Auto Accidents

Sandy Springs Police Looking for Car Involved in Deadly Hit and Run

July 26, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Today, a Lexus LS 460, like the vehicle pictured to the left, struck and killed a pedestrian walking next to Roswell Road. According to the Sandy Springs Police the Lexus left the road, struck a man walking on the sidewalk, and immediately left the scene.

We have seen a rash of horrific hit and run incidents in Atlanta this summer. One report after another of cowards with complete disregard for human life leaving the scene of accidents hoping to avoid traffic citations. Hopefully, they will catch this one. The Police believe the Lexus was black or gray in color and likely has damage to the right front fender and right headlight.

If you know anything about this incident or see a Lexus LS 460 with similar damage call the Sandy Springs Police Department at 770-551-6900

Victim Seriously Injured in Cobb County Hit and Run Collision

July 25, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Smyrna Police are looking for the driver of a 2001 or 2002 white Chevrolet Camaro involved in a hit and run incident, Saturday night, July 17th. According to the police investigation, the Camaro struck a parked car and while attempting to flee the scene struck a young woman causing serious injuries. The 17 year old woman was taken to Grady for treatment and according to a recent Marietta Daily Journal report is still in intensive care.

It is appalling a young woman is in intensive care because the Camaro’s driver did not want to take responsibility for causing a simple traffic accident. Smyrna Police believe the left front quarter panel and driver’s side door of the white Camaro are damaged and the car is likely missing the driver’s side mirror. If you have any information about this incident call the Smyrna Police at (770) 434-6666 or (770) 434-9481

Motorcyclist’s Fatal Crash in Downtown Atlanta Caused by Suspected Drunk Driver

May 28, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Today, in the early morning hours, a fatal motorcycle crash occurred on I-75 northbound near the 17th street overpass. According to investigating officers, the motorcyclist was ejected and killed during the collision when his motorcycle was rear-ended by an SUV. The driver of the SUV was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving and DUI.

Our prayers go out to the family of the DUI victim and the driver that caused his death. There are going to be a lot of vehicles on the road this Memorial day weekend. More than 28 million Americans are going to be traveling our streets and highways this weekend. It is important to remember motorcycles are everywhere, look twice and share the road.

As a DUI victim’s lawyer, I urge everyone to have a good time this holiday weekend, but when it comes time to drive home call someone like Saferide America at 404-888-0887. SafeRide America is a non-profit organization that will drive you and your car home for less than the price of a taxi.

7 Rules to Keep Teen Drivers Safe

May 11, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

School is out for the summer and teen drivers are spending more time behind the wheel. Recent studies indicate teen drivers engage in more risky in-vehicle behavior during the summer months, which likely accounts for the increased number of fatal car wrecks during the summer. According to the NHTSA, car crashes are the leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 19 years old. It is important for parents to set safe driving rules and pay attention to their teenager’s activities. As a Georgia personal injury lawyer that has seen too many tragic collisions, here are seven basic rules:

1. Never send text messages or talk on a cell phone while driving. Talking on a cell phone while driving distracts the brain and reduces your reaction time. Using a cell phone while driving increases the risk of a crash twice as much as driving drunk.

2. Always buckle up. Approximately two thirds of teen drivers killed in automobile collisions were not wearing seatbelts.

Video – Deadly Collision Caused by Texting Driver

May 3, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Texting while driving, is known by prosecutors and personal injury lawyers as the new DUI/DWI. Georgia will soon become one of the 20 states that bans texting while driving. With legislation and driver education we can hopefully prevent fatal collisions like what occurred in the video above.

Georgia Bans Texting While Driving

April 29, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Presuming the Governor signs off on the new legislation, it will soon be illegal to text while driving in Georgia. Personally, it seems odd we need a law to tell people to refrain from typing messages on their smartphones while operating a two ton metal box in speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour, but we do. As a Georgia personal injury lawyer, I’ve seen way too many deaths and catastrophic injuries caused by driver distractions, such as texting and talking on cell phones. I was pleased to see the Georgia Legislature address the problem.

As the recent legislative session closed, two bills passed addressing this issue. First, SB 360 (also known as the Caleb Sorohan Act) bans texting while driving. The act was named for a Georgia teen that died while texting and driving. Also passed was HB 23, which prohibits teen drivers from using a cell phone for any purpose while driving. The fine for either offense is $150.00.

As we have previously discussed on this blog, recent studies suggest driving while distracted by a cell phone increases the risk of a collision twice as much as driving while intoxicated (.08 Blood Alcohol Content). While enforcement of these laws may prove difficult at times, this is an important issue that needed to be addressed. This Legislation is a step in the right direction and hopefully many tragic collisions will be avoided.

Preventing Georgia Car Crash Deaths and Injuries the Stated Purpose of the New Super Speeder Law

January 14, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Since the beginning of the year I’ve noticed an increased number of police catching speeders on the interstate and I think I know why. On January 1, Georgia’s Super Speeder law, and it’s new hefty fines, went into effect. A couple of people have asked me about the Super Speeder law this week so I thought I would explain it.

It is pretty simple really. If you are caught speeding 75 mph or more on any two lane road or 85 mph or more on the interstate you will have to pay an additional $200 fine to the State. This $200 fine will be added on top of the local fines and penalties. Getting a super speeder ticket is going to be a very expensive mistake.

According to the official press release of the Governor’s office, sixty percent of all trauma patients in Georgia are crash related and on average there is a speed related death a day in Georgia. The Governor’s office goes on to say, Super Speeder will save lives and change the behavior of speeders in Georgia. As a Marietta Injury Lawyer that has seen too many lives ruined by truck and car collisions, I hope this new law will have the desired effect. Please slow down, you will be safer, and your bank account will thank you.

Woman that Caused Violent Gwinnett County Bus Collision Charged with DUI and Held Without Bond

January 5, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

On December 24, 2009 a black Honda struck and overturned a bus carrying developmentally disabled adults. All 13 passengers and the driver of the bus were injured. At least two of the passengers were ejected and all were taken to Atlanta area hospital. According to news reports, the driver of the black Honda was seen driving erratically before the collision and left the scene of the accident before the police arrived.

As an Atlanta Injury Lawyer that often represents DUI victims, I pay attention to news reports of collisions caused by drunk drivers. However, this story was particularly disturbing when I read about the bus passengers. The passengers were members of a group called Just People that provide support for adults with developmental disabilities. The group was on their way to an art class when the horrible collision occured. It just boggles the mind that someone could cause that kind of carnage on the interstate and then leave the scene. I was pleased to read in a follow-up news report that the suspected drunk driver was located and is being held without bond with charges of Felony Hit and Run and Driving Under the Influence.

Forsyth County Car Collision Kills Distracted Driver

December 4, 2009 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

As an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer, I was saddened to see another reported car collision death in the metro area caused by driver distraction. A Forsyth County woman was killed when her car crossed into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle Wednesday night. According to WSBTV the woman was eating a sandwich and fries when the crash occurred.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, auto accidents are the number one cause of accidental death in America and Georgia is no exception. In our State, over 1,600 people die every year from motor vehicle accidents. Across the nation, distracted drivers are reported to be the number one cause of motor vehicle accidents. We spend so much time in our car that multi-tasking while driving has become common place. In a recent survey conducted by a national insurance company, 80% of drivers admitted to driving while talking on the cell phone, eating, conversation with passengers, or some other type of distraction.

Every now and then, almost all of us will engage in some sort of distraction when we drive. When I drive through town, it seems like every other driver I see is on a cell phone. We all need to be more conscious of distractions when we drive and educate our children about the dangers of cell phone use, eating, and other types of driving diversions. A tragic accident like this illustrates the dangers of distracted driving and hopefully brings awareness to a very real issue that kills thousands of Americans every year. My prayers go out to everyone affected by this terrible accident.

Auto Accidents are Inevitable; Which are the Safest Cars?

November 22, 2009 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

As much time as we spend in our cars in cities like Atlanta, Georgia, auto accidents are going to continue to be an unfortunate fact of life. It comes as no suprise that in every leading consumer survey safety is always among the top concerns with American consumers. As a Georgia Personal Injury and Product Liability Lawyer, I’m always interested in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s annual report.

Now available are the Institute’s Top Safety Picks for 2010. The institute’s findings rate vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, and poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts to determine the vehicles overall crashworthiness. Compared to prior years, far fewer vehicles received safety awards this year. Several manufacturers had cars fail the overall crash test in this year’s review. Of particular concern, many of the vehicles tested rated poor in the roof strength rating.

The roof strength test is a new criteria IIHS is using for 2010. When vehicles built with weak roofs roll over, death and paralyzation are common occurances. Product liability litigation has brought to light the catastrophic injuries and deaths caused by defectively weak roof designs. With experts estimating costs as low as $50-$150 per vehicle to build significantly safer roofs, it is encouraging to see the leading safety studies including roof strength tests in their overall analysis.