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Laws Regarding Truck Accidents in Georgia

Tractor-trailers can be intimidating on the road. One wrong turn or brake failure can result in massive loss of life and major damages. Most victims never recover and are left with lifelong medical bills and conditions.

Important Georgia Truck Accident Laws You Should Know

If you or someone you know was involved in a truck accident, experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers could ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Familiarize yourself with Georgia truck accident laws beforehand:

Negligent Entrustment Law

All carriers and fleet owners in Georgia have to conduct a thorough background check of each new driver they hire. Their motor vehicle records should not be off-limits, and they should also contact their previous employers. If they discover an accident in the driver’s records, the carrier is duty-bound to check the driver’s records for accuracy and their account of the incident.

If the carrier is aware of such incidents and the driver’s inexperience, they have to ensure they are trained. If they allow them to drive a truck and the driver gets into an accident, the carrier could be charged with negligent entrustment.

Hours of Service Laws

To prevent tired drivers from getting behind the wheel, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains strict service hours all carriers have to adhere to. The rules determine how long drivers can work and rest. Some of the regulations that trucking organizations have to follow include the following:

• Truck drivers cannot drive for more than 11 hours after completing 10 hours of rest.
• Truck drivers should stop driving if they have driven for more than 13 consecutive hours. Breaks and refueling don’t count.
• Truck drivers should be allowed a half-hour break for every eight consecutive hours they drive. They can load or refuel during this time.
• Truck drivers cannot drive more than 60 hours a week or 70 hours in eight straight days. If the driver takes 34+ hours of rest, this resets.

Important note: All drivers have to maintain logs of their service hours to ensure they are compliant. If your employer forces you to overwork and violates those laws, you have the right to sue. In some cases, employers can deliberately increase hourly limits by falsifying logbooks.

Statute Of Limitations for Filing Truck Accident Claims

According to the statute of limitations for Georgia truck accidents, you have two years to file a lawsuit after the right to sue accrues. This means you should try your best to file the suit on the date the accident occurred. This can only increase if criminal charges are involved, and investigations can take six years. Experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers can determine exceptions that can help your case.

Contact Shani O. Brooks for Cases Involving Truck Accidents

If you have been injured in a truck accident involving a commercial truck and need knowledgeable and determined lawyers, get in touch with Shani O. Brooks P.C., Attorneys at Law. We understand Georgia truck accident laws better than you do and can ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Get in touch with us for a consultation today! We urge you to take immediate action lest the carrier tries to hide critical evidence.

Safe Driving Tips to Avoid Car Accidents Around Atlanta

Home to several major interstates, Atlanta is known for traffic and large trucks that frequent its roads. Combine speeding cars that are traveling at interstate speeds, congestion, and aggressive drivers, and your chances of getting into an accident increase. If you drive or commute to the state regularly, you should have an Atlanta car accident lawyer on speed dial.

Safe Driving Tips That Can Help You Avoid A Car Accident

Whether you are a novice or an experienced driver, you can get into an accident on those busy roads. Here are some of the top tips that can help you avoid them:

Complete a Pre-Driving Checklist Before Hitting the Road

Do a safety check before you get into your car or any vehicle. Walk around inspecting it for leaks, check the tires to ensure they are fully inflated, check all of the lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, etc), especially if you are driving at night. Besides this, adjust your seat and mirrors before starting the vehicle. The mirrors will eliminate blind spots, and a properly-adjusted seat will not distract you as you drive.

Wear Your Seatbelt at All Times

Buckle up after you have adjusted your seat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people who get into fatal car accidents fail to do this. Also, remind your passengers to put on their seatbelts if they haven’t. As the driver, it is your responsibility to ensure your passengers are safe in your vehicle.

Be Aware Of Blind Spots

Always be aware of your blind spots, whether you are stuck in traffic or driving on the open road. This includes the vehicles around you. For example, if a truck is in front of you or the lane next to yours, and you cannot see your vehicle in its rearview mirrors, the driver cannot see you either. Change lanes cautiously.

Cut Down On Distractions

Do you listen to loud music, eat, or apply makeup behind the wheel? If you answered yes, you are highly susceptible to car accidents. Anything that takes your attention away from road and traffic conditions can cause a fender bender. Cut down on as many distractions as you can to avoid this.

Do Not Drive If You Are Sleepy

If you get drowsy behind the wheel, pull over immediately or check into the nearest motel to catch up on your sleep. Once you nod off completely, your car can careen into oncoming traffic, drive off a bridge or run over innocent pedestrians.

Contact Shani O. Brooks P.C. To Recover Damages From Car Accidents

A car accident can be a traumatizing experience. If you or someone you know has been injured or disabled because of a negligent driver, you need an attorney who can aid you during this stressful time. With more than 10 years of experience, professional Atlanta car accident lawyer Shani O. Brooks P.C. can ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Get control of your life once again with his help. Get in touch for a consultation today! Why should you pay out of pocket for your medical expenses when the other driver was at fault for the accident?

What you Should Know About Georgia Motorcycle Laws

Motorcyclists are at a much greater risk of injuries than other drivers on the road. Accidents involving motorcycles in Georgia have increased over the years.

Top Georgia Motorcycle Laws That Can Prevent Accidents

While riders are primarily unprotected, they can mitigate risks by following these Georgia motorcycle laws:

Wear Safety Gear

As per the law, motorcyclists in Georgia have to wear helmets and appropriate eye safety gear on the road. The latter doesn’t have to be a face shield or an attached visor. You can wear a helmet without a visor if your motorcycle has a windscreen that can protect you. Besides this, you can also wear goggles to prevent fines. Thick motorcycle gloves can improve your grip on the handlebars so that you won’t break any laws.

Motorcycles Have To Have Specific Features

While they are not as detailed as other states, keep Georgia’s motorcycle equipment requirements in mind if you don’t want to break the law. For example, ‘ape hangers’ are considered illegal – the handlebars shouldn’t be more than 15 inches above where you sit on your bike.

Plus, if you carry a passenger, the bike should have an extra seat that is large enough to accommodate their size and weight. Plus, also make sure it has footrests that can keep them steady.

Get Proper License and Permits

As a motorcyclist in Georgia, you need to have a Class M license or a motorcycle permit to drive your bike legally. Riders who are 16 years of age can get the latter, and those older than 17 are eligible for the former. However, 17-year old riders cannot ride a motorcycle without their parent’s or guardian’s consent.

Fulfill Insurance Requirements

Each motorcycle rider in the state has to carry the following insurance to be allowed on the road:

• $25,000 or property damage liability.
• $25,000 of bodily injury liability that is $50,000 per accident.

Lane Splitting Is Illegal

Unlike other states, lane splitting (weaving between cars to get to another lane) is illegal in Georgia. Motorcyclists stopped by police for lane splitting can be held responsible if their actions caused an accident. There are some exceptions. You can use the entire width of a lane when driving and drive with more than two motorcycles side by side in a single lane.

Contact Shani O. Brooks P.C. For A Consultation Today!

Whether you are a motorcyclist or a pedestrian who sustained injuries because of a traffic accident, you need Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. At Shani O. Brooks, P.C., we have represented a range of injured victims in Atlanta and throughout Georgia and ensured the best outcomes. Our experienced legal team leaves no stone unturned during investigations and gives each case the attention it deserves, if not more.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, do not wait to get in touch with us for a consultation. The longer you wait, the less compensation you may get. All of the cases we handle are strictly confidential.

What Are The Most Common Personal Injuries In Car Accidents?

As per stats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 38,600 people died in car accidents, higher than those in 2019. The increase in traffic fatalities occurred despite lockdowns that were in place to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. This goes to show that no one is safe.

Common Personal Injuries You Can Get In a Car Accident

Some of the common car accident injuries Atlanta personal injury lawyers can get you compensated for include the following:

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries occur in connective tissue such as tendons, muscles, and ligaments and take on several forms. Whiplash is the most common one you can get from a collision with another vehicle. It occurs if the head and neck whip from side to side violently during it. The same force can also cause a back sprain.

Cuts and Scrapes

Any loose objects can become high-speed projectiles in a violent car accident. This can include cell phones, loose change, books, purses, wallets, and even your GPS. If any of these items hit your body at high speed, you can get deep cuts and scrapes. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may require stitches. Airbags can also cause these injuries as they deploy during a collision.

Head Injuries

Head injuries can range from minor to severe depending on the extent of the car accident. An unexpected stop or change in direction can make your head strike the dashboard or the window, leading to a concussion. Passengers who fly out the windshield during a head-on collision can suffer traumatic brain injuries. Burst blood vessels can remain undetectable for days while they do more damage. Most of these injuries can cause lasting brain damage that can cripple you.

Broken Bones

A high-speed car accident can make bones break all over your body, depending on the type of collision you are in. Your arm can be pinned under your body and fracture. Your foot may bend in ways it’s not made to mend and break. Even your seatbelt can make ribs crack when you strain against them violently during a car accident.

While broken bones are rarely life-threatening, they can cause chronic pain and prevent you from leading a fulfilling quality of life. If you require surgery, it may take you months or even years to fully recover from your predicament.

Contact Shani O.Brooks for a Legal Consultation

Whether you are in a car accident or were run over by one, contact Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Shani O. Brooks P.C. Attorneys at Law. We can ensure you get full and fair compensation for damages and injuries you sustained in the accident, even if the insurance company denies your claim.

We are not afraid to go up against them and ensure your rights are protected. Get in touch with us for a consultation today before it is too late. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a fully confidential and thorough meeting where we will discuss the options you have at your disposal.

Tips To Prevent Accidents on a Motorcycle

Motorcycle accidents have increased in Georgia over the past few years. This is understandable since these vehicles lack airbags, seat belts, and other safety features in cars. The chances of anyone walking away from a motorcycle accident injury-free are slim to none. That is how devastating one motorcycle accident can be.

Top 4 Tips on Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents

However, these tips can help you avoid these incidents or at least reduce the injuries you sustain:

1. Remain Focused and Alert

When riding your motorcycle, make sure there are little to no distractions. Be mindful of the other vehicles around you. If the car in front of you stops suddenly, you have to be alert enough to hit the breaks immediately. Do not listen to music while riding if you are tired or under the influence. Even a tiny distraction can lead to devastating consequences.

2. Assume You Are Invisible On The Road

Most motorists cannot spot motorcycles before it is too late. Many motorcyclists remain in blind spots. Plus, car drivers usually pay more attention to other cars and larger vehicles on the road compared to small bikes. Avoid serious accidents by assuming no one can see you on the road. That way, you will not make a wrong decision based on assumptions.

3. Slow Down

It can be very tempting to speed up on a long stretch of road, especially if you are on a high-performance bike such as a Harley Davidson. However, the faster you go, the slower your reaction time to other vehicles, pedestrians, and debris.

If you speed, you can also miss an upcoming turn. In this case, you will take the turn too fast. Panic and hit the brakes, and you will go flying over the handlebars. Your motorcycle can slide out from under you if you ride the corner too hard. An extra second or two is just what you need to avoid a slippery patch of road or a pothole. If you speed in the rain, the chances of you getting into a tragic accident will increase a hundredfold.

4. Do Not Ride At Night

While riding at night can be thrilling, low light conditions can increase your chances of getting into a motorcycle accident. If you have to ride for, say, an emergency, make sure your headlights are working, ride in well-lit areas where they are available, and remain well under the speed limit.

If you get into an accident even after following all of the tips mentioned above, you should ensure you are compensated for damages.

Contact Shani O.Brooks after a Motorcycle Accident – Get The Compensation You Deserve

After getting medical treatment to treat your injuries from a motorcycle accident, contact an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer to investigate the incident for you. Shani O. Brooks can ensure all of the evidence is preserved right away and will deal with the other side on your behalf as well. Like all of his clients, he will have your best interests in mind when negotiating a settlement. Contact the attorneys at 404-920-4736 for a consultation today before it is too late.

How Common Are Big Rig Trucking Accidents Around Atlanta?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, trucking accidents are a major source of accidents in Georgia and, thus, Atlanta. In one year alone, these accidents caused more than 180 fatalities. Across the nation, the number exceeded 476,000.

Considering that heavy commercial trucks are difficult to maneuver even in ideal conditions, these numbers are not surprising. The damage they do on the road is usually on a massive scale. It’s one of the main reasons why many victims hire an Atlanta trucking accident lawyer.

Top Causes of Trucking Accidents in Atlanta

The most common causes of trucking accidents in the state include the following:

Brake failure

It takes several seconds for a large rig or truck to come to a complete stop. If the brakes fail on those behemoths, they can roll over easily or mow down other vehicles and pedestrians in their path.

Drug use

Even over-the-counter drugs, such as allergy medication, can cause symptoms that affect driver performance. One of the most common cause of trucking accidents is drowsiness, which can prove deadly on the road. Some symptoms manifest the next day.

Speeding

Trucks move slowly for a reason. Even though we can get quite frustrated trying to pass them, yelling at the drivers to drive faster can lead to tragic consequences. A truck driver needs at least one second for every 10 feet of a truck traveling 40 mph. Above that, they need five seconds for a 40-foot truck and 7 for one that is 60 feet long. A speeding truck on wet roads is a disaster waiting to happen.

Road Unfamiliarity

Truck drivers unfamiliar with the roads they are driving on have higher chances of getting into or causing accidents. This is understandable. If a driver doesn’t know about upcoming turns or traffic-prone areas, they can brake too late or speed up where they shouldn’t.

Driver fatigue

Truck drivers have to drive for long hours on long stretches of road, which can be quite exhausting. Many work extra hours to meet deadlines or to make extra money. Fatigue slows reaction times and reduces the driver’s decision-making skills. Since trucks take several seconds to come to a full stop, drivers who doze off behind the wheel are hazardous to other drivers and themselves.

Improperly Secured Loads

The way a truck is loaded with freight can determine its performance on the road. Cargo should be secured well, even if it is inside a trailer. The weight of the items inside should be distributed across the trailer to ensure the truck’s axles don’t get jammed. If the load is secured inadequately, the trailer can become a hazard on the road, especially during windy conditions.

Contact Shani O. Brooks P.C. For A Consultation Regarding Your Trucking Accident

Have you been in a trucking accident in Atlanta, and the insurance company of the trucking company refuses to compensate you for damages? If you said yes, you need an experienced Atlanta trucking accident lawyer in your corner. Get in touch with Shani O. Brooks P.C. for a free consultation today.

Top Causes Of Serious Car Accidents In Georgia

Car accidents cause thousands of injuries and deaths in the U.S. According to auto accident statistics, Georgia stands out for several reasons. 2020 saw a significant rise in traffic fatalities in the state. While some are due to inclement weather and poor road conditions, most result from driver error.

Top Causes of Serious Car Accidents in Georgia

Here are some of the top reasons why Georgians get into serious car accidents:

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving accounts for more than 20 percent of accidents in the state. Since it contributes to several non-fatal accidents, it is also considered the number one cause of car accidents in Georgia. Besides alcohol, a DUI charge can also involve drugs.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving may not seem that dangerous, but it has contributed to several car accidents on Georgia roads. This is understandable because if you are distracted by your phone or kids while driving, it takes your focus off the road and other vehicles. It reduces your reaction time as much as drunk driving can, which can lead to an accident.

Inexperienced Driving

Teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are more susceptible to car accidents more than any other group because of their inexperience. Many cannot make informed decisions while behind the wheel and are rarely mature enough to remain calm if they get into an accident. They are also more likely to speed while under the influence and drive distracted.

Speeding

Drunk driving and teenage drivers can both lead to speeding. While speeding on its own doesn’t necessarily cause accidents, it definitely plays a big part. Think about it for a moment. It is much harder to react to a deer or pedestrians on the road if you are going too fast to spot them in time. Speeding is also the main cause of fatal car accidents.

Failure to Signal

The most common cause of car accidents in the state is failing to signal.  Many of those occur when a car makes contact with another vehicle in a parallel lane. Incorrect lane changes can lead to serious injuries, especially if they happen at high speeds on the freeway, for example. Drivers who make improper lane changes usually get into an accident if they:

• Fail to check the mirror and blind spots
• Do not use a turn signal
• Straddle two lanes
• Do not allow sufficient space to change lanes
• Do not take the weather into account when changing lanes
• Change lanes where it is prohibited (such as on a curve or a steep hill)

Contact Shani O. Brooks PC for A Free Consultation Today

If you are searching for a top-rated car accident lawyer in Atlanta who can get you the maximum compensation you deserve, contact Shani O. Brooks for a consultation today. Our legal team handles each case with the dedication and passion that has made our law office popular in the state. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a confidential case evaluation. Take action fast or risk losing out on your claim. We will take charge of your case from the get-go.

What are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Atlanta?

Did you know that motor vehicle safety is among the most primary concerns for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)? According to nationwide accident statistics reported by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 6.4 million car accidents are reported in the U.S. every year, causing more than 36,000 deaths and 2.7 million injuries. What are the underlying causes of these collisions? Let’s find out.

Distracted Driving

One of the most dangerous things you can do on the road is distracted driving. While texting and driving is a huge distraction, various other acts can lead to visual, manual, and/or cognitive distractions that can easily result in a collision. Some of these actions include eating and drinking, listening to loud music, scanning through radio stations, turning to speak with passengers (like attending to children fighting in the backseat), and rummaging through the vehicle for items while one hand is on the steering wheel.

To minimize the chances of road accidents, try your best to avoid these engagements.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving encompasses different types of driving behaviors, including tailgating, honking endlessly at other drivers, cutting people off, overtaking at turns, and swerving toward another driver. Even if an aggressive driver doesn’t directly collide with another vehicle, their aggressive driving may indirectly lead to an accident as other drivers try to avoid or try to stay safe from this dangerous and erratic conduct.

Intoxicated Driving

Driving under the influence is a huge problem around the US. In 2016 alone, alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 28 percent of all road accident fatalities, causing 10,497 deaths. While the highest number of DUI cases relate to alcohol consumption, other agents like heroin, prescription oils, cocaine, and marijuana have also been known to cause terrible accidents.

Hence, driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs, including strong prescribed medication that causes drowsiness, is not advised.

Driving in the Rain

Rainy or snowy weather can drastically alter road conditions by increasing the chances for slips and skids, hiding large potholes, reducing visibility, and decreasing traction. While it’s best not to drive in the rain, it can be difficult at times to avoid doing so altogether. If you’re already driving while it starts raining, pull over and wait for the rain to subside, if possible. If this isn’t an option, you’ll need to exercise great caution while driving. Drive slow and if a driver behind you thinks you’re wasting time, let them pass by. Unless you’re familiar with a road, don’t drive through pools of water.

Conclusion

Now that you have a fair idea of what usually causes car accidents, you should be in a much better position to ensure safety while on the road. An understanding of these causes should also help you pursue compensation should you face an emergency like this. While an understanding of these causes can help you prove causation in your case, you’ll also need to hire an expert car accident lawyer in Atlanta. Shani O. Brooks is one of the best lawyers in the region. To seek legal advice, reach out today.

How to Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Atlanta

If you ask 10 people about who they believe is the best car accident lawyer in Atlanta, you will probably get a different answer each time. However, that doesn’t mean you should hire just anyone. Here are some ways you can narrow down your choice and ensure you get someone who is as invested in your car accident claim as you are:

How To Choose The Best Car Accident Lawyer In Atlanta

Avoid A ‘Jack Of All Trades’

Car accidents are just one part of personal injury laws. It is one of several fields attorneys can practice. Almost any attorney you meet will say he/she can take on an auto accident case as well as the others. However, do you think you can trust someone who says they are as good at injury cases as they are in bankruptcy and tax law?

Rather than a Jack of all trades, choose an attorney or law firm with a consistent track record of successful car accident cases. They will have more experience working on your type of case, whether you sustained injuries from a rear-end or a head-on collision.

Avoid Attorneys That Play Both Sides

Many car accident attorneys also work for companies that wish to defend themselves from injury victims. While this makes sense from a business point of view, a car accident lawyer who claims he/she is dedicated to your case should believe in their work and care about the victims they represent. It just makes them better at their job and, thus, more reliable.

Check Out Their Trial Record

Most car accident attorneys will reveal the number of years they have been in practice, but only a few will or can provide proof on the cases they worked on. In a car accident, a result can mean a court victory or a hefty settlement without the need for a trial.

While both victories are good, the attorney you choose should be able to show you evidence of verdicts and settlements they have won for clients injured in car accidents similar to yours.

Hire A Car Accident Lawyer In Atlanta Today

The road to recovery, post car accident, can be long and arduous. Your days may be filled with treatments, doctor appointments, and maybe even multiple surgeries. Do you think you will be able to afford the care you need?

Why should you pay in the first place? The accident was not your fault, and Atlanta car accident attorney Shani O. Brooks can ensure you get compensated for the treatments you need. Just make sure you file your claim on time.

Shani O. Brooks represents injured victims in Atlanta as well as throughout Georgia. His stellar legal team is proficient in handling each car accident case that comes to them with the attention to detail it deserves.

Do not go up against the insurance company on your own. They have trained people to convince you that you do not deserve compensation.

So, if you or someone you know is injured in an auto accident, get in touch with Shani for a consultation today. We will keep your case under wraps to ensure complete confidentiality.

How Common Are Serious Car Accidents in Atlanta?

Millions of commuters pass through highways I-85 and I-75, which means they go through Atlanta as well. With tempers flaring behind the wheel as people try to navigate traffic, it’s no surprise that car accidents are so common in the city. If you are ever involved in one, hire a car accident lawyer in Atlanta, immediately.

How Common Are Car Accidents In Atlanta?

As per the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, car accidents are common in Atlanta and Fulton County. However, the number of total auto accidents fluctuated a lot since 2014. By 2017, the total number of car crashes increased by about 33% after a drop in numbers in 2018.

As per statistics, there were about 6 car accidents every hour between 2014 and 2018. The pandemic has not reduced those numbers by much either. A car accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you get the compensation you deserve if you become part of that statistic.

How to Avoid Car Accidents in Atlanta

While you may not be able to avoid every car accident, you can increase your chances of getting involved in one by following these tips:

Remain Alert

If you are stuck for hours in a traffic jam, you may start thinking of something else and take your attention off the road. That is one of the best ways to get into an accident. The same will be the case if you are on your phone or are texting while driving.

Avoid an accident by eliminating all distractions. Keep your phone on silent till you get to your destination. Always ensure you are aware of the vehicles around you even if traffic is moving forward at a snail’s pace. Plus, always remain aware of blind spots and cars that are traveling faster than the traffic flow.

Remain Cautious At Red Lights and Take Curves Seriously

Even if the light turns green at a traffic light, that doesn’t mean you should move forward immediately. It’s not a starter for a race. Count to three and look both ways before proceeding. Plus, keep a close eye out for animals, children, and pedestrians rather than assuming the path is clear.

Additionally, never take curves in a hurry even if you are running late. You will underestimate your speed which can make you lose control of your vehicle. If you are unfamiliar of the terrain, the chances of a serious accident increase tenfold.

Get In Touch With Shani O. Brooks to Claim Damages

If you are involved in a serious accident on the road and the other driver refuses to give you his insurance details, get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer in Atlanta such as Shani O. Brooks. He has recovered millions in damages for clients across Georgia and can ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch for a free consultation. At this time, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. If you got seriously injured or maimed because of the car crash, you deserve to be compensated.