August 28, 2009

Graphic Car Accident PSA Reminds Atlanta Drivers of the Dangers of 'Texting While Driving'

As technology continues to advance and make information available at our fingertips, fewer and fewer drivers see the harm in using cell phones while driving. The reality is that this action can have dangerous consequences. Recently, a British public service announcement (PSA) was released on the internet. The video shows an incredibly realistic car accident that resulted when a teenage girl tried to carry on a text message conversation while behind the wheel. As shown in the video, the teenager was preoccupied on her phone and crossed the center line, causing a multiple car collision.

11 Alive News interviewed high school students in Atlanta, Georgia about their reactions to the video. This article and the video can be found here: Local Teens React to Texting While Driving PSA. While there have been questions as to whether or not this video is too graphic to show on local television, the message is clear. It is simply unsafe to text message, talk on the phone, or use other electronic devices while driving.

Statistically, there are 342,000 car wreck injuries each year that are caused by cell phone use and $43 billion each year is spent in property damage, lost wages, and medical bills from these accidents. As a Douglasville car accident lawyer, I encourage local drivers to avoid the temptation of cell phone use while driving. The momentary distraction can cause permanent damages.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an car wreck or truck accident, please contact my office for a free legal consultation. We are located directly across the street from the Douglas County Courthouse and serve the surrounding counties such as Carroll County and Paulding County.

August 11, 2009

When car accidents lead to product liability claims against the auto manufacturers. What are we learning from the GM and Chrysler bankruptcies?

An interesting story appeared in the Daily Report today outlining the fallout of the bailout of Chrysler and GM. There is a debate as to whether or not victims injured due to manufacturing and design product liability defects can maintain their existing lawsuits or bring new lawsuits against Chrysler and GM to the bankruptcy. The answer, at least at this early stage, may be that these victims are left without any way to recover.

Almost all consumer product liability claims arise from an auto accident or truck accident. The bankruptcy about a manufacturer can be devastating for people injured from defective products. In many cases, the debts of the company declaring bankruptcy may be wiped away completely. However, there seems to be at least a glimmer of hope in this case for those with claims against GM and Chrysler a court left open the question of whether or not claims can be maintained.

If you have questions or concerns about a situation involving a car accident, 18 wheeler collision, or other situation involving an injury due to the negligence of somebody else, please contact our office.