. The driver of the pickup fled the scene but the truck was found not far from the site of the hit-and-run. Police have not yet released the name of who the truck is registered to or anyone else suspected to be involved. They believe alcohol may have been a factor in the accident after they say they found a bottle of liquor and several empty beers cans in the vehicle.

]]> During the course of the police investigation, evidence has been collected from the homes of the suspect's parents in Lawrenceville and Watkinsville. The man has retained a lawyer and asked to be allowed to surrender, but authorities are first waiting to receive a warrant for his arrest. Meanwhile, the victim was sent to the hospital after receiving head trauma. With serious injuries such as the one the young woman has sustained, her family will likely want to pursue legal action to cover her medical expenses.

Source: Cartersville Patch, "Hit-and-Run Suspect Asks to Surrender as Emily Bowman Fights for Life," Kristal Dixon, Feb. 22, 2013

Truck accident causes chain reaction outside of Macon; 4 killed

2013-02-20T15:01:58Z

Major interstates are convenient for getting to your destination quickly, but they also have their own set of dangers that aren't as prevalent on city streets. People on the highway most likely share the road with commercial trucks at any given time. At high speeds, a smaller vehicle almost always has the disadvantage in a collision with any of these heavy trucks. When you mix in adverse weather conditions on any road, especially an interstate highway, a truck collision can be devastating.

Foggy conditions may have played a part in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 16 about 30 miles outside of Macon that killed four people. The Georgia Department of Public Safety and state troopers said a collision between two trucks caused an apparent chain reaction as other vehicles approached the accident. The crash was so severe that it closed down both sides of the highway. Police have said at least nine other people were injured in what could have been 10 separate crashes in the terrifying pileup.

]]> One witness described seeing the initial semi truck crash, as a fuel tanker hit an 18-wheeler only a few feet from him. The fuel truck erupted into flames as the witness fled on foot, dodging pieces of the truck as it blew up behind him.

The foggy conditions could have contributed to other drivers not seeing the accident until it was upon them, but it has not yet been determined who will be held at fault for the crash. It's almost certain that after such a severe and sudden accident, victims will seek compensation for their medical expenses.

Source: Reuters, "Four killed in 27-car pile-up on Georgia highway," David Beasley, Feb. 6, 2013

Georgia man charged with DUI offenses after fatal hit-and-runs

2013-02-13T19:20:46Z

Drunk driving is a serious crime that jeopardizes the lives of everyone on the road. Sadly, auto accidents caused by drunk drivers happen all too frequently in the U.S., resulting in millions of dollars in property damage and medical bills -- not to mention the tragic loss of life.

This past month, a 70-year-old man from Stone Mountain was arrested for an alleged hit-and-run spree on Highway 78 that ended only after his pickup truck swerved off the road and plowed into a restaurant. Many people were injured as the pickup swerved around the road hitting cars. The passenger of another vehicle was killed after the drunk driver crashed into the car and wedged it underneath a tractor trailer.

]]> Witnesses say the intoxicated man appeared to intentionally target other vehicles on the road. One man described how he attempted to outmaneuver the drunk driver as he chased him along the road, trying to hit his vehicle. The man was charged with DUI, vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, and following too closely. He also faces other pending charges.

We all would hope that this type of terrifying situation would never happen to us or our loved ones. When someone is affected by an intoxicated driver, they have the right to pursue legal action and receive compensation for their expenses related to the accident. Seeing someone face consequences for such a damaging crime may also help to bring some closure to those whose lives have been permanently changed by the negligent actions of another.

Source: The Huffington Post, "Michael Snider, Alleged Drunk Driver, Accused Of Causing Fatal Georgia Crash Spree," Andres Jauregui, Jan. 25, 2013