Car Accidents
What Is Georgia’s Move Over Law?
Many states, including Georgia, have enacted some type of Move Over Law in an effort to protect workers and emergency personnel who respond to jobs on the side of the road. Every year, people lose their lives in roadside collisions. In 2017, nearly 800 people lost their lives in work zone accidents. This number does not include roadside accidents that happened outside of work zones, such as police stops. Failing to obey Georgia’s Move Over Law could lead to fines, or more serious penalties if the driver causes an accident. The Details of the Law in Georgia Georgia’s Move Over…
Safety Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain
It is not always possible to avoid driving in bad weather, such as fog, snow, or heavy rain. Rainstorms in Georgia are especially common in the springtime, with daily showers that can catch drivers unaware. Learning how to operate your vehicle safely in a heavy rainstorm is critical if you wish to avoid car accidents while driving in Georgia. Check Your Equipment Before Driving Before you start a car trip, prepare for a potential storm by checking your vehicle’s windshield wipers and washer fluid. Your wipers should not show signs of wear and tear, such as cracked rubber. They should…
Is My Car Accident Settlement Taxable?
After you receive a car accident settlement, you might think the hard part is over. You fought for compensation for your damages and won. The at-fault party’s car insurance company has awarded you a settlement to pay for your losses. Come tax time, however, you may face a new ordeal – dealing with how the tax law applies to your settlement. Find out if settlements are taxable in the U.S, and how to navigate your responsibilities to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS). Settlement Taxability According to the IRS The IRS states that, for the most part, settlements are not taxable.…
Is Fault Automatic in a Rear-End Car Accident Case?
A rear-end car accident in Atlanta could cause significant personal injuries, including whiplash and back injuries. Although most people assume the rear driver is responsible for causing a rear-end collision, fault is not automatic in these cases. Investigators will respond to the scene, gather facts about the collision, and deduce the at-fault party based on the surrounding circumstances. It is possible for the first driver or a third party to be at fault for a rear-end collision. What Is Negligence? Fault for an Atlanta rear-end collision will ultimately fall on the person or party that was negligent. Negligence refers to…
When Is It Time to Replace Your Child’s Car Seat?
A car seat is a critical piece of equipment for protecting your child during an accident. Car accidents are a leading cause of death for children and infants. Car seats can reduce the risk of injury and death by up to 70%, when used correctly. Unfortunately, not all parents understand the safest times to replace their car seats. Old, outdated, used, defective, or inappropriate car seats for the age of the child can put a child at risk in a car accident. Learn when to replace your child’s car seat for optimal injury protection. The Appropriate Seat for Your Growing…
How Do Airbag Injuries Happen?
Airbag malfunctions can turn what should have been a minor accident into a collision with serious consequences for vehicle occupants. When an airbag does not perform as the manufacturer intended, it could fail to prevent occupant injuries. In some cases, a defective airbag could cause injuries the passenger otherwise would not have suffered. Victims of these accidents can potentially recover damages from the manufacturer or another party. Excessive Force Upon Deployment Even if an airbag deploys as the manufacturer intended, the general force of the airbag can cause injuries. Although the airbag might have prevented more serious occupant injuries that…
Where Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Savannah?
In 2017, the city of Savannah, Georgia recorded 20 fatal car accidents and 23 deaths. Two of these accidents involved drunk drivers, while eight involved pedestrians. The state as a whole had 1,554 traffic fatalities the most recent year data is available. Intersections are some of the most common settings for serious and fatal car accidents in Savannah. Drivers speeding, running red lights, ignoring stop signs, distracted driving, and failing to yield the right-of-way can all cause accidents at some of Savannah’s most dangerous intersections. Whatever the cause, it’s important to consult an experienced Savannah car accident attorney to seek…
What You Need to Know About Georgia Car Seat Laws
Auto accidents are the number one cause of death for children in the U.S. Unintentional injuries are the main cause of death for children ages one to 15, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Auto accidents are the number one cause of unintentional injuries in America. Every year, hundreds of children die as occupants in motor vehicle crashes. Over 100,000 others suffer injuries. Many child fatalities would not happen if drivers properly strap children in safety seats. For every child 12 and under who died in car accidents in 2016, 35% weren’t buckled up. The best…
Is it Illegal to Talk on the Phone while Driving in Georgia?
Starting as of July 1, 2018, it is now illegal in Georgia to drive while holding a cellphone. The Hands-Free Georgia Act, or House Bill 673, is the latest development in the state’s efforts to decrease distracted driving accidents and increase roadway safety. According to the new law, using a handheld cellphone is against the law while operating a vehicle in the state, except in a few situations. It is also illegal for school bus drivers to use two-way radios or cellphones while loading /unloading passengers. Learn what the new law means for you as a driver in the state of…
What You Need to Know About Georgia Car Accident Lawsuit Judgements
If you recently caused a car accident in Atlanta or anywhere else in Georgia, you may wonder whether the other driver will file a lawsuit against you. Ideally, your auto insurance policy will cover the damages and settle the matter. However, there are a few circumstances that could lead to the other driver filing a lawsuit against you, as well a the judgments that are issued. If I’m Being Sued for a Car Accident in Georgia What Can They Take? If you wind up the defendant in a car accident lawsuit, you should have some idea of the damages you…