Georgia Personal Injury Blog

Atlanta Distracted Driving Crash Proves Fatal

By Grant Law Office on June 3, 2014

A freeway accident in suburban Atlanta resulted in the death of two people and injuries to two others. According to an Associated Press news report, the fatal car accident occurred on eastbound Interstate 285 near North Peachtree Road in Dunwood. Officials say the driver of a Ford Explorer may have been distracted by a passenger before losing control. The vehicle overturned and one passenger was ejected while another was partially ejected. The driver and one passenger were hospitalized with only minor injuries, but two passengers, aged 22 and 18 respectively, were killed.

Distracted driving is most commonly affiliated with cell phone use, but there are many types of distractions that can lead to an accident. In fact, a person is considered distracted any time his or her attention is diverted from the primary task of driving. Some of the types of distractions that can lead to a serious injury crash include:Read more…

Sally Ride: First American Woman in Space

By Grant Law Office on May 26, 2014

May 26 is Sally Ride Day, a time to commemorate one of the most inspiring people in American history. So, who exactly was Sally Ride? Well, the first thing you should know about her was that she was the first American woman to fly in space; not only that, she was also the youngest American astronaut to travel to space at the age of 32. In addition to being an accomplished astronaut, she was also a highly respected physicist.

On May 26, 1951, Sally Ride was born in Los Angeles, California to Dale Burdell Ride and Carol Joyce. She graduated from Portola Junior High and went to Westlake School for Girls on a scholarship. She showed great promise in the sciences and in tennis (she was a nationally-ranked player). At Swarthmore College, she graduated with a bachelor’s in both English and physics. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in physics at Stanford while working with X-rays and their interaction with the interstellar medium.Read more…

Young Woman Survives Atlanta Truck Accident

By Grant Law Office on May 21, 2014

A 22-year-old woman narrowly escaped serious injury when her car was pinned under an 18-wheeler. According to a My Fox Atlanta news report, the truck accident occurred on Interstate 85 near Hamilton Mill Road in Atlanta. Officials say her car was struck by a piece of tire and that the car in front of her slammed on its brakes.

The woman swerved out of the way and ended up underneath the 18-wheeler. Her vehicle was dragged for about a minute under the truck before she was able to crawl out of the driver’s side. The report states that her mouth was full of glass but she escaped without any serious cuts or other injuries. Investigators say the big rig was able to stop quickly because the car cut the pressure line to the brakes.Read more…

School Bus Driver Cited in Atlanta Crash

By Grant Law Office on May 14, 2014

An Atlanta Public Schools bus driver has been cited in connection with an accident that resulted in injuries to the driver of a Nissan. According to a WSB-TV news report, the school bus accident occurred on I-20 at the Glenwood exit in Atlanta. Officials say the bus driver was transporting her three children in an Atlanta Public Schools bus at a high rate of speed when she failed to maintain her lane and struck a Nissan. The driver of the Nissan was transported to a hospital, but is said to be in good condition. The school bus driver’s children were checked at the scene. The school bus driver has been cited for failing to maintain her lane.

All drivers, whether they are in a small passenger vehicle or large school bus, must maintain their lane of traffic. According to Georgia Code 40-6-48 (1): “A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.”Read more…

Seeking Medical Attention after a Car Accident

By Grant Law Office on April 21, 2014

Moments after being involved in an Atlanta car accident, you must determine if you or anyone else has been hurt. If anyone has been injured, you must call the authorities and remain at the scene of the crash. While waiting for the authorities to arrive, it is advisable to collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident and to take photos of the crash site. After gathering evidence and speaking to the police, you may have to determine if you need medical attention.

If emergency responders arrive at the scene of the crash, it is advisable to accept medical aid. They can quickly assess your situation and help relieve any pain you are experiencing. The next step is to determine if you should go to the hospital. If you do not have an obvious injury such as a bone fracture or a laceration, you may be hesitant to go to the hospital. It can be expensive and you may be there for hours. However, there are a number of reasons why going to the hospital promptly is in your best interest.Read more…

Walmart Recalls Dolls for Potential Burn Hazards

By Grant Law Office on April 2, 2014

Walmart has issued a product defect recall on one of their popular brands of dolls for potential fire hazards. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Walmart has recalled about 174,000 My Sweet Love/My Sweet Baby electronic baby dolls. These 16-inch dolls have been recalled for having a circuit board that can overheat.

The recall was issued after Walmart received 12 reports of incidents, including at least two reports of burns or blisters. Anyone who has these dolls should immediately take them away from children, remove the battery, and return them to a Walmart store for a complete refund. If your child was hurt, however, there are other steps you can take to protect your rights.Read more…

5 Places to Visit During Your Georgia Spring Break Staycation

By Grant Law Office on March 31, 2014

Spring is finally here! That means the days are getting warmer, people are bring out their fair-weather clothes, and adventure seekers are planning their spring vacation getaway. After suffering a seemingly endless winter, you may be tempted to go somewhere far, far away and enjoy the sun, ideally poolside at a luxurious hotel. However, you don’t have to go out of state for a fresh experience, especially if you’re living in Georgia, a state full of surprises. Hey, times are tough, too, and you may not have the cash to spend on an elaborate trip. Why not save some money and explore the state you call home? There may be something extraordinary waiting for you to discover.Read more…

Students Injured in Head-On School Bus Accident

By Grant Law Office on March 28, 2014

Fourteen students, a bus driver, and another motorist were injured after a Dodge pickup truck crossed into opposing lanes and struck a school bus head-on. According to a My Fox Atlanta report, the school bus accident occurred on Highway 120 near Buchanan in Haralson County. Officials are investigating what caused the 17-year-old female driver of the pickup to enter oncoming traffic. None of the students sustained life-threatening injuries, but most complained of pain in their neck, knee, and shoulder. The driver of the pickup was airlifted to an Atlanta hospital after being freed from her vehicle. It is unclear if she will be cited for the crash.

School buses are considered the safest mode of motorized transportation for school-aged kids. They are large vehicles that are capable of absorbing significant impacts. However, injuries can and do occur. It is common for children involved in a serious school bus accident to sustain neck injuries, sprains, strains, and contusions. It is even possible for children to sustain lacerations from flying objects and traumatic brain injuries from striking their head against the window or other hard surface.Read more…

What Elements Do You Have to Prove in a Medical Malpractice Case?

By Grant Law Office on March 26, 2014

Medical malpractice is when a doctor, surgeon, nurse, or other medical practitioner causes injury or harm by acting in a negligent manner. When mistakes are made and such negligence contributes to an injury, the victim may file a medical malpractice claim against the at-fault doctor or medical facility. A medical malpractice claim will only succeed in court if the basic elements of the case are proven.

The elements of any medical malpractice case include duty, breach, causation, and damages:

• Duty: Doctors are required under the law to provide a certain standard of care to patients. Therefore, you must prove that you had a doctor-patient relationship and that the doctor owed you a certain level of care.Read more…

Car Accidents Caused by Heavy Rains and High Winds

By Grant Law Office on February 26, 2014

A morning of harsh weather conditions in Georgia contributed to a number of car accidents and safety issues. High winds, heavy rain, and even tornados reportedly touched down in Southern Georgia. According to The National Weather Service, a tornado damaged homes in the Holly Hills community of Laurens County north of Dublin the morning of February 21. At least one home was ruined and a number of others were damaged by falling trees. Traffic was affected by the dangerous conditions as well. In one instance, a child was injured when several trees fell near the roadway.

According to a news report in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a child was injured in a weather-related car accident at Oak Knoll and Crossgate drives. The stormy weather also contributed to a tractor-trailer crash that jammed traffic on 1-20 and 1-285. The truck was hauling copper wire when it overturned and slammed into the median wall. Officials believe that severe rainfall may have caused the truck to veer out of control.Read more…