Georgia Personal Injury Blog
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 is Georgia’s Contributory Negligence Law?
Negligence is the central legal concept on which most personal injury claims revolve. Negligence is someone’s failure to exercise a reasonable degree of care to prevent injury to another person. Many personal injury lawsuits in Atlanta also involve the concept of contributory negligence. This concept has the power to bar a plaintiff from financial recovery in certain situations, or reduce recovery, based on the state’s strict modified comparative negligence law. If you become a plaintiff in Georgia, you need to understand the state’s negligence laws. What Does Georgia’s Contributory Negligence Code Say? The text of Georgia’s contributory negligence law is…
What is the Difference Between Workers Comp and Employers Liability?
Navigating a Georgia workers’ compensation claim takes knowledge of how the system works. Workers’ compensation exists to give injured employees an outlet for financial recovery without having to prove negligence. It does not matter whether an employer was negligent or at-fault for the employee’s injuries; the employee can recover compensation regardless, thanks to Georgia’s workers’ comp system. Qualifying for workers’ compensation does not necessarily mean the employer is liable. How Does Workers’ Compensation Work? Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. It takes the burden of proving someone else’s negligence off the injured worker’s shoulders. Workers’ comp is an insurance system…
How Do I Know If a Head Injury Is Severe?
Head injuries can be a major cause of concern. Serious trauma can lead to internal bleeding, coma, brain damage, and even death if left untreated. The majority of head injuries are not serious and require minimal medical treatment. However, a head injury can quickly turn into a serious medical emergency if left untreated. Knowing the signs of a severe head injury can help you avoid severe complications. What is a Head Injury? Medical professionals define “head injury” as any trauma to the brain, skull, or scalp. Head injuries range in severity from a small bump to traumatic, severe, and life-altering…
What Are the Consumer Protection Laws in Georgia?
When you purchase a product or service in Georgia, you expect to receive what you pay for. While many businesses operate ethically, some companies engage in criminal practices. Georgia consumer protection laws help unsuspecting purchasers stay safe from defective products in the face of these unethical activities. Georgia Lemon Laws The term “lemon” refers to a new automobile that has numerous issues and requires multiple expensive repairs. Georgia enacted the lemon laws in order to protect consumers who are purchasing new vehicles, allowing for peace of mind when visiting a car dealership. The lemon laws protect consumers’ vehicle purchases for…
Are Pedestrian Rights Different Outside of Crosswalks?
Many pedestrians and drivers alike are unaware of pedestrian rights inside and outside of crosswalks. Georgia is a state known for its unique crosswalk laws – since 1995, Georgia drivers must stop and remain stopped while a pedestrian is in a crosswalk. Other states simply require that drivers yield to a pedestrian, but this Georgia law saves pedestrian lives, helps reduce accidents with pedestrians and catches drivers off guard. If a pedestrian is crossing outside of a crosswalk, the law becomes more complicated. Pedestrian Rights Inside Crosswalks Under Georgia law, drivers of motor vehicles must allow a pedestrian to complete…
Can You Sue If You Slip on Ice on Someone’s Property?
Slip and fall accidents send thousands of people to the hospital every year. They are some of the most common causes of personal injury and premises liability claims in Atlanta as well as throughout Georgia. As temperatures drop, the risk of slip and falls rises. Ice, snow, and sleet on sidewalks and in parking lots can cause serious physical injuries. In some cases, victims of ice slips may be able to seek compensation for their damages from the at-fault party. Ice Slips and Premises Liability It is every property owner’s responsibility to keep his or her premises reasonably safe for…
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…
Committee Appointments Announced at the State Bar of Georgia
BP LLP is proud to announce the recent appointments of several of our attorneys to State Bar of Georgia Committees. Brandon Peak, Tedra Cannella, and Ramsey Prather were appointed to the Bench and Bar Committee. Cannella was also appointed to the Communications/Cornerstones of Freedom Committee. Joel Wooten and Ramsey Prather were appointed to the Business Courts Committee. Rob Snyder was appointed to the Judicial Procedure and Administration/Uniform Rules Committee.
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…