Recently in Car Accidents Category

June 18, 2013

Thomaston Community Mourns Loss of Ralph William Moore, Jr., Killed in Hwy 36 Car Accident; Driver Charged with Vehicular Homicide

Collision Investigation.jpgThomaston resident, Ralph William Moore, Jr., was killed in an early morning car accident on Highway 36 Monday. As the driver who hit Mr. Moore faces vehicular homicide charges, investigators are questioning whether distraction or impairment may have been factors in the fatal crash.

According to Georgia State Patrol, Mr. Moore was traveling Eastbound on Hwy. 36 around 6:48am Monday when Tracey Jones attempted to pull out of a private driveway onto Barnesville Highway. Ms. Jones, apparently failing to yield, struck Mr. Moore's vehicle in the right rear side with enough force to send his truck out of control, down an embankment and into a utility pole and tree.

Mr. Moore was rushed to Upson Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to injuries. Ms. Jones has been charged with vehicular homicide and failure to yield the right-of-way.

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating why Ms. Jones failed to yield and whether distraction or impairment were possible factors in the crash. The Governor's Office of Highway Safety in Georgia recently reported, "new national data is showing driver inattention is a key cause in most crashes and near-crashes."

As it appears Ms. Jones was criminally at fault in this accident, the family of Mr. Moore may elect to hold her civilly liable in his wrongful death. Though financial recovery is of little importance to a grieving family, it is crucial that Mr. Moore's family retain an experienced law firm without delay to ensure all evidence relating to the accident is preserved and their best interests are protected. Although victims and families are rightfully entitled to insurance policy maximums, all too often insurance companies are more concerned with limiting their own financial exposure than providing victims and families what they rightfully deserve. The Murray Law Firm fights tirelessly to protect the rights of victims and families of tragic accidents, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise to the Moore family, if needed.

Anyone seeking further information on this accident is encouraged to contact us toll free at 888-842-1616.

June 14, 2013

Dawson County High School Community Mourns Loss of 16-Year-Old Anna Hawkins

Video.jpg16-year-old Anna Hawkins, a Dawson County High School student and athlete, was killed in a car accident Monday evening.

According to Georgia State Patrol, a 16-year-old driver was "traveling at an excessive rate of speed" down Couch Road in Dawson County when the vehicle lost control on a curve. Ms. Hawkins, who was reportedly car surfing on the vehicle at the time, was thrown in the crash and later succumbed to injuries.

The loss of such a young, bright woman has shaken the Dawson County High School community. Superintendent Keith Porter spoke on behalf of the school, "This is our worst nightmare, losing one of our kids."

Dawson County High School students and teen drivers throughout Georgia are following this tragedy closely. The accident has awakened many to the enormous responsibility of driving, a responsibility which few young drivers understand extends beyond themselves and to every passenger in their vehicle.

Police are imploring teens to stop the dangerous practice of car surfing. Only last month, three Gwinnett County teens were injured while car surfing.

Drivers need to recognize that passenger safety is their responsibility and that they will be the ones held accountable should harm come to those in their vehicle. As the young driver in this accident appears to be at fault for both speeding and allowing a passenger to ride on the exterior of their vehicle, the family of Anna Hawkins may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for her wrongful death. Such a claim will send a message to all young Georgia drivers about both the dangers of speeding and the serious responsibility they hold for their passengers. This accident has been a tragedy for both families involved, and we can only pray that other young drivers will learn from this horrific accident.

The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in guiding and protecting families of tragic cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise to the Hawkins family, if needed.

Anyone seeking further information is encouraged to contact us toll free at 888.842.1616 or locally at 706.494.2800.

June 13, 2013

Hanceville Family, Community in Mourning After Fatal Crash Kills Infant and Leaves Mother Injured

Collision Investigation.jpgA fatal three-car accident on Hwy 278 claimed the life of Hanceville infant, Sophia Johnson, Monday evening, only one day before she was to celebrate her first birthday. Sophia's mother, Jazmine Johnson, was injured in the crash.

The three-car collision occurred on Highway 278 in Holly Pond, AL, just before 6:00pm Monday evening. Daryl Cook, of Cullman, and Kevin Miller, of Holly Pond, collided with the Johnson family at mile marker 87. Alabama State Police have not yet determined the cause of the accident, but attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating whether speed, impairment or distraction may have been factors in this tragedy.

Safe Home Alabama and the U.S. Department of Transportation recently released reports on the perils of speeding, distraction and impairment in Alabama and across the nation. With over 210 Alabama driving fatalities in the last six months and this latest loss of a small, innocent child, Alabama drivers clearly need to stamp out reckless, distracted and impaired driving.

Should Mr. Cook or Mr. Miller be found at fault in this accident, the Johnson family may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for the wrongful death of Sophia Johnson and the injuries incurred by Mrs. Johnson. Of course, financial recovery is of little consequence to a grieving family, but such a claim would send a grave message to all Alabama drivers on the need to practice caution and avoid distraction while driving. It is crucial the Johnson family retain an experienced personal injury law firm as soon as practicable to ensure their best interests are protected and all evidence relating to the accident is preserved. Unfortunately, insurance companies are often all too concerned with limiting their financial exposure rather than protecting victims. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting and guiding families through tragic cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

Our sincere condolences are with the family of young Sophia Johnson and we offer our prayers for the swift recovery of Mrs. Johnson.

Anyone seeking further information on this accident is encouraged to contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.

April 17, 2013

Soaring Traffic Fatalities Lead to Lynes Parkway Safety Audit

Rainy Highway.jpgA recent rise in traffic fatalities has lead to a safety audit of Lynes Parkway in Savannah, GA.

The February 22 crash, which claimed the lives of a young Brooklet couple, was the latest in a series of fatal collisions to plague the I-516 stretch between Veterans Parkway and Montgomery Street. Last August, a 16-year-old girl was killed in the same area. In just slightly over one year, that section of Lynes Parkway has seen five fatalities and 129 crashes, according to Savannah-Chatham Police.

Capt. Philip Reilley warned Savannah Morning News that most accidents occur at the curve where Veterans Parkway exits onto Lynes Parkway.

"What we're seeing is there are a larege number of people traveling toward Savannah, and once they make that curve they're coming up on cars that are backed up from Montgomery Street and DeRenne Avenue, and they also come up on a merge lane with Veterans Parkway. The higher the speed, the more of a surprise it is."

Many of the accidents between 2008-13 occurred when roads were wet. Just last August, a 16-year-old girl was killed in this stretch under rainy conditions.

Mike Weiner, of Savannah's Traffic Engineering Department, is now working with the Georgia Department of Transportation to begin a safety audit of the highway. The audit will be performed by an independent team, comprised of members from different areas of Georgia.

Auditors will look at several safety measures for the area, possibly including guard rails, signage and advisories for speed, wet roadways, and sudden stops.

In the meantime, Capt. Reiley reminds drivers, "the most obvious way to reduce collisions on Lynes Parkway is for motorists to slow down."

Please drive safely, buckle up and avoid distractions -- particularly on rainy spring days!

April 16, 2013

Ann Burke and Leanne Ritter Injured in Dump Truck Accident; Truck Driver, Company May Be Held Liable

DumpTruckDay.jpgGeorgia State Patrol has announced charges will follow the investigation of a dump truck collision, which left 62-year-old Ann Burke and her 37-year-old daughter, Leanne Ritter, critically injured.

The accident occurred on Hogansville Road just before 4:00pm Tuesday, April 2. According to authorities, Ann Burke was slowing to make a left turn onto Mobley Bridge Road. Two vehicles behind her also slowed. A dump truck carrying large rocks came up behind the three vehicles at a "high rate of speed". According to reports, truck driver, Mark Lee Singleton, swerved left to avoid the vehicles and struck the Avalon as it was turning. The truck then overturned on top of the Avalon, possibly due to the heavy weight of the load.

Ms. Burke and Ms. Ritter were airlifted to Columbus Medical Center with severe injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, lacerations and bruising.

State Trooper Scott Jeter reports charges may follow an investigation. Alcohol and drug use are not suspected.

Investigators at The Murray Law Firm are questioning whether speed, distraction or weight were factors in this terrible incident:

  • Was the truck driver speeding at the time of the accident? Were distractions, such as a cellphone or cab radio, factors in the driver's failure to safely stop?
  • Did the truck's heavy load contribute to it's failure to stop or cause it to overturn? What are the maximum height and weight limits for the dump truck load, as required by the truck's manufacturer, owner and management company? Did the dump truck operator, owner, and management company adhere to these safety standards?

As it appears the truck driver may be at fault and facing criminal charges in this incident, Ms. Burke and Ms. Ritter may elect to hold him civilly liable for their severe injuries. Further, as the truck driver reported the weight of the load may have been a factor in this accident, additional claims may be made against the truck manufacturer, owner and management company, should it be found the truck was unfit to handle the heavy load being carried at the time of the accident.

Unfortunately, all too often insurance companies and construction companies are more concerned with limiting their financial exposure than providing victims and their families what they rightfully deserve. As such, Ms. Burke and Ms. Ritter should retain an experienced law firm immediately to ensure all evidence is preserved and their family's best interests are protected. Photographs and an inspection of the truck will need to be retained immediately before any repairs can be made. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting victims of serious accidents, 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 706.494.2800.

April 3, 2013

Family of 11-Year-Old Patrick Williams Seeks Justice for Tragic Loss; Police Charge Hit and Run Driver with DUI

The family of 11-year-old Patrick Williams is coming together amid tragedy to celebrate the life of the sweet young boy taken from them much too early by an impaired driver.

The fatal hit and run accident occurred Monday afternoon when Patrick Williams was crossing Boulderpark Drive and Brownlee Road to play basketball at his cousin's home. Per initial reports, 43-year-old Gatha M. Dyer struck the young boy and fled the scene without stopping.

According to the victim's family, a passenger in Gatha Dyer's vehicle returned to the scene to assist police in the driver's capture. Mr. Dyer has been charged with vehicular homicide, DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a suspended license, failure to yield, failure to maintain lane and reckless driving.

Patrick Williams' family is now celebrating his life as they mourn his passing. His mother, Kandace Williams, remembers, "He was the perfect son...he was just a good-spirited young boy." Charleyne Wright is looking for answers in the senseless loss of her beloved grandson. "They took a piece of all our hearts when they took him away from us. It was a senseless death, you know. Who hits a baby and leaves the scene?"

The loss of such a young, bright life has rallied the community in support of justice and change. Neighbors are calling for tougher enforcement of traffic safety in the area where Mr. Williams was killed. Atlanta Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm were outraged not only by the driver's apparently impaired state, but by his failure to stop and check on young Mr. Williams. "We work tirelessly to protect victims and families of impaired drivers in cases, such as this, and we were particularly saddened to learn of the tragic loss of such a young man. Given Mr. Dyer's apparent criminal fault in this accident, the family of Patrick Williams may elect to hold him civilly liable in the wrongful death of their family member. Financial recovery could be substantial and, though compensation is not of importance to a grieving family, such a claim would certainly send a much needed message to all Georgia drivers about the perils of drunk driving. It is crucial the Williams family seek an experienced personal injury law firm as soon as practicable to ensure that their best interests are protected and all evidence relating to the accident is preserved. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting and guiding families through tragic cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed."

If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us at 404.842.1600.

April 2, 2013

Lawrence Young Killed in Marietta Bicycle Accident; Family May Seek Justice from Hit and Run Driver

BicycleSign.jpg55-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.

April 1, 2013

81-Year-Old Thomas Simmons Injured by Speeding Driver in Tibet Avenue Car Accident

A high-speed crash on Tibet Avenue in Savannah left three hospitalized Saturday evening, including 81-year-old local, Thomas E. Simmons.

According to Savannah-Chatham Police, 36-year-old Reginal Washington and his 16-year-old passenger, Chadwick Washington, were traveling westbound on Tibet Avenue at a perilous speed when Mr. Washington lost control of his vehicle. The black Honda Prelude struck a concrete wall near the intersection of Largo Drive at such force that the car split in half. The front of the vehicle continued one block onto the lawn of a church, where both occupants were ejected.

The rear of the vehicle rolled back into the westbound lane of Tibet Avenue, directly into the path of the oncoming Hyundai Sonata driven by Thomas E. Simmons. The crash into the wreckage propelled the Hyundai into the concrete wall. Mr. Simmons was rushed to Memorial University Medical Center where he has since been listed in stable condition. Both the driver and passenger of the Honda Prelude were also taken to the hospital for injuries. The driver is listed in critical condition. His teenage passenger is listed as stable.

The posted speed limit on Tibet Avenue at Largo Dive is 30mph. It is also only feet away from a posted school zone. The speeds required for such a high-force impact are astonishing. Yet even more startling is the Honda driver's apparent choice to travel these speeds with a minor inside the vehicle. Had the Honda driver obeyed the posted speed limits, this accident and the injuries to a teenager and an elderly man may have been avoided.

Given the Honda driver's apparent fault in this accident, Mr. Simmons and his family may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for all injuries and damages sustained. Total financial recovery could be a substantial sum and would send a grave message to all Georgia drivers about the perils of speeding. Unfortunately, insurance companies are often more concerned with limiting their financial exposure than giving injured victims what they rightfully deserve. As such, we would encourage Mr. Simmons to retain a personal injury firm without delay to preserve all evidence relating to the crash and to protect the best interests of his family. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting victims of cases, such as this, and we offer our expertise, if needed.

We pray for the swift recovery of all three injured in this terrible accident and remind Georgia drivers to help keep our roads safe by minding speed limits.

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

March 31, 2013

Governor's Commission on Teen Driving; First All-Teen Commission in Nation Advises Georgia Lawmakers

Twenty two Georgia teens have been selected to join the Governor's Commission on Teen Driving. The commission will advise Gov. Nathan Deal and public safety officials on teen driver legislation and how to best communicate the state's teen driver safety message. This is the first teen driving commission in the nation comprised exclusively of students.

The commission is targeting impaired driving, lack of sleep, and various forms of distracted driving, such as texting and passengers. The panel will tackle these issues at every angle, advising lawmakers on prevention programs as well as punishment reform.

The 22 teens were selected from more than 180 applicants across the state. All are in good academic standing and have clean driving records.

Governor Deal announced, "This group of teenagers comprises some of Georgia's best and brightest future leaders. We are seeking out-of-the-box solutions to reducing the teen crash rate in Georgia, and I am confident this commission is equipped to provide us with those answers."

Governor's Commission on Teen Driving:

Felicia Ashley of Macon

Eric Beeler of Johns Creek

Hope Boyd of Rome

Emily Brumlow of Calhoun

Baylee Culverhouse of Warner Robins

Alex Floyd of Atlanta

Cara Gloyd of Dallas

Amber Nechole Hart of Columbus

Shanise Hood of Ellenwood

Susannah Hooks of Swainsboro

Evan Katz of Atlanta

Cyrianne Keutcha of Stone Mountain

Kennan Luther of Atlanta

Tourner Moseley of Evans

Kyra Parks of Fayetteville

Morgan Polk of Snellville

Gracie Rowe of Franklin

Gordon Schley of Tybee Island

George Shepherd of Waynesboro

Nathan Sidey of Dillard

Griffin Sorohan of Rutledge

Hannah Walters of Watkinsville

The Murray Law Firm is thrilled to see these young Georgia leaders tackle teen driver education and legislation reform. We pray all Georgia drivers, young and old, will follow their inspirational example and help to keep our roads safe!

March 29, 2013

SUV Strikes, Injures Michael Medlin in Savannah Car Accident; Investigators Question Distraction as Possible Factor in Crash

24-year-old Michael Fredrick Medlin was seriously injured in a Savannah car accident on Fulton Road Wednesday afternoon. Investigators are now questioning whether the SUV driver who hit Mr. Medlin was distracted or impaired at the time of the crash.

According to Savannah Chatham Police, Michael Fredrick Medlin was driving eastbound on Fulton Road when a Ford Explorer, driven by 25-year-old Amie Marie Tatum, "drifted across the center turn lane and into the eastbound lane," resulting in a head-on collision.

Firefighters employed cables to secure Mr. Medlin's Honda Civic to keep it from falling into a creek while removing him from the vehicle. He was transported to Memorial University Center in serious but stable condition.

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are questioning what factors lead to the SUV driver's failure to maintain her lane:

  • What distractions, such as cellphones, radios, food, passengers, or gps devices, were dividing the SUV driver's attention from the roadway at the time of the crash?
  • Were blood tests taken following the collision and, if so, did they reveal that the SUV driver was under the influence of any drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident?
  • Was the SUV driver operating her vehicle on a lack of sleep?
  • What speed was the SUV traveling at the time of the incident? Does this speed fall within the posted limits on Fulton Road?

Should the driver of the SUV be found at fault in this accident, Mr. Medlin may elect to hold her civilly liable for his serious injuries. Total financial recovery could be a substantial sum. It is crucial Mr. Medlin retain an experienced law firm as soon as possible to protect his interests and preserve all evidence relating to this accident. Though car accident victims are rightfully entitled to maximum insurance limits, all too often insurance companies are more concerned with limiting financial exposure than compensating injured victims. As such, having an experienced personal injury firm to represent victims through these negotiations can mean the difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars. 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.

March 28, 2013

Danielle Woods Killed in Leroy Coffer Highway Dump Truck Accident

A Wednesday afternoon dump truck accident on Leroy Coffer Highway claimed the life of 28-year-old Danielle Woods and injured her young daughter, Lindsay.

According to Georgia State Patrol, Ms. Woods was driving her Dodge Caravan along Leroy Coffer Highway late Wednesday afternoon. A dump truck, driven by Robert Boatright, attempted to cross the highway intersection from Freedman Grove Road onto Pate Rogers Road and struck Ms. Woods' minivan on the driver's side.

Tragically, Ms. Woods perished at the scene. Her young daughter, Lindsay, was transported to the hospital for injuries.

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating what factors, such as distraction, speed, or impairment, might have lead to the dump truck driver's failure to stop. Should the dump truck driver be found at fault in this accident, the family of Ms. Woods may elect to hold him civilly liable for her wrongful death and for the injuries sustained by her daughter. In addition, the family may also have insurance claims against the company who owned the dump truck. Total financial recovery could be millions of dollars. While compensation is certainly not of importance to a grieving family, it is crucial that an experienced law firm be retained as soon as possible to ensure that all evidence relating to the accident is preserved and that the family's best interests are protected.

Although accident victims are rightfully entitled to maximum insurance coverage limits, all too often insurance companies and unscrupulous business owners are reluctant to pay victims what they deserve. As such, having an experienced personal injury firm to represent victims through these negotiations can mean the difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting families in tragic cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

We extend our condolences to the family of Danielle Woods and pray for the swift recovery of her young daughter. If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616 or locally at 912.385.6960.

March 27, 2013

Shelton Hills, Antionette Cooper and Christopher Robinson Injured in West Bay Street Car Accident, Savannah

Three drivers were seriously injured in a West Bay Street car accident in Savannah Tuesday evening. Investigators are exploring whether speed was a factor the collision.

BayStreet.jpgAccording to Savannah Chatham Metro Police, 25-year-old Christopher Robinson was driving eastbound on West Bay Street in a Chevrolet Impala when he hit the brakes and swerved into the right lane, hitting a Nissan Altima driven by 39-year-old Antionette Cooper. The Altima, which had been backing out of a parking lot, was pushed into the westbound lane, into the path of an oncoming Cadillac STS, driven by 46-year-old Shelton Hills. All three drivers were transported to Memorial University Medical Center for serious injuries following the collision.

The crash is still under investigation and it is not yet clear why the Impala driver originally hit his brakes and veered into the right lane. WJCL ABC News reports the Impala, driven by Mr. Robinson, was headed eastbound "at a pretty good rate."

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating to determine whether speed was a factor in this incident. Should Mr. Robinson be found at fault, the other injured victims may elect to hold him liable for their significant injuries. Total financial recovery for injuries and damage could be worth a substantial sum. However, as multiple injured parties are involved, insurance coverage will certainly be limited. Ms. Cooper and Mr. Hills should retain an experienced personal injury law firm without delay to ensure that any evidence or surveillance footage of this accident is preserved and that their best interests are protected.

Although accident victims are rightfully entitled to maximum insurance coverage limits, all too often insurance companies are reluctant to pay victims what they deserve. As such, having an experienced personal injury attorney to represent victims through these negotiations can mean the difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in multi-car collision cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

We extend our prayers for a swift recovery to all three injured drivers and their families. If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616 or locally at 912.385.6960.

March 25, 2013

DOT, NHSTA & The Murray Law Firm Urge Public to Take the Distracted Driving Pledge

Pledge DOT.jpgThe Department of Transportation and the National Highway Safety Administration are urging the public to take the pledge to stop distracted driving.

In tribute to all of our clients who have been injured or lost loved ones to distracted driving, we'd like to encourage Georgia drivers to take the Distracted Driving Pledge and make the roads safer for our families.

Have you already taken the pledge? Spread the word! The NHTSA is looking for your pledge on Facebook.

"Pledge like a life depends on it. Because it does."--NHSTA

March 22, 2013

4 Injured in Snapfinger Road Car Accident, Lithonia; Investigators Explore Cause Behind School Zone Crash

An 8:30am car accident outside Martin Luther King Jr. HIgh School in Lithonia left four injured Friday morning.

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, a pickup truck and a sedan crashed Friday morning at the intersection of Snapfinger and Dogwood Farms roads, just outside the entrance to Martin Luther King Jr. High School. DeKalb County Fire Department reports two adults and two minors were transported to area hospitals following the accident; at least two were in critical condition.

As this accident occurred in a school zone, attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are carefully investigating whether speed or distraction were factors in this incident. We've recently seen an unacceptable spike in school zone car and pedestrian accidents. The victims and families involved in this incident may elect to hold the at-fault driver civilly liable for their injuries. Such a claim would certainly serve as a grave reminder to all Georgia drivers to take special precautions when driving in and around school zones. 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 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.

March 21, 2013

SUV Fleeing Police Strikes, Kills Alicia Moxley and Granddaughter Jordan Haynes, 4 Others Injured

An SUV fleeing DeKalb County Police crashed into a sedan Wednesday evening, killing 57-year-old Alicia Moxley and her 3-year-old granddaughter, Jordan Haynes. Four others suffered serious injuries.

moxley.jpgA traffic stop turned deadly Wednesday evening as police attempted to approach an SUV near the intersection of Snapfinger Woods and East Wesley Chapel Road. According to DeKalb County Police, "As an officer exited his unit and began to approach that SUV, the driver of the SUV rammed that police unit and then fled the location." Shortly after fleeing the scene, the SUV crashed into a red sedan, carrying 3 adults and 3 children.

57-year-old Alicia Moxley, of Lithonia, and her 3-year-old granddaughter, Jordan Haynes, perished at the scene. A 58-year-old man, a 17-year-old girl, and two young boys, ages 5 and 7, were transported to area hospitals for serious injuries. Thankfully, all four of the other victims were listed in stable condition Thursday afternoon.

The SUV driver, 27-year-old Jeremiah Warthen, and his passenger were arrested. Mr. Warthen faces two counts of first degree vehicular homicide, hit and run, aggravated assault on a police officer, criminal interference with government property, obstruction, reckless driving, aggressive driving, improper passing, droving on the wrong side of the roadway, operation of a vehicle while declared a habitual violator, seat belt violation and cocaine trafficking.

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating this unconscionable tragedy and were particularly saddened to learn of the loss of such a young child. Given Mr. Warthen's apparent criminal fault in this incident, the family of Ms. Moxley and young Ms. Haynes, may elect to hold him civilly liable for their wrongful deaths. The four other victims of this horrific crash may also elect to hold Mr. Warthen liable for their serious injuries. While financial recovery is, of course, not of importance to grieving families, it is crucial that the victims and families involved in this incident retain an experienced law firm as soon as practicable to ensure all evidence relating to the accident is preserved and their best interests are protected. Although accident victims are rightfully entitled to insurance limit maximums, all too often insurance companies are more concerned with financial exposure than providing victims what they legally deserve. The Murray Law Firm fights tirelessly to protect victims of tragic cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

We pray for the family of Alicia Moxley and Jordan Haynes and for the swift recovery of the other victims of this tragedy. If you are seeking further information on this accident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.