Georgia Personal Injury Blog

Why Don’t Georgia Buses Have Seat Belts?

By Butler Prather LLP on March 20, 2018

Seat belts on buses are not always a safe option, and not every jurisdiction requires them. There are also specific laws concerning school buses, public transportation, and common carriers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a division of the Department of Transportation, requires seat belts for every seat in buses weighing less than 10,000 pounds. The federal government does not have any clear laws concerning seat belts for larger buses. The Georgia Department of Public Health recommends that all children age five or younger should wear seatbelts if available. GA Laws Regarding School Bus Seat Belts Georgia law has…

Posted in: Bus Accidents

How Dangerous is Quick Motorcycle Braking? – Motorcycling Safety Tips

By Butler Prather LLP on March 20, 2018

Due to physics, motorcycles have more difficulty stopping than larger cars. A motorcycle requires at least 120 feet to slow from 60 mph to zero in perfect conditions. Reaction time, distance, speed of the cars involved, road conditions, and weather all play roles in braking. Unlike a driver in a passenger car, a motorcyclist cannot slam on the brakes to come to a stop, and stopping suddenly can cause the motorcyclist to flip over the front of the bike. Studies have been conducted to estimate the stopping distance for motorcycle riders, so in one study by Bikesafer.com, if you are…

What Are the Biggest Hazards on the Road for Motorcyclists?

By Butler Prather LLP on February 26, 2018

Riding a motorcycle can be an ideal activity on a warm Georgia day. However, it can also be an extremely dangerous endeavor for many reasons. Drivers who take their eyes off the road for only a moment can strike motorcyclists and cause severe injury and damage. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the personal injury attorneys at Butler Prather LLP can help you recover the compensation that you deserve. Common Road Dangers for a Motorcycle Rider While a motorcyclist can be injured in many ways on the road, a handful of dangers tend to be more common…

Cases Against Hankook Tire Co., Ltd. and Hankook Tire America Corporation Settled For Confidential Amount

By Butler Prather LLP on February 9, 2018

Butler Prather LLP is pleased to announce that attorneys Brandon Peak, David Rohwedder, Christopher McDaniel and Rory Weeks along with Ragan Dudley of Homesley Gaines Dudley & Clodfelter of Statesville NC settled five wrongful death cases and twelve personal injury cases against tire manufacturer Hankook Tire Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, Hankook Tire America Corporation, for a confidential amount just before opening statements were made in the Superior Court of Iredell County, North Carolina.  The case, Smith, et al. v. Hankook Tire Co. Ltd, et al., involved the catastrophic failure of a Hankook brand tire on the front left wheel of…

Posted in: Firm News

Serious Personal Injury Case Settled for $5.6 Million on Eve of Trial

By Butler Prather LLP on February 8, 2018

Butler Prather LLP is pleased to announce that Partners James E. Butler, Jr. & Robert Snyder settled two significant personal injury cases for $5.6 million two weeks before trial.  The case involved two young ladies who were involved in a motor vehicle wreck when they were hit by a Downey Trees company employee driving a company truck.  The truck failed to stop at a red light and hit the back of the ladies’ car going 67 miles per hour.  The driver suffered a serious brain injury and spent four days in the intensive care unit.  The passenger was also knocked…

Posted in: Firm News

What are the Most Common Safety Violations at Construction Sites?

By Butler Prather LLP on December 19, 2017

Working in construction remains one of the most dangerous occupations in America. The men and women who build our nation have the right to expect that every precaution be taken to ensure their safety at work. Accidents on construction sites are frequently preventable. Here are the most common safety violations found at construction sites that contribute to accidents and injuries. #1. Fall Protection Violations The most common cause of accidents at a construction site, and the most common safety violations cited, are failures to provide adequate protection from falls. Employers are required to provide fall precaution systems that are strong…

Where Are the Most Dangerous Places to Drive in Atlanta?

By Butler Prather LLP on November 20, 2017

The deadliest year for drivers in Georgia occurred in 2016, with over 1,500 people perishing because of roadway incidents. None of these statistics will come as a surprise to Georgia residents, but understanding the constancy of danger on these highways can mean safer navigation – whether you’re trying to get from Roswell to Jonesboro or just out of town completely – be mindful of the speeds and dangers of Atlanta’s busy highways. What Are the Deadliest Roads in Atlanta, GA?   #1. I-285 Interstates generally present more risks to drivers owing to the high speed of travel. This 64-mile long…

Posted in: Car Accidents

Understanding Truck Blind Spots for Road Safety

By Butler Prather LLP on November 20, 2017

Driving presents many risks those behind the wheel need to manage, one of them being blind spots, or the area of a car that can be difficult to see using mirrors. Being aware of blind spots is critical when driving near trucks, which have more and larger blind spots than the average car. This can result in some very nasty trucking accidents. Here’s more you need to know about blind spots for trucks and what liability truck drivers can face in the event of an accident. How Many Blind Spots are on a Truck? Owing to their size, trucks have…

Posted in: Truck Accidents

Chrysler Appeals Remi Walden Verdict

By Butler Prather LLP on October 26, 2017

See original story, here.

Important Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riding in the Winter

By Butler Prather LLP on October 19, 2017

Winter cycling in Georgia can be pleasant on the best of days, and even on days when the weather is less than ideal. But when the mercury drops and you need to get out on the road, you should take extra precautions—with your bike, your clothing, and your attention―to ensure your comfort and safety in avoiding any preventable motor bike accidents. Road Considerations Wintertime road conditions can create challenges for all drivers, but especially for those on a lighter and less stable two-wheeled vehicle. If possible, plan your route in advance, avoiding areas where ice is likely to appear, such…

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