A new survey by Consumer Reports shows that while most teens understand the risk of cell phone use while driving, they still engage in this dangerous practice. This is only one in a recent number of studies and reports that shows that young drivers are more likely to use cell phones while driving, and that parents’ actions can have a big impact on how teens view driving safety.

While eight out of ten young drivers surveyed said they knew the risks of texting while driving, 29% of drivers age 16 to 21 had engaged in the practice within the past month. Using a cell phone to write, send or receive text messages or emails while driving is dangerous. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 3,000 people were killed in “distracted-affected crashes” in 2010. This accounts for 9.4% of all traffic fatalities.

Using a cell phone while driving takes attention away from the road, and accidents can happen in a split second. That’s why 37 states, including Georgia, have passed laws banning texting while driving. 10 states have completely banned the use of hand-held phones. In Georgia, young drivers are not allowed to use cell phones at all while driving.

Interestingly, 48% of respondents in the Consumer Reports survey reported that they had seen one or both of their parents using a non-hands free cell phone while driving. This goes to show that young drivers do look to their parents’ example when learning how to drive safely. That’s why it’s so important for parents and other adults to stop texting while driving. Considering that drivers age 18 to 20 are three times more likely to send or read text messages while driving than those over age 25, it is very important that adults show that responsible drivers do not operate vehicles while distracted. Distracted driving is a very real problem, and it is up to all drivers to ensure the safety of everyone else on the road.

Visit TyWilsonLaw.com to read Atlanta distracted driving attorney Ty Wilson’s articles, watch his videos and order his FREE Books!

If you need to speak to an attorney today, give Ty a call at 1-866-937-5454.

According the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and to police Capt. Scott Richards, Paul Taylor, 53, of Atanta was struck by an oncoming pick-up truck while riding in the inside lane of four-lane North Decatur Road at 6:30 a.m. last Monday morning. Richards said Taylor was taken to DeKalb Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Taylor was an assistant soccer coach with the Cobb Futbol Club East organization in DeKalb County.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Taylor family. He leaves behind a wife, son, and three daughters.

Even people who take the right safety precautions 99 percent of the time can inadvertently put themselves in harm’s way. As a bicyclist, it is vital to consistently be aware of your surroundings when on roadways especially when luxuries like bike lanes or trails are amiss.

To see how prepared you are for your next bicycle outing, view our Georgia bicycle safety quiz.

Ty Wilson is an Atlanta bicycle accident attorney who provides the public with information about Georgia personal injury claims. Visit TyWilsonLaw.com to read his articles, blog posts, and to order his FREE BOOKS before talking to the insurance company, hiring an attorney, or even signing any paperwork.

Be informed. Be aware. Be prepared.

Wearing a helmet is one of the most important things a motorcycle rider can do to minimize the potential for injuries in the event that he or she is involved in a collision. In Georgia, it is required by law that all riders wear helmets. However, a helmet is only one part of the safety equipment riders need to stay safe. If you ride a motorcycle, you should seriously consider wearing a specialty jacket with built in protective skid plates, steel-toed boots or other reinforced shoes, leather outerwear, and gloves.

Using this type of gear can hugely decrease the type of injuries a motorcycle rider might sustain in an accident. Motorcycle riders face an increased risk on the road. This is due to the fact that they don’t have the protection of an enclosed car, but also because other drivers frequently don’t drive with the care necessary to keep motorcycle riders safe. Many people simply do not notice motorcycles on the road with them, or they don’t pay enough attention to bikes slowing, stopping, or making turns.

Even with protective gear, motorcycle riders face a greater chance of serious injury. One common injury motorcycle riders face is road rash, or the cuts and abrasions that are caused when a rider hits and slides along the road. Wearing full protective gear, however, can greatly minimize this. Other common injuries motorcycle riders suffer from as a result of a collision are broken bones, internal bleeding, and head injuries. Even muscle sprains and strains can be quite painful and require weeks of physical rehabilitation. Broken bones require casts, rehabilitation, and if it’s a very complicated break, sometimes even surgery. Reconstructive surgery, or plastic surgery, might even be needed to correct visible scarring.

Due to the severity of motorcycle accidents and injuries, it is common for medical bills to begin stacking up right away. Motorcycle riders are frequently taken from the scene of an accident by ambulance. Once the crash victim arrives at the emergency room, doctors usually perform a full set of diagnostic tests such as CT scans due to the increased danger of internal injury. If a rider faces having surgery, the medical bills get even higher.

If a motorcycle rider is undergoing extensive treatment for any of these serious injuries, it is likely he or she is facing economic stress. Not only is medical treatment expensive, but much of it requires time off of work for doctor’s visits, treatment, and recovery periods. Thankfully, your lost wages and out of pocket expenses are damages that may be recoverable from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

If you ride a motorcycle, you owe it to yourself and your family to take all of the safety precautions necessary to keep yourself from harm. Special riding gear is always worth the expense if it can save you some pain and suffering.

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, it is imperative that you call an attorney right away to help you with your claim. Motorcyclists who have been in a wreck often face extremely high medical bills and need to the help of an experienced lawyer to help obtain the compensation they require.

Ty Wilson is a motorcycle wreck lawyer in Lawrenceville who offers the public free information about Georgia accident claims. Visit TyWilsonLaw.com for articles, videos and to download his FREE books today. Get the information you need to deal with your injury claim in the best way possible and to make the best decisions possible BEFORE talking to the insurance agent or BEFORE hiring a lawyer.

If you have questions that you’d like to ask an attorney, give Ty a call at 1-866-937-5454.

I hear this question a lot. People who have been injured in a Georgia car accident have usually never dealt with an injury claim before, and many are not sure where to begin. We are very selective about the cases we take because we want to make sure that every case we have receives our most careful attention and resources.

Here are a few basic questions you can ask yourself to determine whether or not we might be able to take your case. Of course, every case is different, and this list does not contain every single thing that can determine whether or not you will have a successful claim. But it’s a good place to start.

The Car Accident:

• When did it occur?

At this time, the statute of limitations for car accidents in Georgia is two years. If your accident occurred more than 18 months ago, it will be difficult for us to investigate and pursue a resolution to your claim before that time period is up.

• Was it clearly another person’s fault?

We only take cases where another person caused the accident. If you were at fault for the collision, we cannot take your case.

• How badly is your vehicle damaged?

If your vehicle does not look like it sustained a lot of damage, it will be difficult to convince the insurance company that you were badly hurt.

Your Medical Treatment:

• Are your medical bills and lost wages at least $3,000?

If you were not seriously injured in the wreck, you might be able to handle your claim on your own. Generally, if your medical bills and lost wages are under $3,000, that is not enough for your injuries to be considered serious enough for us to take your case.

• Did you receive initial medical treatment right away?

It is very important that you go to the hospital or see the doctor right away. If you waited longer than three days to seek medical treatment, the insurance company will argue that you weren’t really that hurt.

• Have you been treating consistently since the crash?

Gaps in treatment will kill a case. If you are hurt and actively seeking treatment, do not let too much time pass between doctor visits.

Ty Wilson is a Lawrenceville personal injury lawyer who provides the public with free information about Georgia injury claims. Visit TyWilsonLaw.com for more articles, videos, and to download his FREE books so you can be better informed about your claim! Do this BEFORE talking to the insurance company or even hiring an attorney.

If you have questions that you’d like to ask an attorney, give Ty a call at 1-866-937-5454.

And . . .

Be informed. Be aware. Be prepared.

What Is My Georgia Car Accident Case Worth?

I get calls every day from people who were injured in car accidents in Georgia. Some of the most serious and debilitating injuries I have seen are from victims of collisions with 18-wheelers. Due to their size and weight, a big rig can cause devastating damage to smaller cars on the road when a collision occurs.

Unfortunately, it’s rare that injuries from a tractor trailer accident are minor. Usually, these types of collisions cause life-changing injuries and often death. On top of the pain and stress of being involved in a crash with a large truck, the insurance adjusters for trucking companies are extremely difficult to deal with. These adjusters are protecting very large commercial policies, and they will do anything it takes to save their company money.

Trucking accidents can be caused by several different things. Sometimes, the driver is inexperienced, fatigued, or simply makes a mistake that can have deadly consequences. Sometimes, these trucks are not properly maintained, brakes do not work, or loads are improperly balanced, all of which can cause an accident.

Who is responsible when a semi truck causes an accident? It depends. If the truck driver caused the collision, the truck’s owner, or the company who leased the truck from the owner, is liable. If improperly loaded cargo is the reason for the crash, the shipper or cargo loader can be held responsible. If the accident was caused by malfunctioning parts, such as brakes, tires, or other mechanical parts, the manufacturer may be liable.

Of course, it can be difficult to determine which of these entities should truly take responsibility for the crash. It’s also not uncommon for these companies to point fingers at each other, for example, in an instance of brake failure. The truck leasing company could blame the brake manufacturer for a faulty product, but the manufacturer may say the brakes were not bad, just improperly maintained by the leasing company. The litigation process between your personal injury attorney and these companies can be difficult, to say the least.

It’s important to be as safe as you can when you’re on the road with an 18-wheeler. You may or may not have heard of the “no zone,” the area to the sides and back of the tractor trailer where the truck driver can’t see cars beside or behind them. Accidents are 60% more likely to occur in this area, so it’s important to be aware of large trucks on the road, and make sure you stay out of their way.

Ty Wilson is an Atlanta trucking accident attorney who provides the public with free information on the topic of Georgia accidents and personal injury claims. If you or a family member has been injured in a Georgia trucking accident, Ty encourages you to first read his articles, watch his videos and order or download his FREE BOOKS at TyWilsonLaw.com BEFORE talking to an insurance adjuster, hiring a lawyer or even signing any forms.

To speak with Ty directly, just give him a call at 1-866-937-5454.

In Georgia, the only type of insurance coverage required by law is liability insurance. However, this only covers the damages to the other car if the liability insurance policyholder causes the accident. There are other types of insurance available that are not required by law, but which can be very useful in the event of an accident or other damage to your vehicle.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance covers any damage to your vehicle that is due to your vehicle coming into contact with something else, regardless of who is at fault. This includes a collision with another vehicle, or even an obstacle in the road.

If you have collision coverage, your insurance will cover the repairs to your car even if you are at fault in an accident. This type of coverage costs more than basic liability insurance, but can be very beneficial.

Comprehensive Coverage

While collision coverage will take care of any damage caused by contact with another vehicle or object, comprehensive coverage takes care of any and all damage to your vehicle, no matter what the cause. This includes damage from weather, such as hail, or even a tree branch falling on top of your car. This type of coverage also takes care of damage from an any unknown cause, or vandalism or theft.

Comprehensive coverage is usually the most expensive type of insurance, but since it covers practically anything, you will have the peace of mind that your vehicle is always protected.

Do I Need Comprehensive or Collision Coverage?

If you are making payments on your vehicle, or leasing a vehicle, check with your lender to see if this type of coverage is necessary. Some financial lenders do require that you carry comprehensive coverage until your loan is paid off.

A man in Arkansas who suffered an on-the-job injury was recently denied an extension of his workers’ compensation benefits after his employer and its insurance company discovered some photos online of the claimant drinking and having fun according to an article on bottomline.msnbc.msn.com.

The worker brought an argument before the Arkansas Court of Appeals, which ruled against him.  According to the Court, “we find no abuse of discretion in the allowance of the photographs.”  The worker “contended that he was in excruciating pain, but these pictures show him drinking and partying,” said a judge and that the pictures were evidence that the worker had made a recovery from his injuries and that the photos called the employee’s credibility into question.

In this time of social media, claimants must be aware that this is yet another means for an employer and an insurance company to attempt to deny claims – this true even when pictures have been taken out of context. For this reason, it is important to abstain from posting pictures, comments, or sharing any information online while a claim is ongoing.  You should also ask your friends to do the same when it comes to tagging photos of you, etc.

For more information on how social media can negatively affect your claim, read Ty’s article, How Social Media Can Hurt Your Georgia Injury Claim.

Ty is an Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney who always shares a ton of FREE information about Georgia workers’ compensation on his website TyWilsonLaw.com. He is the author of three very informative Georgia Workers’ Compensation “Special Reports” that can be ordered by calling 1-866-937-5454 or by visiting his website.

If you have specific questions for a workers’ compensation attorney in the Atlanta area, just give Ty a call at 1-866-937-5454.

Just two days after a drunk driver hit and killed Senior Police Office Gail Thomas as she was investigating a traffic accident on the side of the road, another Atlanta officer found himself in the path of an oncoming car as he aided a stranded motorist.

Officer Scott Wallins was out of his patrol car while helping a driver on the side of I-285 at Donald Lee Holloway Parkway when another motorist slammed into his squad car, then into the stranded vehicle. Thankfully, Officer Wallins was not hurt.

The driver who struck both the police cruiser and the stranded vehicle was cited for failing to adhere to Georgia’s Move Over Law. The law states that if an emergency vehicle is stopped with flashing lights by the side of the highway, drivers must move over one lane. If it is unsafe to move over, drivers must slow down to below the speed limit and prepare to stop. More than 30 states now have move over laws, and in Georgia, failing to move over will earn you a $500 fine.

Traffic crashes kill more officers than any other cause of death in the line of duty, including shootings, according to the FBI. Move over laws not only protect police officers who are dealing with stranded motorists and traffic accidents but also tow truck operators, paramedics and other emergency workers. These citizens put their lives on the line every day to protect the people of Georgia, and we owe absolutely every courtesy.

Remember, if you see an emergency vehicle by the side of the road, move over to the next lane as soon as safely possible. It’s not just considerate, it’s the law.

Ty Wilson is an Atlanta car accident lawyer who provides the public with a wide variety of FREE information about Georgia personal injury claims on his website www.TyWilsonLaw.com.  Check out his many articles, videos and order his FREE books BEFORE you hire an attorney or even speak to the insurance adjuster. The valuable information offered can help keep a bad situation from getting even worse.

If you have specific questions to ask an attorney, please give Ty a call at 1-866-937-5454.

The problem of distracted driving just continues to increase. Auto accidents happen each day in Georgia and all over the US because of cell phones, texting, GPS devices among other things. However, the negative consequences of driving while distracted is multiplied for driving teens, who are 4 times more likely than adult drivers to be involved in fatal car wrecks.

Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death of teenagers in this country. Two recent studies sponsored by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance took a look at the causes of these accidents involving teens as well as the consequences.

What did these studies find?

• Teens who are passengers are the biggest distraction to driving teens. Teen passengers are also the biggest contributing factor to car wrecks involving teens.  Dr. Allison Curry, study author stated that “Passengers may contribute to crashes by distracting the driver and promoting risky driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, or weaving.”
• Both male and female teen drivers who have passengers with them while they drive are two times as likely to be distracted prior to crashing.
• Males with passengers in the car are also two times as likely to drive aggressively as drivers with no passengers.
• For teen drivers, having two or more passengers in the car more than triples the risk of being involved in a fatal accident.

In 2006, 62% of teen passenger deaths occurred in vehicles driven by a teen driver. This is part of the reason why Georgia law doesn’t allow new teen drivers to have any non-family passengers in the car with them for the first six months after obtaining a license. For the next six-month period after that, only three passengers under the age of 21 are allowed.

Ty Wilson is a personal injury lawyer in Georgia and is dedicated to providing those who have been injured and the families of the injured with FREE information about auto accident claims in Georgia. Visit TyWilsonLaw.com to order Ty’s FREE books and to read his many articles, blog posts, and watch his videos.

If you have specific questions for an Atlanta injury lawyer, give Ty a call at 1-866-937-5454.

Sixteen families were forced to move out of their East Point apartment complex after a gas-pipe explosion in December, according to local news reports. There was no immediate word on the cause of the disaster, but gas leaks are a common source of home fires and explosions.

A natural gas explosion occurs when a heat source ignites a mixture of gas and air that has reached a critical chemical balance. Natural gas expands rapidly, and once it builds up within the walls of a home or other structure, it can become highly explosive.

Deadly Problem

Most gas explosions, like the one in East Point, involve minor injuries and relatively limited property damage. But the most serious, which sometimes make national news, involve fatalities and entire homes demolished.

Defective materials and inadequate maintenance are the most common causes of gas-pipe explosions in buildings. Leaks in hoses, defective gas connectors and bad valves all can allow gas to build up in a structure. And almost any heat source, from a lit match to the spark of a pilot light, could light the gas.

Some natural gas explosions are no one’s fault. It’s possible, for example, for conditions beyond anyone’s control to cause a leak. But other explosions may result from acts of negligence on the part of those responsible for building and maintaining gas lines and equipment. In these cases, it’s important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your rights.

To learn more about this topic, read Ty’s article, What Is Premises Liability?

Ty Wilson is an Atlanta attorney who helps people who have been hurt at apartment complexes. He is dedicated to providing those who have been hurt or the families of the injured information regarding personal injury claims and their rights in such claims.

Visit TyWilsonLaw.com to read his many articles and blogs and watch his videos before speaking to the insurance company or hiring an attorney. Remember, knowledge is power – especially when dealing with insurance companies.

If you would like to speak to Ty directly, call him at 1-866-937-5454.