Auto Accidents

Fatal Atlanta Car Crash Caused by Suspected Drunk Driver

November 21, 2009 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

My heart sank today when I saw the 11alive news report about a young woman killed in an auto accident this morning involving a suspected drunk driver. The 24 year old woman was driving with her boyfriend, her 2 year old son, and 7 month old daughter on I-20 East when they were struck by a vehicle traveling the wrong way on the interstate. Atlanta Police say the wrong-way driver, identified as Robert Ayiteyfio, fled the scene on foot but was later apprehended. He has been charged with vehicular homicide, DUI, and driving the wrong way on the interstate.

As a Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer that regularly represents crime victims and as a father of 2 it was particularly moving to see the deceased woman’s father tearful plea to would be drunk drivers. The father delivered this message today from Grady Hospital, where his 7 month old granddaughter remains in critical condition. “I lost a daughter this morning. For all of you DUI drivers out there, please stop. Please. I’m begging you. Please, this hurts.”

Georgia Traffic Deaths and Serious Injuries Anticipated this Thanksgiving

November 15, 2009 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

The Marietta Injury Lawyers urge everyone to drive the speed limit, use your seatbelt, and watch out for other drivers this Thanksgiving season. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports the sobering statistic that during a 102 hour period last year’s Thanksgiving weekend, 102 people died and 1,457 were injured on Georgia roads.

With serious car collisions likely this year, beginning November 16th through November 29th the GOHS launches its annual Click It or Ticket campaign in conjunction with the Rural Roads seatbelt crackdown. In 2008, 89.6% of motorist wore their seatbelts in Georgia. However, nationwide, over half the traffic crash victims killed in Thanksgiving collisions were not belted. Seatbelts literally save lives and hopefully Georgia’s seatbelt use statistics will be improved for 2009. Please stay safe this Thanksgiving and belt up.

Marietta Personal Injury Lawyer Explains What You Should Do if You are Injured in an Auto Accident

November 10, 2009 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

1. Get the treatment you need and follow the doctor’s instructions. If you were hurt in the accident, immediately go to the hospital or your doctor. From my experience as a Marietta Personal Injury Lawyer a common concern of those injured in auto collisions is “how am I going to pay for my medical bills?” If the emergency room or urgent care center suggests you follow up with a specialist such as an orthopedic physician, you need to do it. From a lawyer that works with injured people on a daily basis, you cannot put a price tag on good health. There are many ways to deal with unexpected medical expenses caused by an auto accident. Please do not refuse needed medical attention because you are concerned about the bill.

Another question people often have, “if the hospital didn’t give me a doctor’s name when I was discharged, who should I go see?” Look to the hospital, your primary care doctor, your family, or your friends for a good doctor recommendation. Clients always feel more comfortable with a doctor if someone they know and trust recommends.

Cobb County Police Officer Injured by Suspected Drunk Driver

November 7, 2009 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

marietta dui.jpg It is an unfortunate fact that drunken drivers pose a significant risk to motorist traveling in and through Cobb County. The danger of becoming victim of DUI is even greater on week-end nights. According to WSBTV a suspected drunk driver crashed into a Cobb County Police Officer’s cruiser at 11:30 Friday night. The officer was parked with his emergency lights on, helping with lane closures for road construction on Interstate 575 south at the Bells Ferry exit.

From review of the scene photographs this was clearly a tremendous and horrible impact. Both the officer and the suspected drunk driver were injured. The officer was transported to Kennestone Hospital with head injuries. My wife and Iare praying for a quick and full recovery for the injured officer and the other driver.

Horrific Motorcycle and Car Collision Used to Illustrate the Dangers of Cell Phone Distractions

November 2, 2009 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

With all the vehicles driving in and through the metro Atlanta area, auto accidents are going to happen. Unfortunately, some of these accidents cause injury. Georgia personal injury lawyers that handle these types of cases have observed that the most catastrophic accidents are usually caused by impaired or seriously distracted drivers. In the picture below, the driver of the Volkswagen was reportedly using a cell phone at the time of the collision. All three people involved in the collision were killed.

A recent study suggest that driving while talking on a cell phone increases the risk of accident twice as much as driving while intoxicated (.08 Blood Alcohol Content). More public awareness on the dangers of texting and talking on cell phones while driving will hopefully lead to less deadly auto collisions in Georgia.

Marietta Wrong-Way Driver Arrested on Suspicion of DUI

October 22, 2009 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Marietta police prevented a potentially deadly situation when they apprehended Leonel Rodriguez driving the wrong way southbound on I-75. Early Saturday morning, September 27, Mr. Rodriguez was arrested for suspicion of DUI and numerous other offenses after driving his truck the wrong way on I-75 at speeds around 85 mph.

Marietta Police spokesman, Mark Bishop, had high praise for the officers that made the daring stop. “In this situation, our officers have the right to use deadly force,” Bishop said. “Both took a great chance in this situation with their lives.”