Being in a car accident can impact your life in many ways, and when a child is involved, the potential for tragic injury or death is even more terrifying. To protect children from harm, states have enacted car seat laws. Some children are too small to be adequately protected by seat belts, and seat belts designed for adults might even cause additional injuries to small children. Car seats provide the required safety to reduce the risk of injury or death in an accident.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone or something else, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages. When your child is injured in a car accident, and your family incurs losses, you should learn about your rights to file a claim on their behalf, especially if they are young.

Following car seat laws is the best way to prevent injuries to your child, though you cannot always avoid accidents and injuries, no matter how safe you might be. If someone else causes injuries to your child in a car seat, your family has legal options.

Connecting with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident can help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. One of the experienced car accident attorneys from Spaulding Injury Law: Atlanta Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer is standing by to review how your accident occurred and advise you of the next best steps to protect your child.

Car Seats are Essential to Prevent Injury and Death to Children in Georgia

In the state of Georgia, automobile accidents are one of the leading causes of deaths and injuries for children aged 1 to 12 years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 4 out of every 10 children under age 6 who die or experience serious injury in auto accidents were unrestrained or improperly restrained.

When car seats are used correctly:

• Injury is prevented in 71% of cases involving infants.
• Injury is prevented in 54% of accidents involving children aged 1 to 4.
• Older children who use booster seats are 59% less likely to be injured than children who use the seatbelt alone as a safety measure.

The statistics are clearly in support of using car seats and booster seats for children, as they are highly effective at preventing injury. Given the proven effectiveness of car seats and booster seats, Georgia law has made car seats mandatory for children of certain sizes or ages.

Car Seats are Required by Law in Georgia

Under Georgia law, the following rules have been put in place concerning car seats:

• Children under the age of 8 who are less than 57 inches tall are required to ride in the backseat of the car, away from the potential dangers of airbags.
• Children who are under the age of 8 must be in either a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their height and age.
• If a vehicle does not have a back seat, a child under the age of 8 can sit in the front seat if restrained in an appropriate car seat or booster seat and if the child weighs at least 40 pounds.
• Booster seats are recommended for children aged 4 to 7 years old who are under 57 inches (or 4 feet 9 inches tall).

While in some other states, police are not able to pull a driver over solely because of a seat belt violation, in Georgia, this is not the case. Police officers can pull a driver over for a seatbelt violation as a primary offense, which includes a car seat or booster seat violation. A violation of the car seat or booster seat laws can lead to a fine of up to $50 and one point against your license for each improperly restrained child in your vehicle. Additional incidents double the fines and associated points.

Keeping your child safe and your driving record clean depends on following seat belt and car seat rules, and when an accident happens, your attorney will review the facts and help you put together the best case on your behalf.

A Defective Car Seat that Causes Injury Could Entitle You to Compensation

If your child has been injured due to a defective car seat, whether in a car accident or even when coming to a stop at a red light, you could be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Car seat manufacturers are required to meet safety standards and to provide you with a car seat that functions as intended to keep your child safe when they are a passenger in your vehicle.

When a car seat or booster seat is being used properly and the seat malfunctions causing injury, you could collect compensation on behalf of your child. Manufacturers are required to provide equipment that is safe to use as intended and to warn against any dangers or risks that they could reasonably foresee the end-user encountering. If you have done your best to keep your child safe and a malfunction or improperly designed car seat caused them injury, you are entitled to compensation for all costs associated with your child’s injuries, both in the short and long term.

Connect with an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer from Spaulding Injury Law Now

If you or your child has been injured in a car accident caused by someone or something else, you could be entitled to compensation for the costs associated with the injury. The costs that your compensation should include cover not only short-term costs like medical bills and lost wages, but also long-term costs like medications, treatment, or rehabilitation, as well as any impact the accident has upon your or your child’s future ability to work and enjoy your life.

Car accident claims involving serious injuries to children can be complicated, and you need help from a compassionate law firm that handles cases involving children, car accidents, and car seats. For a cost-free, risk-free assessment of your case, schedule a consultation with Spaulding Injury Law today.

Posted in Car Accidents, Georgia | Comments Off on Car Seat Laws in Georgia

When you are reading about the city of Lawrenceville Georgia, you just know it will be hard to select the “best of” when it comes to eating places. Lawrenceville is a traditional southern town, and though it has never been proven, there is a rumor that the first thing our ancestors did when they discovered Georgia was eat. We love food. We love old-fashioned Southern comfort food, and we love to experience other cultures through their foods.

We try to narrow the selection of all sorts of fantastic places to eat down to a reasonable list, from family-friendly ones to some better for grabbing a drink with friends. Remember, not making this list is no excuse for not jumping in and trying a restaurant. We are going for the best, but that leaves a whole lot of pretty darn good!

Local Republic

Winner of the Best Burger award in 2014, this place serves seven varieties of burgers. They also have a great mix of southern-style cooking, like shrimp and grits and excellent international dishes. They use seasonal foods that are acquired locally for freshness, and the restaurant is decorated with art from local artists. The biggest problem you will have at the Local Republic is deciding what to eat first.

The Georgian Pine

Locally grown produce gives everything they serve the farm-to-table taste. The chic and understated dining room is relaxed and comfortable, and the food is anything but bland. The foods are expertly prepared and served with cocktails or perfectly brewed beers from Atlanta-based breweries.

McCray’s Tavern On The Square

McCray’s is lively and fun. They feature good southern foods like slow-cooked ribs and country-fried steak (to name a couple). They have the most extensive beer selection (40 varieties) on tap in the area. They also feature rooftop dining and specialty scotch, whiskey and cocktails. McCray’s Tavern On The Square comes to mind when you think of a great place to share a meal and some drinks with friends.

Dominick’s

This is the place to try if you love authentic Italian food. Dominick has been cooking the best Italian recipes for over 20 years. Dominick’s was the award winner for 2014 for the best Italian Restaurant in Lawrenceville. The ambiance is like sitting in a diner in Italy. Excellent!

Athens Kouzzina

This roomy and quaint Greek restaurant is the only place in town for authentic Greek foods and a mixture of Greek-American traditional foods. Clean and spacious with silky table cloths and a staff that makes you feel like you’re at your own home, this is an excellent choice after a hectic day of shopping or work.

The Little Barn

When you are in the South and have the nerve to make your slogan “cookin’ food better than your mama’s,” you better be able to back it up! This cozy little country place on the outskirts of town does just that. This is the best of the best for nothing-held-back southern cooking.

As we mentioned before, there are a lot of great places to eat that did not make the list. Enjoy seafood, Asian food, and many other cultural masterpieces. The one thing we are sure of…you will not leave any of them hungry!

Posted in Lawrenceville | No Comments »

Lawrenceville is close enough to Atlanta to allow you to partake in everything Georgia’s capital has to offer but also has enough distance to be its own unique destination. The City of Lawrenceville was founded in 1821, making it one of the oldest in the metropolitan Atlanta area, and its rich history is evident in the buildings that make up its picturesque town square. 

From sightseeing to museum hopping, dining out in medieval style, and exploring the area’s natural beauty, there are plenty of enticing things to do in Lawrenceville, GA. 

 

The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse

The Gwinnett historic courthouse graces Lawrenceville’s central town square. This listing in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places features soaring ceilings that are dotted with grand chandeliers, an immense clock tower and turret balcony, and a grand atrium where art exhibitions are regularly held. The manicured lawns allow for a pleasant stroll to the ground’s charming gazebo, where you have a seat and soak it all in. Concerts on the lawn and the annual tree lighting are local favorites.

 

Lawrenceville Ghost Tours

If you are in the mood for vibrant storytelling and some of the most intriguing stories Lawrenceville offers, you shouldn’t miss a Lawrenceville Ghost Tour (part of the Aurora Theater’s lineup). The city’s recent push for regeneration has unearthed some incredibly haunting locations, and the ghost tours take full advantage. You can travel by car or ride a motorcycle to get a spooky tour that lasts 90 minutes and includes classic stories about the day Lawrenceville’s main street hosted strolling ghosts and a visit to the old jailhouse, inspiring many ghoulish tales.

 

The Aurora Theatre

The Aurora theater was created out of a 100-year-old church in 2007, boasts two performance stages, and hosts more than 850 events a year, including an enticing array of the following:

• Broadway plays and musicals
• A long-standing comedy night
• Orchestral performances
• Contemporary theater productions
• Children’s shows

 

Lake Sidney Lanier

What began as a series of man-made lakes that were created to supply the sprawling city of Atlanta with ample drinking water has transformed into a destination for 10 million visitors every year. From its ever-popular resorts on the Lake Lanier Islands, built on the tops of submerged hills, to the white sand beaches, Lake Sidney Lanier refuses to take a back seat to coastal destinations.

 

The Southeastern Railway Museum

If trains are your thing, the Southeastern Railway Museum is for you. Located in nearby Duluth, this is the state’s official transportation museum and features historical examples of all the following:

• Locomotives and engines
• Passenger cars
• Freight coaches
• Maintenance vehicles

You can even take a ride on a vintage caboose or hop in a carriage that’s pulled by an antique engine.

 

Stone Mountain

Part of the Piedmont Mountain range that graces the country from Alabama to New York State, Stone Mountain is one of the highest and most scenic spots in the Atlanta region. This dramatic display of smooth, bubbling quartz contrasts spectacularly with its bucolic surroundings and offers breathtaking panoramic views to boot. Stone Mountain is also the canvas for one of the world’s largest bas-relief carvings.

 

Tribble Mill Park

There is no shortage of beautiful parkland in Lawrenceville, but one of the largest and most breathtaking examples is Tribble Mill Park. Tribble Mill Park boasts a massive fishing lake that lures anglers from far and wide and welcomes visitors in non-motorized boats to enjoy its placid waters. If you’re in the market for a gorgeous hike, there are miles and miles of trails that welcome hikers, walkers, cyclists, and those on horseback. 

Freeman’s Mill Park is also worthy of mention. On the smaller end of things, this historic park abounds with natural beauty and boasts a restored gristmill on the banks of the beautiful stream that runs through it.

 

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

If you are in the mood for something completely different, Medieval Times claims to be the most popular dinner attraction in North America, and it transports ticket holders back in European history to that mythical era when brave knights on horseback charged forward in quest of princesses in need of rescuing. Horses and their riders charge the sand-filled arena, taking diners far back in time – and you can enjoy a four-course dinner while you’re at it.

Lawrenceville Historic Cemetery

Lawrenceville’s historic cemetery is a brief walk from the city’s downtown, and many of the city’s founding residents rest here, including Lawrenceville’s first mayor and its founders, William Maltbie and Elisha Winn. This graveyard, however, predates the city’s founders and includes the gravesites of soldiers who fought for our independence from Britain and several graves that historians believe are the final resting places of African slaves.

 

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Suppose you’re ready to venture onward to Atlanta. In that case, you should consider the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, which offers a bird’s eye view – through its glass atrium – of the beautiful Fernbank Forest beyond. The grounds contain winding walkways that explore the old-growth woodlands in these foothills of the Piedmont Mountains. The museum boasts impressive dinosaur exhibits, including an Argentinosaurus, which is the largest dinosaur species discovered to date.

  

Reach Out to an Experienced Georgia Personal Injury Attorney for the Help You Need Today

Lawrenceville has plenty to offer regardless of what you’re looking for, but it also sees its fair share of that world-famous Atlanta traffic and has the car accidents to prove it. In fact, negligence-based accidents of all types happen in Lawrenceville, and if you find yourself on the receiving end of such an accident, the dedicated Lawrenceville personal injury attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law have the experience, drive, and legal skills to help. 

Our accomplished Lawrenceville personal injury attorney takes great pride in its impressive track record of successfully guiding claims like yours toward favorable resolutions.  To learn more about what we can do for you – in your unique situation – please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us online or call us at 770-744-0890 today. 

Posted in Lawrenceville | Comments Off on Things to Do in Lawrenceville, GA

One requirement to operate a motor vehicle in Georgia is to have a valid driver’s license. If a driver operates without a license, they can face criminal charges in some situations, as well as civil liability for any accidents they cause.

If you suffered injuries in an accident because someone else was driving without a license, one of the experienced attorneys from Spaulding Injury Law: Atlanta Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer is standing by to review your situation and advise you of your rights to possible compensation. Read on to learn more about driving without a license in Georgia and how a car accident attorney in Atlanta can help with your case.

[get-in-touch-with-us id=”3″]

Georgia Has Strict Laws Regarding Driving Without a License

Georgia law considers it a violation if any person drives without a valid license, whether they never had a license or had one suspended. The penalty for driving without a license in Georgia begins with a misdemeanor charge, with the potential of up to 12 months in jail or a fine of $500 to 1,000.

The charges you might face in Georgia for driving without a license include:

• No license on your person – When you are driving a motor vehicle in Georgia, you are required to carry your license in your immediate possession while driving and must produce a copy to law enforcement upon request.
• Driving without a valid license or driving with a suspended license  – Driving without a valid license is treated more seriously than having no license on your person, and the penalties can include jail time, a fine, probation, and a license suspension or time added to an existing suspension.

You Could be Arrested for Driving Without a License

If someone is driving without an active license, with a suspended license, or with an active license that is simply not on their person, they could be arrested. This means the driver will go to jail – at least for a short time – following the arrest. Even if the driver is released, they might face additional possible jail time if they are convicted of specific driver’s license-related offenses.

[case-result-slider id=”1″]

Potential Liability of Drivers Without Licenses

The law takes it very seriously when someone drives on a suspended license or without ever obtaining a license. People who have not gone through the training and examinations to obtain a license are not qualified to be behind the wheel of a car. Further, people often have their licenses suspended or revoked because authorities deem them to be dangerous drivers. This might be due to impaired driving convictions, too many moving violations, or other serious traffic-related offenses. When they drive without a license, they face liability for any harm that results.

Connect with an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Today

If a driver was arrested after your accident for not having a valid license, you should immediately discuss the matter with a car accident attorney. Please never hesitate to schedule a free consultation with Spaulding Injury Law today to learn about a possible case.

Posted in Atlanta, Car Accidents | Comments Off on Can You Go to Jail for Driving Without a License?

While every car accident is frightening and dangerous, there are few that are as terrifying or as deadly as rollover accidents. These death-defying traffic accidents are often caused when a speeding or otherwise negligent motorist interferes with another vehicle’s safe passage – leaving them with no safe choices.

For example, if you’re cut off and have nowhere to go but into the shoulder at high speed, it can cause a rollover accident. If another driver’s negligence causes you or someone you care about to be injured in a rollover accident, you shouldn’t wait to consult with an experienced Georgia car accident attorney.

Rollovers are More Common Than You Might Think

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted an exhaustive study, which concluded the following:

• In a single year, two percent of all cars that were involved in accidents rolled over.
• In that same year, 15 percent of all cars that were involved in fatal accidents rolled over.
• These numbers are significantly higher for light trucks.

In other words, rollovers not only happen far too often but are also as dangerous as they seem – often leading to catastrophic injuries or death.

Your Body in the Course of the Accident

When a vehicle rolls onto its side, its roof, or all the way over – sometimes multiple times – the occupants experience considerable impact from every conceivable angle, and they are far more likely to be ejected from the vehicle. Rollovers are incredibly dangerous and incredibly unpredictable, but they are very closely associated with very serious injuries that can alter the course of their victims’ lives.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Your head is vulnerable to injury in any car accident, but the risk increases if your vehicle rolls. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) come with their own dire statistics, including:

• In 2020, about 175 people in this country died as a result of TBIs each day.
• The year prior, more than 223,000 people were hospitalized for TBIs

TBIs are caused when the brain strikes the skull during impact, and this category of impact can be especially severe during rollovers. A TBI alters the way the victim’s brain operates, which makes it especially damaging in terms of the victim’s ability to function in the world as well as to cope emotionally. All told TBIs are a major cause of death and disability in this country.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are common in car accidents, and rollover accidents often lead to serious spinal cord injuries. Because our bodily movements are guided and controlled by our spinal cords, even minor injuries can lead to debilitating pain and serious physical limitations. When the spinal cord is seriously damaged – or severed – permanent paralysis is the result, which translates to a lifetime of healthcare requirements along with the need for assistance in the activities of daily living.

Internal Injuries

In the course of rolling over in your vehicle, the risk of suffering life-threatening internal injuries is very real. Internal injuries are rendered all the more dangerous by the fact that they can be slow to present with symptoms, which affords them the opportunity to become even more serious before receiving the medical attention they require.

Turn to an Experienced Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney for the Help You Need

The compassionate Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law take great pride in their proven track record of helping clients like you obtain just compensation that allows them to heal as completely as possible, and we’re here for you too. For more information and to schedule your free consultation today, please don’t hesitate to contact us or call us at 770-744-0890.

Posted in Car Accidents | Comments Off on What Happens to Your Body in a Rollover Accident?

Every motorist wants to avoid a truck accident as much as possible. Truck accidents can be caused in several ways. One of the common causes is mechanical failure.

The little things – like the gears on a semi-truck – can cause a truck to break down and hurt other drivers. Learn more about the gears on a semi-truck and how constant wear and tear can lead to a truck accident from the Atlanta truck accident attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law: Atlanta Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer.

The total number of gears in an 18-wheeler

A semi-truck contains between 10 to 18 gears.

Unlike cars with seven gears, semi-trucks need additional gears to function safely. Semi-trucks are constantly transporting large amounts of cargo. The average semi-truck can carry up to 80,000 pounds. To manage that weight, the truck needs additional gear in the transmission.

A truck’s gears are used to supplement the truck’s brakes. They often help a truck driver control their speed or come to a safe stop while braking. The function and size of a truck’s engine will determine the number of gears in a transmission. Mechanical truck failure can happen when the gears are lost or not properly maintained.

Transmission problems

Defective gears can cause several transmission problems for a semi-truck. Some of the signs of a potential transmission problem include:

• Hearing noises while shifting gears. Clunking, buzzing, or humming noises are a sign of internal issues within the transmission.
• Low fluid levels. When the fluid levels are low, it can cause high engine revving or slip with the transmission.
• Gearbox sliding. Truck drivers may have a problem shifting smoothly from gear to gear. Other signs of gearbox sliding include failing to stay fully in gear while driving.
• A sluggish nature. When the truck fails to accelerate as quickly as it should, that could signal a slipping transmission.
• A longer time to shift gears. This is another sign that the transmission is slipping or an internal transmission issue.
• The appearance of a “Check Engine” light. The appearance of the “Check Engine” light could indicate an issue with the transmission.

Truck drivers and trucking companies should not ignore transmission problems. Ignoring these problems can increase the chances of an accident. Transmission problems can make it difficult for truck drivers to shift gears in the right position. The truck driver will have issues coming to a safe stop or parking the truck.

Liability of defective truck parts

When a truck has experienced transmission issues, it’s because of the negligence of the truck driver and the trucking company. Trucking companies are aware of how far a semi-truck engine can last. When trucks are properly maintained, they can travel for up to 720,000 miles.

But it’s the responsibility of the truck driver and the trucking company to properly maintain the truck. Truck manufacturers may also be held liable for a truck accident. If they’ve manufactured defective parts without informing the proper authorities, they can be held liable for a truck accident caused by their mistakes.

When you’ve been involved in a truck accident because of another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation from that party. Many truck accidents are complex because several parties have contributed to your accident. That is why you need the help of a Lawrenceville truck accident lawyer.

Schedule a free consultation

When you want to be properly compensated for your truck accident, reach out to the personal injury lawyers at Spaulding Injury Law. We have the experience and expertise you need for your truck accident case. Call our office today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Posted in Truck Accidents | Comments Off on How Many Gears Does An 18 Wheeler Have?

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone or something else, you are entitled to compensation for all costs associated with your injuries. These costs include not only short-term bills like the emergency room and car repairs, but also long-term changes to your health, ability to work, and ability to enjoy your life. A headache after a car accident could indicate a serious injury to your brain, which might have long-term and significant effects on your life.

Read on to learn more about what a traumatic brain injury is, how it might impact your health and ability to work, and how your car accident attorney from Spaulding Injury Law: Atlanta Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer, can help you through every step of the legal process.

Traumatic Brain Injury is a Serious Condition with Long-Term Effects

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, happens when you experience a bump, blow, or penetrating wound to your head that causes damage to the soft tissue of your brain. There are many signs of TBIs, and each victim will experience different symptoms. One common symptom is having a headache that worsens or does not go away with medication.

Motor vehicle accidents are common causes of traumatic brain injuries, and one of the initial symptoms is a headache. However, many people assume they have a headache simply from the stress and trauma of being involved in an accident. While you might think that your headache is a minor issue and will go away with time and rest, it could be a symptom of a serious traumatic brain injury, which can change your brain functioning.

A TBI can impact your ability to focus, change your mood, cause increased levels of irritability, and even cause personality shifts. Many TBI victims suffer physical or cognitive impairments, including a lack of balance or difficulty with communication or information processing. Many of these effects develop over time, while an initial sign of your brain injury might be your headache, so never disregard a headache following a car crash.

You can only collect damages that you can prove with evidence, and if all you have is claims of a lingering headache without a medical diagnosis, it can hurt your future health and finances. It is critical to seek medical treatment immediately after a car accident – even if your only symptom is a headache. This could actually be a symptom of a serious and lasting injury that will cause you losses, and you need to prove your injury to the insurance companies involved.

Connect with a Car Accident Attorney from Spaulding Injury Law Now

Following a car accident, never disregard any soreness, disorientation, headaches, or other seemingly minor effects. If you have a TBI or another serious injury, you want a diagnosis right away. Then, you want to seek legal help to determine your rights and options.

For a review of your motorcycle accident and what compensation you might be entitled to, schedule a consultation with Spaulding Injury Law today.

Posted in Car Accidents | Comments Off on What if You Have a Headache After a Car Accident?

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) lists the maximum semi-trailer width as 102 inches or 8.5 feet. Most semi-trucks that you encounter on the road are no more than 102 inches wide. Regulators have determined that this is the width at which a truck driver can safely occupy their lane.

While some trailers or loads can exceed 102 inches wide, those responsible for those trailers or loads must take additional precautions.

A large semi-trailer can cause devastating accidents and injuries. If you were injured in a crash, contact an Atlanta truck accident attorney from Spaulding Injury Law: Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer today.

Precautions Freight Carriers Must Take If a Trailer (or Load) Exceeds 102 Inches

The FHWA notes that states issue permits for loads or vehicles that exceed the maximum width of 102 inches. States may issue permits for vehicles or loads that cannot be divided into multiple vehicles (such as a portable building).

In addition to obtaining all necessary permits, those responsible for an oversized load may need one or more escorts to accompany the hauling vehicle. If a freight carrier or driver transports a large trailer or load without proper permitting or precautions, they act negligently (and likely illegally).

What Is the Maximum Weight That a Semi-Trailer Can Carry?

Just as semi-trailers must comply with maximum width limits, they must also fall under a maximum weight limit. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 658.17 caps the “maximum gross vehicle weight” at 80,000 pounds. While oversized loads may exceed this weight, transporters must obtain all necessary permits.

Even light-duty trucks may weigh more than 6,000 pounds. Passenger vehicles generally weigh only a few thousand pounds. Eighty thousand pounds is a massive, dangerous load.

Trucking companies and truck drivers must be most cautious when transporting any load. However, loads approaching the maximum weight limit present a massive danger to others on the road.

Why Are Size and Weight Limitations Important for Freight Haulers?

Size and weight limitations exist in the name of safety. A trailer or load that is too wide or heavy poses an unacceptable danger to motorists and pedestrians near the roadway. Only in rare cases can a trailer or load exceed size and weight limits—this caution is warranted.

The Dangers of Overly Wide Trailers and Loads

The width of road lanes varies. Even the widest lanes, though, are unsafe for trailers exceeding 102 inches in width. Transportation regulators have determined that any trailer wider than 102 inches would pose a risk to motorists in neighboring lanes.

A trailer that is wider than 102 inches may:

• Require the truck driver to exercise an unrealistic degree of precision, meaning that a single mistake could cause a truck accident.
• Cross lane divisions, striking a vehicle in another lane
• Cause other motorists to leave their own lane in order to avoid striking the oversized trailer.

Anyone who has passed an oversized load on a roadway knows the danger that these wide loads pose. A motorist must be able to travel in their own lane comfortably, and overly wide loads prevent this.

A wide load may also be dangerous for the truck driver. If another vehicle strikes the trailer or the truck clips another vehicle or structure, the truck driver could be seriously injured.

The Dangers of Overly Heavy Loads

An overloaded semi-trailer poses several risks, including:

• A flipping hazard: When light vehicles turn a corner, they have little risk of overturning. Because they aren’t carrying a heavy load, a smaller vehicle can change direction without its momentum becoming a hazard. When an immensely heavy load is traveling in one direction and takes a sharp turn, the momentum can cause the trailer to flip. 
• The collapse of infrastructure: While overpasses, bridges, and other infrastructure should be able to sustain more than 80,000 pounds of weight, overloaded trailers may pose a risk of destroying infrastructure. Over time, heavy vehicles take a toll on roads and bridges.
• Crushing force: When a truck weighing tens of thousands of pounds strikes a smaller, lighter vehicle, there is already a great risk of serious injury and death. When a load exceeds 80,000 pounds, its crushing force is unstoppable.

Federal and state-level weight limits are not random. Regulators and transportation industry experts have chosen the 80,000-pound weight limit for a good reason. Trucking companies or individuals who exceed these weight limits—knowingly or not—put others in grave danger.

Who Is Liable If an Overloaded or Overly Wide Semi-Trailer Contributes to an Accident?

Liability for an overloaded or oversized trailer accident may fall upon one or multiple parties, including:

• A trucking company: A trucking company may be the most likely defendant in a truck accident case. These companies have responsibility for every trailer they put on the road, with few exceptions.
• The company that loaded cargo: Cargo loaders are generally required to ensure that cargo meets all weight requirements. Loaders must also distribute cargo across axles in a specific way, as uneven cargo could contribute to an accident.
• A truck driver: Truck drivers must generally ensure that their cargo is loaded and distributed properly. If cargo is not loaded in a safe manner, a driver must typically return to the loading bay rather than proceeding to their offloading destination.

The details of each truck accident vary. A truck accident lawyer from Spaulding Injury Law will investigate your accident. By getting all relevant witness accounts and evidence, we will determine liability for your collision.

Types of Negligence That May Allow an Oversized or Overloaded Trailer on the Road

Trucking companies and cargo loaders should have several systems to prevent dangerous trailers and cargo from entering the roadway. Failures that may lead to a truck accident include:

• Hiring under-qualified employees
• Hiring employees with a history of behavioral misconduct, substance misuse, or other red-flag behaviors
• Failing to monitor employees
• Failing to discipline (and perhaps terminate) employees who disregard safety
• Failing to provide comprehensive, up-to-date technologies for measuring cargo weight
• Disregarding industry regulations

Often, truck drivers are at their employers’ mercy. If an employer sets a standard of carelessness and negligence, employees may follow. This is one reason why we typically seek compensation from trucking companies when an employee causes an accident.

Regulations governing the trucking industry are complex. So is the process of completing a truck accident claim or lawsuit. Rather than risking your health and well-being, allow the dedicated lawyers at Spaulding Injury Law to fight for the money you deserve.

What Should the Victim of a Semi-Truck Accident Do After Their Collision?

Ensuring your health and safety is paramount. If you have yet to receive a thorough medical exam or significant time has passed since you’ve seen a doctor, get medical care as soon as possible.

Even if you feel physically fine, getting comprehensive medical care will:

• Allow a doctor to monitor the state of your injuries as you recover
• Ensure that your recovery is progressing normally
• Ensure your treatment plan is effective
• Protect you from further injury or health complications
• Provide you crucial documentation to use in a claim or lawsuit

Truck accidents can cause life-threatening injuries. Some injury symptoms are slow to emerge, while others may cause lingering health problems. For most truck accident victims, getting medical care once will not be enough.

Hire a Lawyer as Soon as Possible After Your Truck Accident

Hiring an experienced lawyer should also be a priority after a truck accident. We recommend that you hire your attorney from Spaulding Injury Law, a firm with more than 25 years of experience.

You should hire a lawyer from our team as soon as possible because:

• We may face a deadline for filing your case, and missing that deadline could be financially catastrophic for you.
• Insurance companies may pressure you to make statements or accept an unfair settlement offer, and we’ll protect you from those companies.
• We want to gather evidence as quickly as possible.
• We want to record witness accounts before they fade.

Time is of the essence when seeking justice for a truck accident. Let us go to work for you.

How Does a Truck Accident Lawyer from Spaulding Injury Law Help Their Clients?

The Spaulding Injury Law team will lead every step in your case. From investigating the collision to preserving evidence, seeking a settlement, and completing a trial (if necessary), we provide end-to-end representation.

Our Firm Will Seek Compensation for These Damages After Your Truck Accident

In non-fatal truck accident cases, we typically seek compensation for the following:

• Property damage
• Medical expenses
• Professional damages (including lost income)
• Pain and suffering
• Any counseling, medication, or other treatment the client needs for their pain and suffering
• Any other damages the client has suffered because of their truck accident

We also represent clients who’ve lost loved ones in fatal truck accidents. In these heartbreaking cases, we may seek compensation for:

• Funeral expenses
• Grief counseling
• Loss of consortium
• Lost financial support
• All other damages from the accident and wrongful death

Our legal services from our Lawrenceville truck accident lawyer meet your needs.

Call Our Truck Accident Lawyer Today for Your Free Consultation

A semi-truck accident lawyer from Spaulding Injury Law is ready to start your case today. We require no upfront compensation, and our team does not receive a fee unless we win for you.

Call Spaulding Injury Law: Atlanta Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer today at (770) 744-0890 for your free consultation. You can also contact us online.

Posted in Truck Accidents | Comments Off on How Wide Is a Semi-Trailer?

A motorcycle rider’s experience level can make a vast difference in their degree of safety. Naturally, experience allows motorcyclists to become more comfortable on their bikes, familiar with the experience of riding a motorcycle, and capable of responding to dangerous circumstances.

Even so, inexperienced motorcyclists have a right to be on the road. Motorists must do everything possible to avoid colliding with a motorcyclist. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle accident lawyer from Spaulding Injury Law will seek money to cover your damages.

Why Inexperienced Motorcyclists May Be at Heightened Risk of an Accident

The Journal of Safety Research found that accident rates decline as motorcyclists become more experienced. We know that inexperienced motorcyclists face a greater risk of suffering injuries or dying because of accidents, and this may be the case because:

• Motorcycles can be difficult to control: If you have ever hopped on a motorcycle for a spin, you know that the rapid acceleration can be jarring. Turning the throttle to accelerate is totally different from pressing the gas pedal in a car. The acceleration and speed of a motorcycle take time to command, and inexperienced riders may
• Motorcycles have only two wheels: While this is obvious, new riders don’t always consider the difficulties that two-wheeled vehicles present. Maintaining balance while turning, changing lanes, and reducing speed (including to a stop) are particularly tricky for inexperienced riders.
• Motorcyclists are directly exposed to natural elements: Wind, bugs, rain, and other natural hazards affect motorcyclists more than those who occupy enclosed, protected motor vehicles. Man-made hazards like debris flying from truck beds also pose a serious risk to motorcyclists.
• Riding a motorcycle can be more nerve-wracking than driving a car: The feeling of other vehicles whizzing by with no physical barrier can be nerve-wracking. If a motorcyclist does not remain hyper-focused and calm, they may fall victim to an accident.
• Inexperience always creates uncertainty: Whether you’re driving a car, riding a bike, or commanding a motorcycle, inexperience is always a disadvantage. You simply have not encountered and overcome many dangerous situations. Therefore, you may lack confidence or a clear plan when hazards arise.
• Road hazards are constantly changing: Driving on the road is not like playing a video game. Rather than facing the same scenario over and over, each new ride presents new, unpredictable hazards. Therefore, even as a motorcyclist gains experience, they could face tests—a motorist stopping suddenly or veering into the motorcyclist’s lane, for example—that only the most experienced motorcyclists can overcome.

Because thousands of motorcyclists die each year in traffic accidents, the cost of rider inexperience can be immense and permanent. By recognizing their inexperience and taking measures to protect themselves, inexperienced riders may substantially reduce the risk of suffering injuries in an accident.

How Inexperienced Motorcyclists Can Reduce the Risk of a Collision (or at Least, Serious Injury)

Every motorcyclist should have two primary goals every time they ride:

1. Avoid being involved in a collision
2. Take safety measures in the case that a collision does happen

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that speeding and alcohol consumption are two common factors in motorcycle accidents. By abstaining from drunk driving and drugged driving and going the speed limit, inexperienced riders can reduce their accident risk.

A motorcyclist may also reduce their risk of suffering serious injury by:

• Being familiar with how their bike works and handles
• Obeying all traffic laws
• Driving defensively, never assuming that motorists or pedestrians will do the logical or safe thing
• Refraining from using a phone or engaging in any other distracting behaviors
• Wearing extensive safety gear, including padded clothing and a crashworthy helmet

Inexperienced riders should choose their roadways carefully. If there is a backroad with less traffic than a busy highway, it is generally wise for the inexperienced rider to avoid traffic.

Motorcyclists aren’t the only ones who cause motorcycle accidents. The most cautious rider, regardless of experience level, can fall victim to others’ negligence.

Even After Taking All Possible Precautions, Motorcycle Riders Can Fall Victim to Others’ Negligence

All the experience in the world cannot protect a motorcyclist from the dangerous actions of others. While an alert and prepared rider may be able to avoid catastrophe (think, swerving out of a lane when a motorist suddenly moves over), many accidents are unavoidable.

Drivers of cars, trucks, and SUVs pose the greatest risk to a motorcyclist. These motorists may cause a motorcycle accident because:

They Don’t See the Motorcyclist

Motorcyclists are more difficult to see than larger vehicles. This lower visibility makes it especially important that motorists check blind spots before changing lanes, turning, and making other maneuvers that may endanger a motorcyclist.

They Are Impaired

Motorists who are drunk, under the influence of legal or illicit drugs, tired, emotionally upset, or otherwise impaired pose a risk to motorcyclists. While these kinds of motorists may be a danger to themselves and other motorists, it’s motorcyclists who face an outsized risk of harm.

They Engage in Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Several driving behaviors increase the risk of an accident, including:

• Speeding
• Changing lanes without checking blind spots or using a blinker
• Tailgating
• Disregarding traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs
• Breaking any other traffic laws or best practices

When these or any other dangerous driving acts cause a motorcycle accident, the liable motorist must be accountable for their negligence.

Motorcyclists Face a Greater Risk of Serious Injury and Death When Accidents Happen

Riding a motorcycle comes with unique risks. Unlike motor vehicles, motorcycles do not have the following:

• A windshield
• Seatbelts
• Airbags
• A protective metal frame
• Seats that can help prevent serious injury

The lack of such protections means that motorcyclists face elevated danger when an accident happens.

Motorcyclists accept these risks when they choose to ride. However, motorcyclists do not accept the risk that another motorist—or any other party—will cause them harm.

Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?

A motorist who causes a motorcycle accident is generally liable for that accident. However, some motorcycle accidents aren’t the fault of a motorist. Non-motorists who may be liable for a motorcycle accident include:

• Motorcycle or motor vehicle manufacturers: If any kind of defect causes a collision between a motorist and a motorcyclist, the manufacturer of the liable party may be liable.
• Municipalities: If dangerous road conditions, poorly positioned work crews, defective traffic signals, downed signage, or any other hazards within a government’s control cause an accident, that municipality may be liable for the motorcyclist’s damages.
• Pedestrians: If a pedestrian does anything that causes an accident (jaywalking, for example), they could pay the cost of the collision they caused.

The motorcycle accident lawyers at Spaulding Injury Law fight for victims’ financial recoveries. We will determine who is liable for your accident, what damages they have caused, and how much money they owe you for damages.

Been in a Motorcycle Accident? Here’s What to Do Now

Your health is most important after a motorcycle accident. Whether you’ve suffered injuries or lost a loved one, seek the treatment you need as soon as possible. Seeking either physical treatment, mental health treatment, or both can:

• Provide a clear treatment plan for physical and psychological injuries
• Protect you from suffering further injury
• Produce documentation and a clear link between your accident and all resulting injuries

You should also hire a motorcycle accident attorney from Spaulding Injury Law as soon as possible. Our legal team will protect your rights, explain your options for seeking compensation, and lead your case to financial recovery.

How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer from Spaulding Injury Law Can Help You

Our firm helps motorcycle accident victims who often cannot fight for their own settlements and judgments. Injuries and time constraints may limit you, and you may not be able to put forth a case that is as strong as you’d like. That is where Spaulding Injury Law can help.

We also represent those who have lost loved ones due to fatal motor vehicle accidents. The Spaulding Injury Law team can help you by:

• Completing all case-related communications and paperwork
• Documenting your damages
• Calculating the cost of your damages
• Gathering any evidence that helps your case
• Leading settlement negotiations
• Taking your case to court, if we need to

For more than 25 years, our firm has fought with urgency for the money our clients deserve. That’s what we can do for you.

Recoverable Damages for a Motorcycle Accident Victim

Motorcycle accident victims may get money for:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Counseling
• Medications
• Lost income
• Lost earning power
• Missed bonus and promotion opportunities
• Bicycle repairs
• Replacing damaged property
• Any other damages resulting from the collision

We will work relentlessly to get every penny you deserve. Only then will justice be served.

Call Spaulding Injury Law About Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today—the Consultation Is Free

We typically face a deadline for filing any motorcycle accident case, so don’t wait to contact our team. Call Spaulding Injury Law today at (770) 744-0890 or contact us online for your free consultation.

Posted in Motorcycle Accidents | Comments Off on Inexperienced vs. Experienced Motorcycle Riders

Collisions between motor vehicles of similar size and weight can be deadly. What are we to expect, then, when a motor vehicle weighing multiple tons hits a pedestrian with no physical protection from the impact?

We expect serious injuries and the tragic loss of life. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one because of a pedestrian accident, you should get compensation covering all accident-related damages, and Spaulding Injury Law can help.

Leading Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

There are several reasons why a motor vehicle can strike a pedestrian, and most of those reasons lie within a motorist’s control. Whether a pedestrian is crossing the street, on the sidewalk, riding a bike, or operating within the law in some other way, they may face risk when a motorist:

• Speeds: Speeding is a factor in nearly 30% of traffic deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A motorist who is speeding may not be able to stop before striking a pedestrian.
• Drives while drunk or on drugs: Being impaired affects a motorist’s judgment, increases the likelihood of risky behavior, and affects one’s ability to drive cautiously.
• Uses their phone or engages in other distracting behaviors: When a motorist takes their eyes away from the road, they can miss pedestrians crossing the road. A distracted motorist could also veer into pedestrians near the roadway.
• Disregard pedestrians’ rights of way: Motorists who do not recognize pedestrians’ rights to use crosswalks, occupy bike lanes, and operate in other legal manners may cause accidents. Understanding and obeying pedestrians’ rights of way is the law.

Pedestrian accidents can also result from non-motorist hazards. Dangerous roads, improperly placed work crews, and defective traffic signals are possible causes of pedestrian collisions.

Are Pedestrian Accidents Common?

One in six people who died in motor vehicle accidents in a recent year were pedestrians, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fatal pedestrian accidents occur about every 75 minutes, also per the CDC. These statistics do not even account for non-fatal pedestrian accidents.

So yes, pedestrian accidents are common. In addition to blatant motorist negligence, there are several factors that increase the risk of pedestrian accidents happening. Such conditions include:

• Urban environments: The National Safety Council (NSC) explains that more than 80% of fatal pedestrian accidents happen in urban settings. Pedestrians and motor vehicles are often in close proximity in cities, with sidewalks and crosswalks being constants. In more rural environments, interactions between motorists and pedestrians are fewer and further between.
• Poor lighting: Roadways with poor lighting may be especially dangerous for pedestrians. Vehicle headlights have a limited capacity to brighten surroundings. Bright, abundant street lighting can help prevent pedestrian accidents.
• High-traffic environments: The more vehicles on the road, the greater the likelihood that an accident will happen. Pedestrian accidents are not excluded from this basic fact.

A lawyer can determine what caused your pedestrian accident. By establishing the cause of the accident, your attorney can then identify liable parties.

Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?

When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian, most assume that a motorist is responsible. Often, the motorist is responsible—but not always. A non-motorist may be liable for a pedestrian accident when the collision results from:

• Motor vehicle defect(s): If any motor vehicle defect leads to a pedestrian accident, the manufacturer of the defective vehicle or component may be liable for damages. Defective brakes, steering columns, and tires could potentially cause a collision with a pedestrian.
• Dangerous road conditions: Potholes, uneven lanes, and other dangerous road conditions could contribute to an accident between a motor vehicle and pedestrians. A municipality may be financially liable for any such conditions.
• Malfunctioning traffic signals: If traffic signals are out of order or out of sync, they could cause a collision. Motorists and pedestrians may have to use their judgment about when to proceed through a light or cross the street, and this may increase the risk of a pedestrian accident.
• Unclear road markings: Road markings can differentiate bike lanes, traffic lanes, and crosswalks. These markings are essential to keeping motorists and pedestrians away from each other. Faded, absent, or unclear markings, therefore, could cause a wreck.

Vehicle manufacturers, local, state, or federal governments, and other parties may be liable for these types of pedestrian accidents.

How Can a Pedestrian Accident Victim Get Compensation for Their Damages?

The way you seek compensation for a pedestrian accident will depend on whether you know who the at-fault motorist is. If the motorist fled the scene of your accident, you might need to turn to your own insurance to cover damages.

If you do know who the liable motorist (or another liable party) is, you may seek compensation through their insurer or sue them. An attorney from Spaulding Injury Law will inform you of all options for seeking compensation.

How to Determine the Value of a Pedestrian Accident Case

Your attorney will determine the cost of your pedestrian accident case based on the value of your damages. This includes both:

• Economic damages, which have a clear financial value
• Non-economic damages, which may not have an obvious financial value, but have a monetary cost nonetheless

Many pedestrian accident victims hire a lawyer because attorneys understand how to accurately value all sorts of damages.

What Should a Victim Do Just After a Pedestrian Accident?

There are two priorities after a pedestrian accident:

1. Your physical, psychological, and emotional health
2. Any financial recovery you may be entitled to

Seek medical attention as soon as possible. This will protect your health and allow you to document accident-related injuries. Also, hire a lawyer as soon as you can. The Spaulding Injury Law team is always available to answer your call, so don’t wait.

Reasons to Hire a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident Case

A pedestrian accident lawyer from Spaulding Injury Law will protect your rights from the moment you hire them. Our firm will also take over all communications with insurers, shielding you from badgering, manipulation, and other bad-faith tactics insurers are known for.

Clients who have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident hire Spaulding Injury Law because:

• They are in pain: Often, our clients are coping with both physical, emotional, and psychological pain. This is no condition in which to face the demands of a pedestrian accident lawsuit, whether it’s an insurance claim or lawsuit.
• They have little to no relevant experience: Anyone can be a pedestrian accident victim. However, most pedestrian accident victims we represent are not lawyers. These clients are grateful to have our experience, legal knowledge, and negotiating skills working in their favor.
• They want a proven law firm leading their case: Pedestrian accident victims should not hire just any law firm, but a proven law firm. Our team’s many case results are proof of our fitness to lead your case.
• They cannot afford not to get the money they deserve: Pedestrian accident cases often come with a high price tag. Our clients hire us because they can’t afford to lose, and they want the help of a qualified legal team.

Our lawyers have been litigating cases for more than a quarter-century. We have ample resources to lead your pedestrian accident case, and we offer a client-friendly fee structure. Let the dedicated legal team at Spaulding Law fight for the money you deserve.

Who Should Hire a Lawyer for a Pedestrian Accident Case?

You may hire an attorney if:

• You suffered injuries but survived a pedestrian accident.
• Your loved one suffered severe injuries that prevented them from getting legal help on their own after a pedestrian accident.
• You have lost a loved one from injuries they suffered during a pedestrian accident.

Spaulding Injury Law handles insurance claims, personal injury lawsuits, and wrongful death lawsuits. If you’ve been negatively affected by a pedestrian accident, we’re the firm for you.

How an Attorney from Spaulding Injury Law Helps Pedestrian Accident Victims Get Money for Their Damages

While our team does not guarantee case results, we always plan to win our pedestrian accident cases. Our firm will represent you in negotiations with insurance companies, every step of your lawsuit, and any other aspect of your case.

We seek compensation for pedestrian accident victims by:

• Gathering evidence of negligence as quickly as possible
• Identifying, documenting, and calculating damages
• Filing a claim, lawsuit, and any other case-related paperwork
• Dealing with insurers and negotiating a settlement
• Taking the case to court, if necessary

Our lawyers and paralegals will oversee every detail of your pedestrian accident case. Focus on getting back to full strength; we’ll fight for the money you deserve.

Recoverable Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Those who suffer a non-fatal pedestrian accident may deserve compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost income and other professional damages
• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Any other damages resulting from the pedestrian collision

If you have lost a loved one, Spaulding Injury Law offers its condolences. We’ve represented many clients in the wake of a loved one’s tragic passing, and you may deserve money for:

• Medical bills
• Your pain and suffering (as well as the deceased’s)
• Funeral costs
• Lost companionship
• Loss of a parent’s guidance
• Lost financial support
• Any other damages resulting from the accident or your loved one’s passing

Both fatal and non-fatal pedestrian accidents demand justice. We will work hard to deliver that justice to you.

Call Spaulding Injury Law Today for a Free Consultation

We may face a filing deadline for your case, so don’t wait to speak to us about hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer. Call Spaulding Injury Law today at (770) 744-0890 for a free consultation, or contact us online.

Posted in Pedestrian Accidents | Comments Off on Pedestrians Struck by Vehicles