Georgia Personal Injury Law Blog

Over the past decade, car manufacturers have added to their vehicles an increasing number of features designed to keep you safe. Backup cameras, emergency braking, and lane-keep assist are just some of the features commonly included these days to prevent collisions. Airbag systems and vehicle structure have also improved to provide greater protection in case of an accident. Despite all of these advances, car accident fatalities and severe injuries still happen more than you might think. Notably, Georgia’s roadways saw a surge in car accident fatalities in 2020 even though fewer vehicles were on the roads due to the pandemic. This suggests that there was a spike in dangerous driving behaviors. But other reasons such as driver negligence could have led to these incidents. For those who are injured from a car accident, there is a good chance that someone’s negligence is involved – and that matters for purposes of…

In August, a fatal three-car wreck occurred at Madison Street and Gaines Avenue in Albany, Georgia, leaving two people dead and five others injured. The accident occurred when one of the deceased attempted to pass another vehicle and side-swiped it before crashing head-on with a different driver. According to WALB News Albany, every person involved was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident — especially one that is not your fault — you are almost always entitled to some form of compensation. How much you receive, however, depends on several factors. One of these factors pertains to how effective your treatment is, which means it is important for you to finish any treatment before seeking compensation. Dozier Law firm, a team of experts in helping clients affected by motor vehicle accidents obtain compensation, explains. “It is important to get a complete…

On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, a motorcycle accident resulted in the death of a Richmond Hill Middle School teacher. The victim was driving along Belfast River Road near Savannah, Georgia when he collided with a vehicle operated by a motorist attempting to make a left turn. The man was later pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah. Because the driver who caused the accident failed to yield, serious consequences are involved — especially since the person struck was later pronounced dead. It seems likely the police will quickly assign fault to the surviving driver. The police are not the only group of people who will be interested in wrapping up the case quickly and efficiently. Receiving an Offer From an Insurance Company In situations like this, insurance companies will often reach out to the family of the deceased and offer to negotiate with the goal of paying out as…

On October 12, 2020, a 65-year-old man was killed when a woman who tried to turn left on MLK Jr. Boulevard in Savannah, Georgia entered his path. The man could not avoid her, and the two vehicles collided, resulting in a car crash that brought on his death. The man received care from EMTs on-site, and he was transported to the hospital, where he later passed. Seeing how this accident occurred at a major intersection, there would have been witnesses. These witnesses would be essential in answering the police’s questions and determining the at-fault party, which makes their statements crucial. Dozier Law Firm, a team comprised of experts in dealing with these kinds of cases, explains: "Be aware of any witnesses to the accident that may have important information. Make sure you write down their contact information and any information they may have regarding the circumstances of the accident. If…

On Friday, October 2, 2020, a 21-year-old man lost control of his scooter on Capital Street in Savannah, Georgia. The early-morning accident resulted in severe injuries to the driver, killing him as a result. But what if the crash was not completely of his own doing? What if the manufacture played some part? What if the scooter malfunctioned? Could the company who made it be partly responsible for what happened? And what if it was a rental; is the rental company liable in some way? Be Wary of Insurance Companies Following a Crash If you or a loved one is ever involved in a tragic motor vehicle accident and is soon after contacted by an insurance company offering compensation, beware. Dozier Law Firm, a team comprised of experts in these matters, explains: "Be on the lookout for an offer from the insurance company to release them of all claims arising…

In late 2019, a pedestrian was injured on Gray Highway in Macon, GA after being struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian, however, was intoxicated and walked in front of a vehicle – a Toyota Sienna, which struck him. Because of these circumstances, the police did not cite the driver. Even so, that might not be the end of the story. The driver, although not cited, may still bear some civil responsibility. Dozier Law Firm, a team of auto accident experts in the Georgia area, explains a possible scenario: “Be on the lookout for an offer from the insurance company to release them of all claims arising from the accident. It is very common for the insurance company of the at-fault party to offer the injured party a nominal amount to release them of all claims without any consideration to the extent of the injured party's injuries. If you accept this…

Devastating Local Car Crash in Macon, GA On Monday, September 14, 2020, a 59-year-old woman driving her moped in Bibb County was struck by an unknown driver in a hit-and-run auto accident. The driver appeared to be heading east in a red Toyota, and the vehicle likely has damage on the driver’s side. The Importance of Receiving Medical Treatment Following a Car Crash The woman was taken to Navicent Health Medical Center shortly after the auto accident, which serves as a good reminder that even if the pedestrian’s injuries weren’t life-threatening, a trip to the ER would have been wise. Auto accidents – especially hit-and-runs – often leave pedestrians with internal injuries that may not show symptoms for days or even weeks. By then, it might be too late to both receive proper treatment and compensation. A good lawyer can help you with the latter. The team at Dozier Law…

On Monday, July 27, 2020, a young man’s 2004 Honda Accord was struck, leaving him with fatal wounds. The accident occurred when he pulled out of the “Club X” nightclub parking lot directly into another vehicle’s path. The other vehicle, a 2013 Dodge Ram, hit the Accord with such force that it flipped on impact, killing the Accord’s driver and leaving the Dodge Ram’s operator in critical, but eventually stable, condition. Events and details surrounding the fatal crash are still under investigation. A devastating accident may lead some to ask about dram shop laws. What is Georgia’s Dram Shop Law? Dram shop law applies to every city in the state of Georgia, including Macon, providing sober individuals affected by a drunk driver with compensation if the individual under-the-influence was overserved by another vendor. Dozier Law Firm, a team comprised of expert attorneys, explains: “Georgia’s Dram Shop law is located in…

As Fox 5 Atlanta reports, street racing near Atlanta isn’t a revolutionary criminal activity, but police may have found a way to stop these dangerous stunts from happening altogether. The city’s interim chief of police has offered his support to place sand-filled barriers along intersections where street racing stunts are likely to occur. Identifying the areas in need of such barricades has yet to prove difficult. "There is no scientific method to what we are doing," Commissioner Josh Rowan says. "Where we see the black circles [burned rubber from stunt-inspired braking] we will put down barriers." What’s disturbing is how even though police are actively locking up dozens of street racing drivers and impounding their “muscle” cars, new drivers seem eager to step into their place regularly, despite almost certainly knowing the legal risk over and above the risk of a car accident. And the legal risks are undoubtedly real.…

On Monday, August 10, 2020, a bicyclist was killed in southern Fulton County near Atlanta after colliding with a tractor-trailer. EMTs responded to the crash, but it is unknown whether the victim died on the scene or if he died upon transport to a treatment facility. One additional vehicle is said to have been involved, though details regarding why the accident happened, who was at fault, and potential charges are still a mystery. While an investigation is still ongoing, this tragedy serves as a good reminder to always receive medical treatment if and when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. Advice from Dozier Law Firm Assuming your accident injuries are not fatal on-impact, seeking medical treatment immediately following a car or tractor-trailer accident is crucial. Dozier Law Firm, a team of experts in motor vehicle accident representation, explains: "The most important thing you can do following a motor…