Georgia Personal Injury Blog
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…
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…
Compensatory vs. Punitive Damages
When one person or party causes damage, injury, or financial harm to another party, the victim can pursue legal action in the form of a personal injury lawsuit to recover his or her losses. Plaintiffs in civil lawsuits can potentially receive two types of damages: Compensatory and Punitive damages. Anyone preparing for a civil lawsuit should know the differences between these two types of compensation and what factors in a case will influence their amounts. You should ask an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney about what damages and compensation you could seek for your case. What are Considered Compensatory Damages…
What Are The Most Important Georgia Motorcycle Laws To Know?
Georgia motorcyclists should be aware of their state’s laws concerning acceptable practices for motorcycles on the road. Since motorcycles are smaller and more maneuverable than larger passenger vehicles and do not afford riders much protection in motorbike accidents, special provisions for motorcyclists on the road don’t apply to larger cars. Many states have adopted special laws concerning motorcycles, especially concerning lane-splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing. There are some grey areas in motorcycle laws that cause a lot of confusion regarding what’s legal. And these regulations will vary and be enforced differently from state to state. We will shed some…
Which Burn Injuries Can Completely Heal?
Burns are severe injuries that can take quite a long time to fully heal. One of the most prevalent questions among burn injury victims is which types of burn injuries can completely heal. Some burns may require surgical intervention to restore function in the affected areas, while other burns may leave permanent scarring and disfigurement. The type of burn, the severity, and the location of the burn on the victim’s body are all important factors when it comes to predicting recovery. What is the Degree Scale for Burns? Most burns that affect the surface of the skin fall into a…
Butler Prather LLP Opens New Office in Savannah
Butler Prather LLP and its partners have handled personal injury cases in Savannah and the coastal Georgia area for over 30 years, and has now opened an office in Downtown Savannah. James E. Butler, Jr. of BP LLP anticipates spending even more time in Savannah than he has for the past several years. “Years ago I tried several cases in Savannah, but have not had that opportunity lately,” Butler said. “I look forward to doing so more.” BP LLP has had offices in Atlanta and Columbus since the firm was founded in 1988. Jim Butler opened an Atlanta office in…