Georgia Legal Report

A 47-year-old Athens resident was struck and seriously injured Monday by a teen driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Now, as he focuses on recovery, the Athens cycling community is rallying in support of justice and change.

According to initial reports, a 47-year-old resident of Jolly Lane, was cycling along South Lumpkin Street near Gran Ellen drive around 7:00am Monday morning when a car drove off the roadway, over a curb and into the cyclist. The driver, 17-year-old Jace McCloskey, fled the scene. Police captured Mr. McCloskey 3 miles away, still driving on a tire flattened during the accident. He has been charged with DUI, leaving the scene of a serious-injury accident, reckless driving, and improper driving.

The cyclist was rushed to the hospital and is being treated for a spinal fracture. As he and his family focus on recovery, the cycling community has been shaken by the news of yet another serious cycling accident.

The latest in a recent surge of pedestrian and cyclist accidents to plague Georgia, the Athens community is calling for safety measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The incident also highlights the need to teach teens about the fatal risks of driving under the influence. ACC Police have attributed 13 deaths and many more injuries to alcohol related motor vehicle accidents in the last two years.

As the young driver in this incident appears to be criminally at fault, the victim and his family may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for all injuries sustained in the crash. Such a claim would send a grave message to all Georgia teen drivers about the perils of drinking and driving and assist the Georgia cycling community in their efforts to create safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. It is crucial the victim and his family retain a personal injury law firm without delay to ensure that all evidence relating to the accident is properly preserved and that their best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly to protect victims of cycling accidents, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

We pray for the swift recovery of the cyclist in this terrible accident and ask all drivers to please share our roads and avoid distractions while driving.

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

A recent rise in ATV accidents has Dawson County Emergency Services urging riders to take extra precautions this summer.

Dawson County Emergency Services Chief Lanier Swafford made a grave appeal to the public through the Dawson News:

"We've seen an increased number of injuries due to the lack of helmets," he said. "With summer coming on and increased usage of ATVs, bicycles and other outside sports that are maybe considered...above average in danger, like mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing - all of these have recommendations that people wear a helmet. We just encourage them to do that, because certainly head and spinal injuries are very significant, they are life changing and they are very expensive on our society and the health care industry."

Personal injury attorneys at The Murray Law Firm represent many victims of ATV accidents and warn that while safety begins with the rider it is also the responsibility of ATV outfitters, land owners and motor vehicle drivers.

• Outfitters who rent ATVs and manage recreational ATV facilities are responsible for protecting all riders legally using their vehicles and facilities.

• Land owners should take precautions to carefully mark land boundaries with visible markers. Unmarked wire and rope boundaries may be fatal to cyclists and ATV riders.

• Motor vehicle drivers must avoid distractions and watch for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and ATV drivers.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following safety tips for ATV riders:

• Always wear protective gear, especially a helmet, when riding ATVs.

• Do not drive ATVS with a passenger or ride as a passenger, as the majority of ATVs are designed to carry only one person.

• Do not drive ATVs on paved roads.

• Do not permit children to drive or ride adult ATVs.

• Over-the-ankle boots, goggles, gloves and long pants and long sleeved shirts are also suggested as additional protective gear when riding ATVs.

We wish all ATV riders a safe and fun summer. If you have been injured in an ATV accident and would like to discuss your legal options with our attorneys, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.

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

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

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

(Photo Credit: Jason Getz/AJC)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police are searching for the hit and run semi truck driver who struck and injured a cyclist Friday afternoon on US 17 in Richmond Hill, GA. The cyclist was med-flighted to Memorial University Medical Center for injuries.

According to initial reports, a bicyclist from Germany was travelling northbound on US 17, near Cartertown Road, when a semi truck sideswept him and fled the scene. The cyclist was transported by helicopter to the hospital for injuries, including a broken arm. Richmond Hill Police are now searching for a late model white Peterbuilt bobcat, which would have damage to the right quarter panel and a missing right mirror.

The accident comes just days after the annual Georgia Rides to the Capitol event, which raises awareness about cyclist safety and the need for drivers to share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians. Georgia has recently seen a wave of cyclist and pedestrian fatalities and this latest incident reminds all drivers of the need to share our roads.

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm advocate for the rights of cyclists and pedestrians and are questioning whether impairment, speed or distraction were factors in this latest incident. Given the semi truck driver's apparent fault, the cyclist may elect to hold him civilly liable for his injuries. Such a claim would send a clearly needed message to all Georgia drivers on the need to share our roads. The cyclist should retain an experienced personal injury attorney without delay to ensure that all evidence relating to this accident is preserved and that their best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting families in cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

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

53-year-old Michele Chestnut of Cumming was struck and killed in a cycling accident Friday afternoon. Investigators are questioning whether distraction, impairment or speed were possible factors in the latest of a recent rash of biking accidents.

According to Georgia State Patrol, Lemrae Dana Winkler was driving her Ford Explorer northbound on Highway 129, just south of DeSoto Falls around 4:20pm Friday afternoon. Ms. Winkler crossed the roadway at a curve, drove onto the west shoulder, and reentered the roadway, hitting southbound cyclist, Michele Chesnut. After the collision, the Explorer left the roadway, drove onto the east shoulder, hit an embankment and overturned.

Mrs. Chesnut, who was cycling with friends at the time, perished at the scene. Ms. Winkler was taken to Chestatee Regional Hospital for observation.

This tragedy comes as Georgia bicycle fatalities are on the rise. Lt. Wesley Burnett of Lumpkin County Sheriff's office, reminds drivers, "We need to share the roadway. Bicyclists have as much right to be on the roadway as vehicles."

Police have not yet released details on Ms. Winkler's failure to maintain her lane or whether she will be facing charges. Investigators at The Murray Law Firm are questioning whether speed, distraction, and/or impairment were possible factors in the collision. The U.S. Department of Transportation lists motorist mistakes and behaviors "most threatening to bicyclists' safety" as:

• Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol

• Failing to yield the right-of-way

• Speeding through neighborhoods

• Not paying attention...especially when making turns

• Overtaking bicycles in areas where it cannot be done safely

Had such precautions been taken in this incident, this tragedy may have been avoided. Given the Ford Explorer's apparent fault in this accident, the family of Mrs. Chesnut may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for her wrongful death. Such a claim would certainly serve as a grave reminder to all Georgia drivers to share the road and take special precautions when driving near cyclists and pedestrians.

Our prayers are with the family of Mrs. Chesnut and we offer our legal expertise, if needed. If you are seeking further information on this accident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.

Walter Amey was struck and killed by a hit and run driver while biking near his Atlanta home Saturday evening. Mr. Amey's daughter, Monica Amey, is now seeking justice in her father's tragic death.

Mr. Amey, a 54-year-old runner and cyclist, was biking home from a friend's house around 9:00pm Saturday evening when a vehicle struck him on Abner Place, only a few doors away from his residence. Atlanta Police believe Mr. Amey was hit and dragged by a motor vehicle. The driver fled the scene. Mr. Amey was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital where he later succumbed to his critical injuries.

As police continue to search for the driver and witnesses to this horrific accident, Mr. Amey's daughter, Monica Amey, is calling for justice in her father's death.

"I know everybody has a conscience and I would ask them to at least come forward, say what you did," she told Channel 2 Action News. "There is an innocent man, who had a family, a daughter. And he was taken."

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating this tragic accident and questioning whether impairment, speed and/or distraction were factors in the driver's failure to stop and assist Mr. Amey. As it appears the driver is at fault and may face criminal charges, the family of Mr. Amey may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for his wrongful death. Financial recovery is, of course, not of importance to a grieving family, however it is important that the family consult with an experienced law firm as early as possible to ensure any evidence relating to the accident remains preserved and that their best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in tragic cases such as this and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

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

Family and parishioners are mourning the loss and celebrating the life of West Ridge Church pastor, Andrew Pray, who was killed Wednesday November 21 while biking northbound down U.S. 41 in Bartow County. According to Emerson Police, Mr. Pray was cycling legally along the right side of the road and wearing a helmet when a charter bus, driven by by George Carroll, struck the pastor.

The Bartow County bus did not have passengers at the time of the accident. Mr. Carroll, 77, and a mechanic were undergoing final checks of the new bus before allowing it into service. Police Chief Stan Bradley reports, "It was a very tragic accident, by no means malicious...statements indicate that the bus driver did not see him." Mr. Carroll was charged with following too closely and second degree vehicular homicide.

Mr. Pray was rushed to WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta where he succumbed to critical injuries. He leaves wife, Courtney, and three children.

According to Dallas, GA legal experts investigating this incident, the Pray family has the right to file a civil claim for the wrongful death of their family member. Total recovery is based on insurance coverage and could be a substantial sum. Of course, legal action and financial compensation are certainly of little priority to a grieving family, but it is important to retain an experienced attorney quickly to ensure that any evidence relating to the incident remains preserved and that the family's interests are protected.

We extend our sympathies to Pastor Pray's family and offer our assistance, if needed. If anyone has information to share, or is seeking information regarding the incident, please contact our legal hotline toll free at 888.842.1616.

As an Atlanta, Georgia based car accident and workers compensation law firm , we receive hundreds upon hundreds of telephone calls per year from potential Clients who simply ask "how much is my motor vehicle injury or work injury case worth?" In order to better assist our callers, we have created a Free 60 Second Case Evaluation. The process is simple: fill out our quick fill form (click this link) which takes less that 60 seconds to complete, and we'll get back to you within 10 minutes with a preliminary value for your case.

Although we have only recently started offering our Free 60 Second Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Case Evaluations, it has quickly become so popular and useful to potential Clients that we are now on call 24 hours per day. A Georgia personal injury, wrongful death, or workers compensation lawyer will respond quickly with a tentative case value and answer any all questions without cost. For those who wish to speak with our Georgia personal injury and workers compensation law firm immediately, please call 888.842.1616.

Although our firm is based in Atlanta, we have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients throughout Georgia. We handle cases from Dalton to Savannah and Augusta to Columbus. For those potential Clients outside of Georgia, we also offer nationwide attorney referrals for personal injury and workers compensation cases.