Georgia Legal Report

8-Year-Old Girl Injured in Hollywood Shawnee Apartment Shooting; Investigators Question Complex Safety Lapse

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:20:52 -0500

Residents of the Hollywood Shawnee Apartments have been left terrified after a gunman shot and injured an 8-year-old girl in her sleep Monday evening. Now, as police search for the suspect, investigators are questioning whether another party should be held accountable in this horrific shooting: the owner and management of the Hollywood Shawnee Apartments.

An 8-year-old girl was sleeping in her bed just after 10:30pm Monday evening when a "high powered assault weapon" shot and struck her left leg. She was rushed to Children's Hospital at Egleston and is currently listed in stable condition.

According to police, a fight outside the young girl's apartment escalated to gunfire. The suspected gunman, who police are calling 'Jacoby', fired at a neighbors apartment. A stray bullet traveled through several neighboring apartment walls before finally entering the child's bedroom, hitting her as she slept.

As police conduct a manhunt for the shooter, apartment residents are left terrified, unable to protect their children in the safety of their own homes. Premises Liability Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating this shooting and question whether an apartment safety lapse contributed to this horrific incident:

Have there been prior incidents of crime in or around the Hollywood Shawnee Apartments and, if so, was anything done to increase security for apartment residents?

What security measures, such as a security or police patrol, gated entry, and surveillance cameras, were in place at the time of the shooting

Was the shooter a resident of the apartments and, if not, how did he obtain access to the complex?

According to police reports, the shooting occurred only after an argument escalated outside a neighboring apartment. Were any efforts made by apartment security or management to mitigate the fight before it turned violent? Were police called prior to the shooting?

As the details of this shooting continue to develop, The Murray Law Firm suggests that it is possible that the Hollywood Shawnee apartment complex failed to undertake proper security measures to protect those legally on the premises. Under Georgia law, an owner and management company of an apartment complex has a duty to protect such individuals from foreseeable crimes and to keep its premises safe. If the owner or manager fails in this duty, they may be held liable under Georgia law for any injuries that occur.

Should the apartment complex be found at fault in this incident, the family of the young victim may elect to hold the owner or management company civilly liable for his wrongful death. Financial recovery for such a claim could be substantial. As insurance companies and unscrupulous parties are often more concerned with limiting their financial exposure in these incidents, it is crucial that an experienced premises liability firm be retained as soon as possible to ensure all evidence, such as surveillance footage, is preserved and the family's best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm handles cases such as this one on a regular basis, and is willing to assist if requested to do so.

If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us at 404.842.1600 or toll free at 888.842.1616.

Seboris Brooks Injured in Rome Motorcycle Accident; Close Call Reminds Drivers to Share the Road

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:14:54 -0500

Police have cited the young driver who collided with 56-year-old motorcyclist, Seboris Brooks, on Martha Berry Boulevard in Rome Monday.

According to Rome Police, Mr. Brooks, of Baxley, was driving his motorcycle southbound on Martha Berry Boulevard when a Honda Accord pulled out of a CVS Pharmacy and directly into the motorcycle's path. Mr. Brooks crashed into the Honda's driver side door and was propelled from his vehicle onto the roadway.

Mr. Brooks was, thankfully, wearing a helmet at the time. He was transported from the scene to Redmond Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. The Honda driver, 19-year-old Andy Doan, has been cited for failure to yield.

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating this accident. As Mr. Doan is apparently at fault in this incident given the citation, Mr. Brooks may elect to hold him civilly liable for all injuries and damages. Such a claim would serve to remind all Georgia drivers of the need to practice caution on and around motorcyclists and to share our roads. Unfortunately, all too often, insurance companies are more concerned with limiting their financial exposure than providing victims with what they rightfully deserve. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting victims of motorcycle accidents, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

As warm summer weather returns, motorcycle accidents begin to rise. We hope this incident will remind drivers to share the road with motorcycles, avoid distractions, and look twice before entering or changing lanes. A little extra caution may save a life.

If you are seeking further information on this accident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.

MADD Urges Georgia Lawmakers to Toughen Up on First Time DUI Offenders

Sun, 05 May 2013 15:13:16 -0500

MADD protestors met at the Georgia State Capitol Monday, March 11 to demand a legislative crack down on first-time DUI offenders.

Georgia's Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is asking state lawmakers to toughen up on first time DUI offenders. Currently, 17 states require DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices, or in-car breathalyzers in their vehicles. The devices force motorists to prove sobriety before starting their vehicles. While Georgia does require in-car breathalyzers for repeat DUI offenders, the legislation does not currently extend to first-time offenders.

According to MADD, this requirement could save 150 lives every year.

The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly for drunk driving victims and their families. If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, you have a right to compensation for your medical and therapeutic bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages you may have incurred. Please call us toll free 888.842.1616 for a free initial consultation.

Loganville Skateboard Accident Critically Injures Child; Pebble Point Community Calls for Justice

Sat, 04 May 2013 07:31:34 -0500

A 12-year-old boy was struck by a car and critically injured while skateboarding in his Loganville neighborhood Monday. The horrific accident has outraged the Pebble Point community, as neighbors are now calling for safer roads and an end to speeding on their streets.

According to Loganville police, a 12-year-old boy was skateboarding with his brother and friends in their Pebble Point neighborhood Monday when a driver struck the child. The boy was Life Flighted from Bay Creek Elementary School to the hospital in critical condition.

Charges have not been filed against the driver at this time. However, several neighbors are citing speed as a serious issue in the neighborhood. They are voicing concerns with the the Loganville Patch:

"I think someone should call the civil engineering department of the City of Loganville to have this area evaluated for safety intervention."

"Speed bumps should be put on the street so our kids can play outside safely!"

The most startling comment came from Patch user, Sara Pilgrim. "The fact of the matter is that the person who hit the little boy has already been complained on numerous times in this subdivision alone, for speeding. Maybe this will be his wake up call to slow down."

While a serious accident involving a child is always devastating, the revelation that this driver may have been warned about speeding prior to the incident is inexcusable. Had the driver heeded these warnings, this horrific accident may have been avoided.

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating whether speed or distraction were factors in the accident. Should the driver be found at fault, the parents of the 12-year-old boy may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for his injuries. Financial recovery could be substantial and such a claim would surely serve as a grave reminder to all drivers of the importance of heeding speed limits, particularly in residential communities. Further, the claim would assist in establishing the need for Loganville to install speed bumps and safer road regulations in the Pebble Point community. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting families and victims of accidents, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us toll free at 888-842-1616.

8-Year-Old Boy Seriously Burned by Snap Caps; Mary Landers Warns Parents of Cap Gun Dangers

Fri, 03 May 2013 15:04:12 -0500

An 8-year-old Savannah boy was seriously burned Easter morning when toy snap-caps exploded in his pocket. His mother, Mary Landers, is now speaking out on Savannah Morning News so other parents may avoid this dangerous product, often marketed to children.

Mrs. Landers believed she had taken all necessary precautions when she allowed her 8-year-old son, Ty, to use snap caps. "I was focused on my son not pointing the cap gun at anyone, not using it indoors and the like. I had no idea the caps could ignite in his pocket."

"When I was a kid, caps came in a paper roll. My brothers and I would buy them occasionally for the joy of smashing them with a hammer and hearing them pop. The wilder neighborhood kids would smash a whole roll at once. The caps Ty had, since they were encased in plastic, seemed safer. Obviously, they're not."

On Easter morning Ty placed the plastic rings containing small, pea-sized snap caps in his pocket and moved from the couch to the floor. The simple movement caused one cap to burst. The other rings immediately ignited, melting the plastic and burning a hole through his pants. In just 20 seconds Ty had suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns.

Mrs. Landers now wants other parents to learn from her son's horrible ordeal. She is also asking snap cap manufacturers to make the dangers of carrying snap caps more clear on labels.

According to Mrs. Landers, the warnings on the snap cap package read as follows:

1. Treat every gun with the respect due to a loaded gun.
2. Unload guns when not in use.
3. Never point or shoot your gun at anyone, loaded or unloaded.
4. Store guns and ammunition separately.
5. Hold gun at arms length when firing.

"Caution, not recommended for children under 8 years old."

Underneath all of these warnings, "Do not put caps in pockets," finally appears in a small font hidden by the plastic cap frame.

Mrs. Landers is worried for other children and parents who may miss this same warning. "I'm not sure, even if I had noticed that last warning, which I didn't before Ty got burned, that I would've made the jump to the fact they they could ignite and cause serious burns in his pocket."

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm agree with Mrs. Landers and are questioning what the snap cap manufacturer is doing to improve product warnings for parents and the young children they market to.

Unfortunately, this incident is not isolated. Numerous children have suffered serious burns and injuries from simply handling snap caps. What safety measures did the manufacturer of these snap caps take to improve product safety and warning labels after the previous injuries occurred?

Are the warning labels on all of this manufacturer's snap cap packages obscured or did the Landers family receive a defective product? If the product was defective, what efforts are being made by the manufacturer to recall the mislabeled snap caps?

Should the manufacturer of these snap caps be found liable in the serious injuries of Ty Landers, his parents may elect to hold the company civilly liable. Such a substantial claim would call on all snap cap manufacturers to improve product safety and labeling. As a products liability claim is dependent on the facts surrounding the incident, it is imperative that an experienced attorney be retained without delay so as to ensure that all evidence connected to the accident is preserved. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in product liability cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

Anyone seeking further information on this incident is encouraged to contact us at 888-842-1616 or locally at 912-385-9690.

Boater Safety Legislation Cracks Down on Boating Under the Influence

Wed, 01 May 2013 20:30:28 -0500

New boater safety legislation, sponsored by Sen. Butch Miller, passed the House 146-17 Thursday March 21 and now awaits signing from Gov. Nathan Deal. The bill previously passed the state Senate 50-0.

The bill tightens boating restrictions, including tougher boating-under-the-influence laws, boater education courses, and life jacket age requirements. The new legislation would increase age requirements on boat and personal watercraft operation. It also lowers the BUI blood-alcohol limit to .08, mirroring motor vehicle limits.

As warm weather approaches and Georgia families head back to the water, we remind boaters to operate all water crafts safely. Last year alone, boaters suffered 36 drownings, 12 fatalities, 53 injuries and 180 BUIs. The Murray Law Firm has represented numerous clients injured or killed in boating and water craft accidents and, on their behalf, we ask everyone to do their part to keep our waters safe this season.

The CDC offers boater safety tips to Reduce Your Risk:

Wear it. Properly fitted life jackets can prevent drownings and should be worn at all times by everyone on any boat.

Don't Drink. Alcohol use affects judgment, vision, balance, and coordination, and is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities. Boating under the influence of alcohol is just as deadly as drinking and driving. Not only is it dangerous to operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it's also illegal in every state in the United States.

It's not just boat operators at risk from drinking while boating. Passengers are at greater risk of injury as well. In fact, 46% of all boating fatalities occurred when vessels were docked, anchored, or drifting. Due to sun exposure and heat, both operators and passengers are likely to become impaired more quickly, drink for drink, when on the water. So play it safe and avoid alcohol when you're on a boat.

Take a Course. More than 7 out of every 10 boating incidents are caused by operator error. Boating education courses teach the rules for safe operation and navigation of recreational boats, and can help boat operators keep their passengers safe.

Get a Vessel Safety Check. The Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a free public service provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron volunteer organizations. For more information on the VSC Program, visit their web site: www.vesselsafetycheck.org

Know about carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that is emitted by all internal combustion engines, such as boat engines and onboard motor generators. In the early stages, the symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to seasickness, but CO can kill in a matter of minutes, whether you are inside or outside of your boat. To avoid CO poisoning, be aware of the risk, ensure sufficient ventilation, properly install and maintain equipment, and use CO detectors, especially in living and sleeping areas.

The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience representing clients who have been injured in boating and swimming accidents and we offer our legal expertise, if needed. If you would like a free case evaluation, please call us toll free at 888.842.1616.

Kenyotta Jones Killed in Macon Street Sweeper Accident; Family May Seek Justice in Wrongful Death

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:41:26 -0500

22-year-old Kenyotta Jones was struck and killed by a Macon street sweeper early Monday morning.

According to Macon Police, the accident occurred at the intersection of Eisenhower Parkway and Key Street in Macon, just after 1:00am Monday morning. Police report there was no street lighting in the area where Ms. Jones was walking, a factor which may have contributed to the fatal accident. Ms. Jones perished at the scene.

The driver of the street sweeper volunteered a blood sample and police report no charges have been filed. However, attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating whether distraction or improper caution signaling may have been factors in this tragedy. Additionally, investigators are questioning why the intersection, which serves as a bus stop and pedestrian crosswalk, has no working street lights or sidewalks for pedestrians.

The intersection of Eisenhower Parkway and Key Street serves as a four-way crosswalk and bus stop. Police report the area was unlit at the time of the accident. Are there street lamps in this area and, if so, were they broken at the time of the accident? If not, why has the town failed to provide safe lighting for pedestrians using this major intersection?

This intersection serves as a bus stop. Is there a safe place for pedestrians to await a bus away from oncoming traffic? Is there a sidewalk at this intersection where Ms. Jones could have safely moved out of the way of the oncoming street sweeper?

What factors lead to the street sweeper's failure to signal Ms. Jones and stop? Was the street sweeper displaying proper cautionary signals to oncoming pedestrians and vehicles and, if not, why? Were the caution signals broken and, if so, was the owner and manager of the vehicle aware? Was the operator of the street sweeper distracted at the time of the incident?

As the details of this tragic accident continue to unfold, the family of Ms. Jones may elect to hold the owner and operator of the street sweeper liable in her wrongful death. Though financial recovery is certainly not of importance to a grieving family, such a substantial claim would demand all Georgia towns improve their streets and vehicles to meet pedestrian safety standards. It is crucial the family of Ms. Jones retain an experienced personal injury law firm without delay to ensure all evidence, including surveillance footage, is preserved and their best interests are protected. Photographs and a proper inspection of both the street sweeper and any area lighting will need to be made immediately, before any repairs can be made or evidence destroyed. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting families of tragic cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

Our prayers are with the family of Kenyotta Jones. Please let this tragedy serve as a reminder to all Georgia drivers to share our roads with pedestrians and practice extra caution around crosswalks and bus stops.

If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us toll free at 888-842-1616 or locally at 478-246-1010.

Soaring Traffic Fatalities Lead to Lynes Parkway Safety Audit

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:22:21 -0500

A recent rise in traffic fatalities has lead to a safety audit of Lynes Parkway in Savannah, GA.

The February 22 crash, which claimed the lives of a young Brooklet couple, was the latest in a series of fatal collisions to plague the I-516 stretch between Veterans Parkway and Montgomery Street. Last August, a 16-year-old girl was killed in the same area. In just slightly over one year, that section of Lynes Parkway has seen five fatalities and 129 crashes, according to Savannah-Chatham Police.

Capt. Philip Reilley warned Savannah Morning News that most accidents occur at the curve where Veterans Parkway exits onto Lynes Parkway.

"What we're seeing is there are a larege number of people traveling toward Savannah, and once they make that curve they're coming up on cars that are backed up from Montgomery Street and DeRenne Avenue, and they also come up on a merge lane with Veterans Parkway. The higher the speed, the more of a surprise it is."

Many of the accidents between 2008-13 occurred when roads were wet. Just last August, a 16-year-old girl was killed in this stretch under rainy conditions.

Mike Weiner, of Savannah's Traffic Engineering Department, is now working with the Georgia Department of Transportation to begin a safety audit of the highway. The audit will be performed by an independent team, comprised of members from different areas of Georgia.

Auditors will look at several safety measures for the area, possibly including guard rails, signage and advisories for speed, wet roadways, and sudden stops.

In the meantime, Capt. Reiley reminds drivers, "the most obvious way to reduce collisions on Lynes Parkway is for motorists to slow down."

Please drive safely, buckle up and avoid distractions -- particularly on rainy spring days!

Ann Burke and Leanne Ritter Injured in Dump Truck Accident; Truck Driver, Company May Be Held Liable

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:39:57 -0500

Georgia State Patrol has announced charges will follow the investigation of a dump truck collision, which left 62-year-old Ann Burke and her 37-year-old daughter, Leanne Ritter, critically injured.

The accident occurred on Hogansville Road just before 4:00pm Tuesday, April 2. According to authorities, Ann Burke was slowing to make a left turn onto Mobley Bridge Road. Two vehicles behind her also slowed. A dump truck carrying large rocks came up behind the three vehicles at a "high rate of speed". According to reports, truck driver, Mark Lee Singleton, swerved left to avoid the vehicles and struck the Avalon as it was turning. The truck then overturned on top of the Avalon, possibly due to the heavy weight of the load.

Ms. Burke and Ms. Ritter were airlifted to Columbus Medical Center with severe injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, lacerations and bruising.

State Trooper Scott Jeter reports charges may follow an investigation. Alcohol and drug use are not suspected.

Investigators at The Murray Law Firm are questioning whether speed, distraction or weight were factors in this terrible incident:

Was the truck driver speeding at the time of the accident? Were distractions, such as a cellphone or cab radio, factors in the driver's failure to safely stop?

Did the truck's heavy load contribute to it's failure to stop or cause it to overturn? What are the maximum height and weight limits for the dump truck load, as required by the truck's manufacturer, owner and management company? Did the dump truck operator, owner, and management company adhere to these safety standards?

As it appears the truck driver may be at fault and facing criminal charges in this incident, Ms. Burke and Ms. Ritter may elect to hold him civilly liable for their severe injuries. Further, as the truck driver reported the weight of the load may have been a factor in this accident, additional claims may be made against the truck manufacturer, owner and management company, should it be found the truck was unfit to handle the heavy load being carried at the time of the accident.

Unfortunately, all too often insurance companies and construction companies are more concerned with limiting their financial exposure than providing victims and their families what they rightfully deserve. As such, Ms. Burke and Ms. Ritter should retain an experienced law firm immediately to ensure all evidence is preserved and their family's best interests are protected. Photographs and an inspection of the truck will need to be retained immediately before any repairs can be made. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting victims of serious accidents, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616 or locally at 706.494.2800.

Georgia Cyclists Urge Lawmakers to Improve Conditions in 8th Annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:57:17 -0500

Hundreds of cyclists took to the streets Tuesday, March 26 in the 8th annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol. Riders advocated for improved conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. The annual event also reminds Georgia drivers to share our roads.

The one-day event, which has brought more than 1,800 cyclists to the streets, couldn't have come at a better time. Georgia has seen a flux of recent pedestrian and cycling accidents recently. On March 16, Walter Amey, of Atlanta, was struck and killed by a hit and run driver while riding home. On March 22, Michele Chesnut, of Cumming, was struck and killed by a driver who crossed onto the shoulder where she was riding with friends. On March 29, a cyclist from Germany was struck and injured by a hit-and-run semi truck in Richmond Hill, GA.

The tragedies are too many to list and clearly a change is needed to protect cyclists and pedestrians throughout the state. Please support the efforts of these cyclists and remember to share our roads!

(Photo Credit: Jason Getz/AJC)

Family of 11-Year-Old Patrick Williams Seeks Justice for Tragic Loss; Police Charge Hit and Run Driver with DUI

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:00:35 -0500

The family of 11-year-old Patrick Williams is coming together amid tragedy to celebrate the life of the sweet young boy taken from them much too early by an impaired driver.

The fatal hit and run accident occurred Monday afternoon when Patrick Williams was crossing Boulderpark Drive and Brownlee Road to play basketball at his cousin's home. Per initial reports, 43-year-old Gatha M. Dyer struck the young boy and fled the scene without stopping.

According to the victim's family, a passenger in Gatha Dyer's vehicle returned to the scene to assist police in the driver's capture. Mr. Dyer has been charged with vehicular homicide, DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a suspended license, failure to yield, failure to maintain lane and reckless driving.

Patrick Williams' family is now celebrating his life as they mourn his passing. His mother, Kandace Williams, remembers, "He was the perfect son...he was just a good-spirited young boy." Charleyne Wright is looking for answers in the senseless loss of her beloved grandson. "They took a piece of all our hearts when they took him away from us. It was a senseless death, you know. Who hits a baby and leaves the scene?"

The loss of such a young, bright life has rallied the community in support of justice and change. Neighbors are calling for tougher enforcement of traffic safety in the area where Mr. Williams was killed. Atlanta Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm were outraged not only by the driver's apparently impaired state, but by his failure to stop and check on young Mr. Williams. "We work tirelessly to protect victims and families of impaired drivers in cases, such as this, and we were particularly saddened to learn of the tragic loss of such a young man. Given Mr. Dyer's apparent criminal fault in this accident, the family of Patrick Williams may elect to hold him civilly liable in the wrongful death of their family member. Financial recovery could be substantial and, though compensation is not of importance to a grieving family, such a claim would certainly send a much needed message to all Georgia drivers about the perils of drunk driving. It is crucial the Williams family seek an experienced personal injury law firm as soon as practicable to ensure that their best interests are protected and all evidence relating to the accident is preserved. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting and guiding families through tragic cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed."

If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us at 404.842.1600.

Lawrence Young Killed in Marietta Bicycle Accident; Family May Seek Justice from Hit and Run Driver

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:21:39 -0500

55-year-old cyclist, Lawrence Joseph Young, was struck and killed by a hit and run driver Sunday evening.

According to Marietta Police, Lawrence Young was riding his bike down Powder Springs Street at the intersection of Natchez Trace around 7:45pm when a black SUV struck him and fled the scene. Mr. Young was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where he later succumbed to injuries.

Police are still searching for the driver and have released surveillance images of "a driver of interest." Witnesses report the SUV, possibly a Cadillac Escalade, had dark tinted windows and black wheels.

Mr. Young's death is the latest in a recent surge of cyclist and pedestrian accidents to plague Georgia. Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating why the driver who hit Mr. Young fled the scene and what factors, such as speed, impairment or distraction, may have lead to the accident. Given the SUV driver's apparent fault in this tragedy, the family of Mr. Young may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for his wrongful death. Such a claim would send a clearly needed message to all Georgia drivers on the need to share our roads with cyclists and pedestrians. It is crucial Mr. Young's family retain a personal injury law firm without delay to ensure that all evidence relating to the accident, such as surveillance footage, is properly preserved and that their best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly to protect victims and families of cycling accidents, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

As more pedestrians and cyclists take to the streets to enjoy the warm spring weather, we remind all Georgia drivers to share our roads and to avoid all distractions while driving.

If you are seeking further information on this accident please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.

I-575 Ambulance Accident Injures Patient, EMS Medics; Victims May Hold Ambulance Company Liable for Injuries

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:25:07 -0500

An I-575 ambulance accident in Canton, GA left two EMS medics injured and further-injured a patient being transported to the hospital early Sunday morning.

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to an ambulance accident just after 2:00am Sunday morning. According to reports, the ambulance was headed northbound on I-575, near the 140 exit, when it swerved off the roadway, crashing into the tree line. A 22-year-old patient already en route to the hospital was reportedly thrown from the back of the vehicle, suffering further injuries. The 32- and 48-year-old EMS medics were also injured in the crash. All three occupants were transported to Kennestone Hospital.

According to attorneys at The Murray Law Firm, both the passenger and medics in this accident may have claims against AmeriMed. The passenger in this incident may elect to hold the ambulance company civilly liable for any injuries sustained in the crash if the driver of the vehicle is found to have been at fault in causing the incident. In addition, he may hold the company liable for any original medical issues exacerbated by the accident. As both medics were working at the time of the incident, they are almost certainly entitled to workers compensation claims under Georgia Workers Compensation law. Total financial recovery for the three victims could be a substantial sum. Unfortunately, insurance companies and business owners are all too often more concerned with limiting their financial exposure than providing victims the compensation they rightfully deserve. As such, all victims in this incident should retain a law firm experienced in personal injury and workers compensation without delay to ensure that all evidence is properly preserved and their best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience protecting clients in complex cases such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

If you are seeking further information about this accident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.

81-Year-Old Thomas Simmons Injured by Speeding Driver in Tibet Avenue Car Accident

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:58:22 -0500

A high-speed crash on Tibet Avenue in Savannah left three hospitalized Saturday evening, including 81-year-old local, Thomas E. Simmons.

According to Savannah-Chatham Police, 36-year-old Reginal Washington and his 16-year-old passenger, Chadwick Washington, were traveling westbound on Tibet Avenue at a perilous speed when Mr. Washington lost control of his vehicle. The black Honda Prelude struck a concrete wall near the intersection of Largo Drive at such force that the car split in half. The front of the vehicle continued one block onto the lawn of a church, where both occupants were ejected.

The rear of the vehicle rolled back into the westbound lane of Tibet Avenue, directly into the path of the oncoming Hyundai Sonata driven by Thomas E. Simmons. The crash into the wreckage propelled the Hyundai into the concrete wall. Mr. Simmons was rushed to Memorial University Medical Center where he has since been listed in stable condition. Both the driver and passenger of the Honda Prelude were also taken to the hospital for injuries. The driver is listed in critical condition. His teenage passenger is listed as stable.

The posted speed limit on Tibet Avenue at Largo Dive is 30mph. It is also only feet away from a posted school zone. The speeds required for such a high-force impact are astonishing. Yet even more startling is the Honda driver's apparent choice to travel these speeds with a minor inside the vehicle. Had the Honda driver obeyed the posted speed limits, this accident and the injuries to a teenager and an elderly man may have been avoided.

Given the Honda driver's apparent fault in this accident, Mr. Simmons and his family may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for all injuries and damages sustained. Total financial recovery could be a substantial sum and would send a grave message to all Georgia drivers about the perils of speeding. Unfortunately, insurance companies are often more concerned with limiting their financial exposure than giving injured victims what they rightfully deserve. As such, we would encourage Mr. Simmons to retain a personal injury firm without delay to preserve all evidence relating to the crash and to protect the best interests of his family. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting victims of cases, such as this, and we offer our expertise, if needed.

We pray for the swift recovery of all three injured in this terrible accident and remind Georgia drivers to help keep our roads safe by minding speed limits.

If you are seeking further information on this accident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616 or locally at 912.385.6960.

Governor's Commission on Teen Driving; First All-Teen Commission in Nation Advises Georgia Lawmakers

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:32:41 -0500

Twenty two Georgia teens have been selected to join the Governor's Commission on Teen Driving. The commission will advise Gov. Nathan Deal and public safety officials on teen driver legislation and how to best communicate the state's teen driver safety message. This is the first teen driving commission in the nation comprised exclusively of students.

The commission is targeting impaired driving, lack of sleep, and various forms of distracted driving, such as texting and passengers. The panel will tackle these issues at every angle, advising lawmakers on prevention programs as well as punishment reform.

The 22 teens were selected from more than 180 applicants across the state. All are in good academic standing and have clean driving records.

Governor Deal announced, "This group of teenagers comprises some of Georgia's best and brightest future leaders. We are seeking out-of-the-box solutions to reducing the teen crash rate in Georgia, and I am confident this commission is equipped to provide us with those answers."

Governor's Commission on Teen Driving:

Felicia Ashley of Macon

Eric Beeler of Johns Creek

Hope Boyd of Rome

Emily Brumlow of Calhoun

Baylee Culverhouse of Warner Robins

Alex Floyd of Atlanta

Cara Gloyd of Dallas

Amber Nechole Hart of Columbus

Shanise Hood of Ellenwood

Susannah Hooks of Swainsboro

Evan Katz of Atlanta

Cyrianne Keutcha of Stone Mountain

Kennan Luther of Atlanta

Tourner Moseley of Evans

Kyra Parks of Fayetteville

Morgan Polk of Snellville

Gracie Rowe of Franklin

Gordon Schley of Tybee Island

George Shepherd of Waynesboro

Nathan Sidey of Dillard

Griffin Sorohan of Rutledge

Hannah Walters of Watkinsville

The Murray Law Firm is thrilled to see these young Georgia leaders tackle teen driver education and legislation reform. We pray all Georgia drivers, young and old, will follow their inspirational example and help to keep our roads safe!