Five Mass Shootings In Georgia This Year

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Georgia Attorney with Mass Shooting Case
In the wake of the tragic events of the Orlando shooting, there has been a storm of controversy around what some call a mass shooting epidemic in the country. Approaching the halfway mark for the year, there have already been five mass shootings in Georgia alone.

Georgia Has Five Mass Shootings In 2016

In less than six full months, the U.S. already has over a hundred mass shootings and according to the National Gun Archive, five of those have been in Georgia. The first two shootings took place in March at a hookah bar in Roswell and a nightclub in northwest Atlanta with four and five people being injured, respectively. The next month six people were fatally shot in Columbia County. The final two shootings took place on consecutive days in mid-May when five people were injured in Atlanta and another five in were shot in a south Georgia home. Last year, Georgia totaled 19 mass shooting incidents altogether.

Surviving Injuries From Gunshot Wounds

Mass shootings and gun violence not only lead to numerous fatalities, but also very serious injuries for survivors of the assault. Out of approximately 111,000 Americans who are shot every year, 33,800 will die because of the injuries while a majority, 77,200, will survive. Survival and the seriousness of injuries, of course, depends on where the bullet entered the body. Other factors, such as the age, fitness level, and gender contribute to survival rates. In addition to the entry and exit wounds caused by gunshots, victims face even more serious medical complications, including:
  • Tissue and organ damage;
  • Broken bones;
  • Infections;
  • Paralysis; and
  • Traumatic brain and spinal injury.
Because of the medical complications involved with gunshot wounds, recovery can be excruciatingly painful both mentally and physical. Some wounds will never fully heal and leave victims with lifelong disabilities. Medical care for victims is also prohibitively expensive.

Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon

When a person intentionally attacks someone with a gun, seeking to cause bodily injury, it is classified as aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. It is considered a felony, for which the person would be subject to criminal prosecution. A victim of aggravated assault, however, would also be able to file a civil case to receive compensation for their injuries. Upon completion of the criminal case, the findings can be used as evidence in a civil case. Depending on the case, the victim may also be able to file a negligent security lawsuit against the owner of a property if the assault occurred because of lax security.

How Much Is My Aggravated Assault Case Worth

The amount of compensation a victim can receive in an aggravated assault case depends highly on the specifics of the case. In a negligent security case, the victim may sue the owner of a hotel or apartment complex for damages, which may include medical expenses, lost income, permanent disability, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.

An Attorney Who Can Help

If you are the victim of an aggravated assault, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injury. Contact Negligent Security Lawyers at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter to discuss the specifics of your case. He has recovered millions of dollars for clients that were the victims of violent assaults at apartments and hotels in Georgia.  Call today for cases in Atlanta, Cobb County, and throughout Georgia. 833-LEGALGA

Trucker Indicted For Death Of Georgia Students

Tractor-Trailer Involved in Wrongful Death Case in Georgia

Tractor-trailer accidents are among the most deadly motor vehicle wrecks. In April 2015, a massive crash involving seven vehicles, including two tractor-trailers, left five people dead. Over a year later, a court has finally indicted the driver of the tractor-trailer accused of causing the fatal pileup.

Five Nursing Students Killed In Accident

The nursing students, all young women in their junior year at Georgia Southern University, were driving in two vehicles, a Toyota Corolla and a Ford Escape. They were on their way to their final clinical of the year at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital. At the same time, John Wayne Johnson, 56, was on the end of his shift driving a tractor-trailer.  According to various news reports, Johnson was using his cellphone moments before he rear-ended the Toyota Corolla .  The tractor-trailer went on to hit the Ford Escape. Four of the students died on the scene while a fifth died after being taken to Memorial Medical Center.

Johnson Indicted

More than a year after the incident, Johnson has been now been formally charged by the Bryan County Grand Jury. He was indicted on five counts of vehicular homicide of the first-degree, serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, following too closely, and failure to exercise due care.

Causes Of Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Tractor-trailer accidents, like all other motor vehicle accidents, can happen for a number of reasons, including negligence on the part of the driver as well as their employers. Truckers often work long shifts and many have inadequate training. Trucking companies are often complicit, many choosing to break federal or state regulations. In the last two decades, trucking accidents have been on the rise and despite only making up 3 percent of injury-causing motor vehicle accidents, they often do far more harm than accidents involving only passenger vehicles.

Liability In Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Taking legal action after being a victim in a tractor-trailer accident can be overwhelming. It is a complicated affair that necessitates the help of an attorney. Many trucking companies are worth millions and their insurance companies will do their best to mitigate the burden of the company. In most cases, the liability for the accident will not be clear-cut and many people could be held responsible, including:

  • The driver of the truck;
  • The truck/tractor-trailer’s owner;
  • The company that leased the truck from the owner;
  • A manufacturer of the truck, or any other parts that contributed to the accident; and/or
  • The truck’s shipper or loader (if the cargo was improperly loaded).

Which party or parties are held liable depends on the circumstances of the accident.

Get Help With Your Case

If you or a loved one has been in an accident with a tractor-trailer, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. With the help of an experienced tractor trailer  attorney like Joel, you can get the compensation you deserve. We are proud to serve Atlanta, Cobb County, and all of Georgia.

Understanding Traumatic Spinal Injury

Traumatic Spinal Personal Injury Attorney Georgia

Traumatic spinal cord injuries are among the most serious a person can sustain. In the U.S., roughly 12,000 new traumatic spinal cord injuries are diagnosed every year, not including those from people who die on the scene of the accident.

What Is A Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury?

Injuries to the spinal cord take place when there is damage to the ligaments, vertebrae, or disks of the spinal column or on the spinal cord. While nontraumatic spinal cord injuries can be caused by arthritis, cancer, or infection, traumatic spinal cord injuries are brought on by a sudden, a forceful blow to the spine, consequently fracturing, crushing, dislocating, or compressing the vertebrae.

Traumatic spinal cord injuries may either be complete or incomplete, leading to full or partial paralysis and loss of both motor and sensory functions. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of traumatic spinal cord injury, accounting for over 35 percent of new cases. Other causes of traumatic spinal injury include:

  • Slip and fall accidents – Roughly 25 percent of new cases are from slip and falls. Typically spinal cord injuries from fall accidents are most common among people over the age of 62.
  • Violence – Traumatic spinal cord injuries may also be sustained from certain acts of violence including gunshot and knife wounds. These make up almost 15 percent of new cases according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.
  • Sport/Recreation Accidents – People may sustain an injury during athletic activities, including impact sports and diving. They account for roughly 9 percent of cases.

Alcohol also factors into spinal cord injuries and roughly 1 in 4 new spinal cord injury cases involve alcohol in some way.

Symptoms Of Traumatic Spinal Injury

Spinal cord injuries may manifest immediately or develop within a few hours of the accident. Since reducing the severity of spinal cord injuries is heavily dependent on getting treatment early, anyone who receives head or neck trauma should see a doctor as soon as possible for evaluation.

Signs and symptoms of traumatic spinal injury include, but are are not limited to:

  • Loss of motor and sensory functions
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Extreme pain/pressure in the back, neck, or head
  • Issues with coordination or paralysis of any body part
  • Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in extremities
  • Difficulty breathing after an injury
  • Having the neck or back in an oddly twisted position

Treatment Options

Unfortunately, there is no medical treatment that will completely heal or reverse a traumatic spinal cord injury. When stabilizing the injury, medical professionals may turn to surgery, medications, and immobilization. Afterwards, most treatment plans are based on relieving pain and helping victims adjust to their new limitations.

Filing A Lawsuit?

Traumatic spinal cord injuries mean adjusting to limitations for victims and their families. Medical treatment and lifestyle changes are extremely expensive and the mental health issues can be even more taxing. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury in Cobb County, Georgia, Williams Elleby Howard & Easter  is here to help. Our legal team has years of experience helping victims recover damages for their injuries.  Let us do the same for you.

High Speed Wreck Kills Man In Cobb County

High Speed Wreck Wrongful Death Case Attorney Cobb Georgia
Every year there are thousands of car wreck fatalities in the U.S., with more than a thousand taking place in Georgia alone. Many fatalities are caused by the reckless actions of motorists. While occasional speeding may seem minor, the consequences of high speed crashes can be dire. This was the case in a recent accident, early this month, when a car traveling 100 mph crashed into another vehicle. A driver in Cobb County, Georgia is now facing charges after a high-speed crash, which led to the death of a young father.

The Accident

Guadalupe Osornio, 26, was driving home, after completing a 12-hour shift, in Smyrna early on a Friday morning when his vehicle was broadsided by an orange Dodge Challenger. Investigators concluded the Challenger had been traveling around 100 mph when it impacted and sliced Osornio’s vehicle in half, killing Osornio instantly. The driver of the Challenger, David James Fuller, was being chased by police moments before the crash occurred. Osornio leaves behind his wife and a five-year old son.

Fuller To Be Charged

While Osornio lost his life, Fuller sustained relatively minor injuries and was arrested on June 3. According to police, Fuller was already wanted in three other Georgia counties for other crimes. He is now being charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree, felony serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, fleeing, and attempting to elude the authorities. In addition, after the wreck a firearm was found in Fuller’s vehicle.  Some believe the firearm maybe linked to shots that were fired earlier, miles away from the accident.

Seeking Legal Recourse For Reckless Driving

Reckless driving, particularly speeding, often leads to severe injury and even fatalities. A victim of such a wreck has the ability to seek legal action.  The victim may be able to recover monetary compensation for medical expenses, damage to their vehicle or other property, and pain and suffering.  In the case of car accidents involving fatalities, eligible survivors of the victims, such as the spouse and children, may seek redress through a wrongful death claim.

Help From An Attorney

When you or a loved one is hurt by a reckless driver, it can be overwhelming. Getting back to your normal life means you need to focus on recovery. If the injuries are severe and the medical expenses are mounting, you need the help of an experienced attorney. Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter for a free consultation about your case in Marietta, Cobb County, and Georgia. Joel has years of experience handling car accident and wrongful death cases here in Georgia. His goal is to help victims of these traumatic events find the closure they deserve. Call today to speak about the specifics of your case and find out how we can help you. 833-LEGALGA

Whiplash From A Car Accident

Whiplash Personal Injury Car Accident Attorney Georgia

Imagine you are sitting at a stoplight, waiting for the switch from red to green, when suddenly someone rams into your car from behind. The rear-end hit causes you to jolt forward rapidly; this could give you whiplash. While you may feel as though you’ve recovered your senses and go about exchanging insurance information with the other driver, a whiplash injury could be more serious than you suspect.

What Is Whiplash

Whiplash is type of injury affecting the neck. Although car accidents aren’t the only way to sustain whiplash, they are among the most common reasons for the injury. Whiplash is caused by sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, much like the cracking of a whip. It can be difficult to diagnose whiplash injuries because they deal with a largely unpredictable combination of trauma to the nervous system, muscle joints, and connective tissue.

While neck pain might ensue immediately, it is quite common for signs and symptoms to develop within 24 hours of the injury. Symptoms primarily involve neck pain and stiffness, a loss of range of motion in the neck, as well as pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms. In addition, whiplash injuries can also lead to headache, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, sleep problems, tinnitus, memory issues, and other problems.

Car Accidents And Whiplash

A whiplash injury during a car accident occurs in four phases that take place in about half a second. Whiplash injuries are most commonly associated with rear-end car accidents, though any accident causing sudden jarring of the neck could end with whiplash. If you start to have any symptoms of whiplash after a car accident, it is best to seek medical attention so the injury can be properly diagnosed and treated. Early medical documentation will also help if you need to seek compensation for medical expenses from an insurance company.

Treatment For Whiplash

Typically a person can recover from a whiplash injury after a few months. However, in some severe cases, a person may suffer from a whiplash injury for several months or even years. Anyone with a whiplash injury should seek medical attention so a qualified healthcare professional can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Recovery for minor whiplash may only require rest and over-the-counter painkillers whereas more serious cases could call for specialized pain treatment or physical therapy.

Getting Compensation For Whiplash

If you are a Georgia resident dealing with whiplash after a car accident, you could receive compensation for your injuries. Contact the legal team at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter to find out what your options are. With years of experience in Georgia car accident law, we know how to get you the maximum settlement possible for your injuries.

Teen Safety To Prevent Car Accidents

Teens and Cellphone Safety Prevention Car Wrecks Personal Injury Attorney Georgia

Finally being handed a set of keys and jumping behind the wheel of the car is one of the biggest milestones we all look forward to as teenagers. When you look at this milestone from the perspective of the parent, however, the excitement is more likely to be dread and anxiety. Novice drivers, especially teenagers, are some of the most likely drivers to be involved in accidents. Here’s what parents can do to help their teen drivers be safe on the road and prevent car accidents.

Teen Car Accident Statistics

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while young people ages 15-24 only make up 14 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 30 percent of the costs in car accident injuries for males and 28 percent for females. In 2013, alone, there were 2,163 teen deaths (age 16-19) and 243,243 emergency injuries from motor vehicle crashes. On average, six teens lost their lives every day in car accidents.

Georgia Cell Phone Ban

Distracted driving is one of the major contributing factors in many motor vehicle accidents. In the past decade, the biggest distraction has arguably become cell phones. Texting while driving is already one of the major causes of death for teenagers nationwide and many states, including Georgia, have taken action to prevent these types of accidents. All Georgia drivers are banned from texting while driving. In addition to being banned from texting while driving, novice drivers (those under the age of 18) are also banned from using mobile phones while driving.

Driving Safety Tips For Teenagers

Teenagers are particularly susceptible to being in car accidents for a number of reasons. Not only do they lack the knowledge and experience of older drivers, they are far more likely to underestimate dangerous situations, to speed, leave less headway, and have an accident involving alcohol. In addition, teenagers also have the lowest rate of seatbelt usage.

Reducing the risk of your teenager being in a car accident comes down to encouraging them to be safe while driving. Parents can give the following advice to make their teen’s driving experience safer:

● Practice defensive driving – Make sure you are aware of all the traffic around you, give proper distance when following, and know escape routes.
● Always wear a seatbelt.
● Drive solo – Statistics show a second teenager in the car doubles the chance of an accident being caused. With each additional teen passenger, the risk goes up.
● Turn your phone on mute- You won’t be encouraged to break the law if you can’t hear your phone ringing or text messages coming in.
● Minimize distractions – Not only should you not be using a mobile phone, minimize other distractions such as eating, drinking, or putting on makeup while driving.

Been In A Car Accident?

If you have been in a car accident caused by a teen or your teen has been in an accident, you may wish to consult with an attorney. The legal team at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter can help you with any questions you have regarding your Cobb County, Georgia accident. With years of experience with Georgia car accidents, we can help you get the compensation you need for your injuries. Contact us today for your case in Marietta, Cobb County, and greater Georgia.  833-LEGALGA

What Happens If An Uninsured Driver Hits Me?

Personal Injury Car Wreck Uninsured Driver Georgia Attorney

You are waiting at the stop light when suddenly someone hits you violently from behind. Next thing you know you’re having pain in your neck and back. The accident was definitely the fault of the other driver, but when you exchange insurance information you learn that the at-fault driver does not have insurance. Or worse, you have severe injuries and the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover your damages.  Under normal circumstances, you could file a claim with the at fault driver’s insurance company, but what are your options when you’ve been hit by a negligent Georgia driver who has little or no coverage?

Auto Insurance Requirements In Georgia

Although Georgia law requires all motorists in the state to carry auto insurance, there are an estimated 11 percent of drivers who are uninsured. All drivers must have the following minimum amounts for liability coverage:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury/per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury/per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage/per accident

When you pay for the minimum coverage in Georgia, the policy will automatically increase if you have an accident in a state where the insurance requirements are higher. However, Georgia drivers are not required to have personal injury protection or uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Although it is not required in Georgia, getting uninsured motorist coverage is the best way to protect yourself and your family against uninsured drivers. This type of insurance allows you to file a claim with your insurance company if you need to seek damages after an accident that involved:

  • An uninsured driver;
  • A driver who does not have adequate coverage to compensate everyone who was injured;
  • A hit-and-run driver who was at-fault, but is not identifiable; and
  • A driver who hit you walking or biking.

Uninsured motorist insurance usually covers anyone else listed on your policy.  This includes your spouse, children, any relatives in your household, passengers in your vehicle, and anyone who has consent to use your vehicle. It’s important to check the specifics of your policy to know exactly who will be covered.

How Fault Affects Your Case

In Georgia, you can only collect compensation from another driver if you were less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. If you and the uninsured driver were equally at fault, neither can recover. However, if the uninsured driver was 51 percent or more at fault for the accident, you can seek damages from them.

Your Options For Compensation

If the uninsured driver is the at-fault driver, you basically have two options: sue them or file a claim with your own insurance. Chances of collecting any funds if you sue the driver are probably limited since a driver who can’t afford to pay auto insurance probably won’t have enough money to pay you. Filing a claim with your insurance is the best option for recovering any damages. This is why uninsured motorist coverage is so important; it is supposed to protect you from the financial disaster of being injured by an uninsured driver.

Filing A Lawsuit

If your insurance company will not pay your claim, you will need a lawyer to file a lawsuit.  Georgia law requires you to obtain a judgement against the at-fault driver before you can force your insurance company to pay.

Working With An Attorney

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. We can help Marietta, Kennesaw, Cobb County, and Georgia residents decide the appropriate action to take after your car accident. Let our legal team work to get you fair compensation so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

What To Expect in a Burn Injury Claim

Burn Claim Personal Injury Wrongful Death Attorney Georgia

Most of us can remember the pain of a really bad sunburn, but these pale in comparison to more serious burn injuries. With survival rates of 96.8 percent, burn injuries are some of the most painful and devastating types of injuries a person can live through. Burn injuries can leave permanent scars, both emotional and physical. If you sustain a burn injury due to the fault of someone else, you can file a claim to receive compensation for your injuries.

Types Of Burn Injuries

Typically, burn injuries are classified by their severity as either first degree, second degree, or third degree burns. The amount of compensation any claim would be worth depends on the severity of the burns:

  • First Degree Burns –These are minor burns, only damaging the top layer (epidermis) of the skin. They appear red on the skin and have some pain, but no blistering. They heal relatively quickly, depending on the size of the affected area. Sunburns and flash burns are examples of these.
  • Second Degree Burns – More serious than first degree burns, second degree burns affect deeper layers of the skin and can include nerve damage. They appear bright red and blister, often leading to a risk of infection. Skin may look wet as fluids seep out through the burn. When burns cover over 10 percent of the body, a victim could go into shock from fluid loss.
  • Third Degree Burns – When skin has been completely burned away and muscles, ligaments, and tendons may also be damaged. Although victims feel no pain, due to nerve damage, they are at risk of death. Healing time is long and will almost always leave scarring.

A person may also sustain even more severe burns, but since victims rarely survive these they are primarily used in post-mortem examinations.

Compensation Available to Burn Victims

When determining compensation for burn victims, insurance companies will take both psychological and physical harm into consideration. As such, burn victims have the chance of being awarded settlements that cover medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Even with the more minor first and second degree burns, a victim still has a good chance at receiving compensation if the surface area of the burn is significant.

Burn injuries can make even simple, everyday tasks excruciatingly painful and the level of pain should be factored into any settlement. For this reason, it is best that burn victims seek the help of an attorney who can help calculate an appropriate settlement amount.

An Attorney To Help With Your Claim

Recovering from a burn injury and adjusting to normal life can be extremely difficult for burn victims and their families. At Williams Elleby Howard & Easter we want to make sure you get the compensation you need to get back to normal life.  Attorney Joel Williams has years of experience fighting for justice for victims just like you. For burn injuries in Marietta, Cobb County, and greater Georgia, contact us today and we’ll help get you started on your claim.

Can A Pedestrian Be At Fault For A Car Accident?

Personal Injury Case Involving Pedestrian and Car Accident Attorney Georgia

You may have heard the common saying, “Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.” It’s probably because of this saying that many Georgia drivers believe pedestrians can never be at fault in a car accident, but that’s not always true. Although most pedestrian-related car accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the motorist, there are circumstances where pedestrians can be at fault for accidents.

Fault In Georgia

The most crucial element for knowing if you can recover any damages for your car accident is fault. Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning you can collect compensation for the percentage of damages for which you were not responsible. However, if you are 50 percent or more responsible for the accident, you cannot claim any damages. As an example, if a driver was in an accident with a pedestrian and the pedestrian was 60 percent at-fault, the driver could collect 60 percent of the damages. If the accident was caused 50 percent by the pedestrian and 50 percent by the driver, neither party could sue for damages.

When A Pedestrian Could Be At Fault

Usually pedestrian accidents are caused by driver inattentiveness and negligent behaviors, such as using a cell phone, eating, speeding, or aggressive driving. While they won’t be able to cause as much damage as a car, a pedestrian could be considered negligent and at fault for an accident if they can be proven to have acted without reasonable care for their own safety. The following could be considered negligent behavior on the part of a pedestrian:

● Walking or running into traffic
● Not using designated crosswalks/jaywalking
● Failing to pay attention while using cell phone, playing music, etc.
● Crossing during a “don’t walk” signal

Pedestrians are also more likely to be involved in accidents if they are intoxicated. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, 34 percent of pedestrian crash victims had blood alcohol levels of 0.08 g/dL or more.

What To Do If You Are In A Pedestrian Crash

If you are driving and are in an accident with a pedestrian it is very important that you take the proper steps in the aftermath. Regardless of whether you believe the accident was the fault of the pedestrian or your own, stop the car and check for injuries. Make sure to provide aid to the pedestrian if necessary. Gather any evidence, through photographs, and exchange information with all parties involved in the accident. Report the accident and cooperate with appropriate law enforcement. You should report the accident to your insurance company. Because hitting a pedestrian can be punishable both civilly and criminally, it is important to speak to an attorney about your options.

Contact An Attorney For Help With Your Car Accident

Vehicle-pedestrian accidents can lead to devastating injuries, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian crash in Cobb County, either as a driver or as a pedestrian, it’s important to speak to an attorney regarding your rights. Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter to speak to an experienced car accident attorney who can help you with your case in Marietta, Cobb County, Atlanta, and anywhere in Georgia. 833-LEGALGA

Motorcyclist Killed In Cobb County

motorcyclist killed cobb county

Motorcyclist Killed In Cobb County

Motorcycles are a popular transportation option, both for the daily commute and pleasure rides. This is especially true during the summer when higher temperatures and sunny skies make the prospect of a motorcycle ride more appealing. Riding a motorcycle, however, comes with great risk and thousands of motorcyclists die every year in accidents. Recently, a Cobb County motorcyclist suffered the same fate during a high-speed wreck.

High Speed Motorcycle Wreck

The accident, which happened at night on Powder Springs Road, involved a motorcycle and a Saturn SL2 vehicle. Investigators say the crash occurred when the Saturn, driven by Lazaro Fernandez, of Marietta, turned left and pulled into the path of the motorcycle causing the motorcyclist, Loyal Thompson III, to be thrown from the motorcycle next to the Hollydale United Methodist Church. Thompson was pronounced dead on the scene.

Common Injuries In Motorcycle Accidents

Their small size and greater exposure means motorcycle accidents and injuries are often very serious or fatal. In collisions with vehicles, motorcyclists can sustain everything from bruises and burns to traumatic brain and spinal injuries. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

  • Head injuries – Concussion, brain damage, and neck injuries are very frequent in motorcycle crashes and range from mild to fatal.
  • Road rash – Riders sliding across pavement can lead to cuts, skin irritations, infections or even nerve damage.
  • Muscle damage – Any muscle can potentially be damaged during an accident and the best prevention is wearing protective clothing.
  • Arm and leg injuries – Although often less severe than head trauma, arms, legs, knees, and feet can be bruised, broken, or permanently damaged during an accident.

Many of these injuries require extensive medical care and may lead to permanent disabilities. A driver who was at fault in a motorcycle accident in Georgia could be held liable for not only medical expenses, but also lost income and pain and suffering.

Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

It is the responsibility of all motorists to prevent motorcycle accidents. A majority of accidents are caused for the same reasons. Over half of motorcycle accident deaths involve other vehicles and it is usually the vehicle that strikes the motorcyclists head on. Other common reasons for accidents include cars turning left or changing lanes without checking their blind spots, speeding and other reckless behavior, and the motorcycle splitting lanes.
Accidents can be prevented and injuries lessened by taking the following measures:

  • Always checking blind spots before turning or changing lanes;
  • Follow all speed limits;
  • Share the lane;
  • Always wear protective gear when riding a motorcycle;
  • Stay out of blind spots as much as possible when riding; and
  • Avoid riding or driving after alcohol intake.

Hazards such as potholes, slick roads, or unexpected objects pose a much greater threat to motorcyclists’ safety than to cars.  The Motorcycle Safety Foundation shares quick tips that all car and truck drivers should know about motorcycles.

Contact Georgia Trial Attorney

Vehicle crashes involving motorcyclists almost always lead to significant injuries. If you’ve been in an accident and are facing expensive medical bills and disability, it’s time to speak to a car accident attorney about your options. Williams Elleby Howard & Easter is here to answer any questions you have and proudly serves clients in Marietta, Cobb County, and all of Georgia.