Georgia Legal Report

MADD protestors met at the Georgia State Capitol Monday, March 11 to demand a legislative crack down on first-time DUI offenders.

Georgia's Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is asking state lawmakers to toughen up on first time DUI offenders. Currently, 17 states require DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices, or in-car breathalyzers in their vehicles. The devices force motorists to prove sobriety before starting their vehicles. While Georgia does require in-car breathalyzers for repeat DUI offenders, the legislation does not currently extend to first-time offenders.

According to MADD, this requirement could save 150 lives every year.

The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly for drunk driving victims and their families. If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, you have a right to compensation for your medical and therapeutic bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages you may have incurred. Please call us toll free 888.842.1616 for a free initial consultation.

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.

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!

UPDATE: 18-year-old Shaquavious Harrison passed away Tuesday due to critical injuries sustained in a Friday evening LaGrange car accident on West Point Road.

If you are seeking further information, please contact our legal hotline toll free at 888.842.1616.

Original Article:

Police suspect drunk driving as a factor in the Friday night LaGrange car accident, which left two teens critically injured and killed 5 others, including a pregnant woman and a 1-year-old child.

According to Georgia State Patrol, 28-year-old Willie Hooks was driving northbound on West Point Road at 6:40pm Friday evening [February 8, 2013] when he crossed into oncoming traffic to pass another vehicle, despite being in a no-passing zone. Mr. Hooks collided head-on with driver Melanie Kay Lemmon, 23, who was traveling southbound with five passengers. Both drivers and three passengers were killed. Ms. Lemmon was pregnant.

Tragically, the accident claimed three generations of one family. Miranda Hurston, her son, 16-year-old Tridarius Harrison, and grandson, 1-year-old Quamauri Harrison were all killed. Two of Ms. Hurston's other children, 15-year-old Jayvianna Hurston and 18-year-old Shaquavious Harrison were airlifted to Columbus and Atlanta hospitals for serious injuries. They are listed in critical condition. Young Quamauri Harrison was the son of Shaquavious Harrison.

Witness John Hart reported to the LaGrange News that he was driving 55mph four car lengths behind another car when Mr. Hooks passed him in the no passing zone. "He had plenty of room to get back over, and it was like he had to pass that one car in front of me. I said, 'please Jesus, please Jesus, don't let anyone be coming the other way on the other side of that knoll,' and that's when the crash happened."

Georgia State Patrol Spokesman, Gordy Wright, reports "alcohol is suspected as a possible contributing factor."

Attorneys with The Murray Law Firm are investigating this incident. Given that speed, failure to obey a passing zone and driving under the influence appear to be factors in this tragedy, the families of Melanie Lemmons, Miranda Hurston, and Quamauri and Tridarius Harrison may elect to pursue wrongful death claims for the loss of their family members. In addition, Shaquavious Harrison and Jayvianna Hurston may file claims for their critical injuries. Total compensation may certainly be substantial, and such a claim would send a grave message to all Georgia drivers about the perils of drunk driving and the importance of adhering to passing zone laws.

Financial recovery is, of course, not of importance to a grieving family, however it is important that the victims and families consult with an experienced law firm as early as possible to ensure any evidence relating to the accident remains preserved and that the family's best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly for families who have lost loved ones to drunk drivers. We are well versed in negotiating with insurance companies who are often more concerned with financial exposure than providing victims and families with the compensation that they legally deserve.

We extend our sincere condolences to the families of Melanie Lemmon, Miranda Hurston, and the many other victims of this tragedy. We offer our legal expertise, if needed. If you are seeking further information on this accident, please contact our investigative legal team toll free at 888.842.1616.

Police suspect drunk driving as a factor in the Friday night LaGrange car accident, which left two teens critically injured and killed 5 others, including a pregnant woman and a 1-year-old child.

According to Georgia State Patrol, 28-year-old Willie Hooks was driving northbound on West Point Road at 6:40pm Friday evening [February 8, 2013] when he crossed into oncoming traffic to pass another vehicle, despite being in a no-passing zone. Mr. Hooks collided head-on with driver Melanie Kay Lemmon, 23, who was traveling southbound with five passengers. Both drivers and three passengers were killed. Ms. Lemmon was pregnant.

Tragically, the accident claimed three generations of one family. Miranda Hurston, her son, 16-year-old Tridarius Harrison, and grandson, 1-year-old Quamauri Harrison were all killed. Two of Ms. Hurston's other children, 15-year-old Jayvianna Hurston and 18-year-old Shaquavious Harrison were airlifted to Columbus and Atlanta hospitals for serious injuries. They are listed in critical condition. Young Quamauri Harrison was the son of Shaquavious Harrison.

Witness John Hart reported to the LaGrange News that he was driving 55mph four car lengths behind another car when Mr. Hooks passed him in the no passing zone. "He had plenty of room to get back over, and it was like he had to pass that one car in front of me. I said, 'please Jesus, please Jesus, don't let anyone be coming the other way on the other side of that knoll,' and that's when the crash happened."

Georgia State Patrol Spokesman, Gordy Wright, reports "alcohol is suspected as a possible contributing factor."

Attorneys with The Murray Law Firm are investigating this incident. Given that speed, failure to obey a passing zone and driving under the influence appear to be factors in this tragedy, the families of Melanie Lemmons, Miranda Hurston, and Quamauri and Tridarius Harrison may elect to pursue wrongful death claims for the loss of their family members. In addition, Shaquavious Harrison and Jayvianna Hurston may file claims for their critical injuries. Total compensation may certainly be substantial, and such a claim would send a grave message to all Georgia drivers about the perils of drunk driving and the importance of adhering to passing zone laws.

Financial recovery is, of course, not of importance to a grieving family, however it is important that the victims and families consult with an experienced law firm as early as possible to ensure any evidence relating to the accident remains preserved and that the family's best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly for families who have lost loved ones to drunk drivers. We are well versed in negotiating with insurance companies who are often more concerned with financial exposure than providing victims and families with the compensation that they legally deserve.

We extend our sincere condolences to the families of Melanie Lemmon, Miranda Hurston, and the many other victims of this tragedy. We offer our legal expertise, if needed. If you are seeking further information on this accident, please contact our investigative legal team toll free at 888.842.1616.

A 70-year-old Stone Mountain man allegedly left a wake of at least 15 wrecks in a drunken hit-and-run spree across Gwinnett and DeKalb Counties Wednesday night, claiming the life of one and leaving another critically injured.

According to initial reports, Gwinnett County Police believe Michael O. Snider was driving his Ford F-250 pickup truck drunk on Wednesday evening when he caused a series of hit-and-run wrecks. Police have linked him to at least five wrecks in DeKalb County and another 10 in Gwinnett County.

The horrific spree ended after Mr. Snider fatally rear-ended a driver in Snellville before finally crashing into John Boy's Home Cooking restaurant.

The fatal Snellville collision occurred around 8:30pm on U.S. 78 at Walton Court. Mr. Snider's truck rear-ended a car driven by 51-year-old Yeshihareg Abebe of Grayson. The car was pushed under a flatbed truck, killing the 69-year-old passenger, Mintiwab Woldeyhans of Loganville. Mr. Abebe was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. As of Thursday, his injuries were listed as "life-threatening."

After leaving the fatal flatbed collision, Mr. Snider crashed into John Boy's Home Cooking restaurant. No restaurant patrons or staff were reported injured. Mr. Snider was treated for non-life threatening injuries following the incident.

Gwinnett County Police have charged Mr. Snider with vehicular homicide, DUI, causing serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, and following too closely. DeKalb County is expected to file additional charges. He is currently being held without bond.

Given Mr. Snider's apparent criminal fault in these horrific incidents, the families of Mintiwab Woldeyhans and Yeshihareg Abebe, may elect to hold him civilly liable for wrongful death and substantial injuries. Total compensation may be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and such a claim would send a grave message to all Georgia drivers about the perils of drunk driving.

Financial recovery is, of course, not of importance to a grieving family, however it is important that the victims and families consult with an experienced law firm as early as possible to ensure any evidence relating to the accident remains preserved and that the family's best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly for families who have lost loved ones to drunk drivers. We are well versed in negotiating with insurance companies and at fault parties who are often more concerned with financial exposure than providing victims and families with the compensation that they legally deserve.

We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Mintiwab Woldeyhans, as well as Mr. Abebe and the many other victims in this tragedy. We offer our legal expertise, if needed. If you are seeking further information on this accident, please contact our investigative legal team toll free at 888.842.1616.

With the recent string of alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents occurring on Georgia's highways, our firm would like to remind anyone who has suffered a loss as a consequence of such an accident that there are valuable resources available to assist them. Perhaps the organization most well-suited to offer assistance is Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
MADD is an invaluable resource for families who have lost a loved one as a consequence of a drunk driver, and we always urge our Clients who suffered such a loss to contact the organization for assistance. The contact information for the Georgia chapter of MADD is as follows:

MADD
1000 CIRCLE 75 PKWY SE #45
ATLANTA, GA 30339
Phone: 7706153737
Fax: 7706153738
Email: ga.state@madd.org

For additional information on resocurces available to assist families coping with the loss of a loved one, please feel free to contact our firm at any time.

The Georgia Legal Report is investigating a sudden spike in pedestrian car accidents during the past holiday week, which has left many families devastated and a community ill at ease.

According to police, George Buchanan was crossing a Savannah street around 6:30pm Friday [December 21, 2012] when he was hit by a car. Mr. Buchanan was taken to Memorial University Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. The tragic accident was the second pedestrian fatality in only two days.

53-year-old John Robertson was killed by a pickup truck on Thursday night [December 20, 2012]. Savannah police report Mr. Robertson was one of three people hit by cars in Savannah on Thursday. The four separate accidents are still under police investigation and charges against the drivers have not yet been reported.

Though the cause of these accidents is still under police investigation, Savannah attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating whether distraction or impairment was a factor in either of these incidents. If the drivers in these accidents are found at fault, the families of Mr. Robertson and Mr. Buchanan may elect to hold them civilly liable for the deaths of their loved ones.

Financial recovery is, of course, not of importance to a grieving family, however it is important that the victims and families consult with an experienced law firm as early as possible to ensure any evidence relating to the accident remains preserved and that the family's best interests are protected. Although the victims' families are rightfully entitled to maximum insurance coverage limits, which may well be in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, all too often insurance companies and unscrupulous parties are reluctant to pay victims what they deserve.

These tragedies serve as a grave reminder to all Georgia drivers to drive safely and responsibly this holiday season. Recent reports show pedestrian fatalities are on the rise throughout Georgia as "more Americans are walking for exercise and to avoid paying higher gas prices." Vehicular digital distractions, such as cellphones and GPS devices, are growing, creating a lethal combination. Another concern during holiday weeks is the inexcusable increase of impaired drivers. Drunk driving was cited as a factor in several of the 17 Georgia traffic fatalities over Christmas weekend.

The Georgia Legal report wishes our community a safe and healthy New Year.

If you are seeking further information on either of these incidents, please contact our legal hotline toll-free at (888) 842-1616 or locally at 912-385-6960.

The Georgia State Patrol reported 17 traffic fatalities and 300 injuries over the Christmas holiday weekend, beginning at 6pm Friday evening and ending at Midnight on Wednesday morning. The staggering number is a dramatic increase from 2011.

Impaired driving was listed as a factor in several holiday accidents, including a Christmas day tragedy which claimed the lives of three Cartersville residents, including a 27-day-old infant.

Brent Leighton Lynch of Calhoun has been charged with DUI in the Christmas Day head-on collision, which claimed the lives of three people and injured four others near Mauldin in Gordon County.

According to State Patrol spokesman Gordy Wright, Mr. Lynch was driving his 1996 Ford Bronco eastbound on Georgia Highway 53 after 5:30pm when he drove off the right side of the road. Mr. Lynch then re-entered the road, striking a 2006 Kia Spectra head-on.

The driver of the Kia, 40-year-old April Nacoale Winters, and her two passengers, 21-year-old Taneka Latrice Ackies and 27-day-old Niyla Raine Ackies, were killed. Injured Kia passengers, Alexis Gardner and Ratanza Winters, were taken to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga. Mr. Lynch and his passenger, Crystal Lynch, were also treated for injuries.

Police have charged Mr. Lynch with three counts of first degree vehicular homicide, one count of feticide by vehicle, driving under the influence, driving on the wrong side of the road and failure to maintain lane.

Car accident attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating this case. Given Mr. Lynch's apparent criminal fault in this tragedy, the families of April Winters and Taneka and Niyla Ackies may elect to hold him civilly liable for the wrongful death of their family members. Ms. Gardner and Ratanza Winters may also hold Mr. Lynch liable for their injuries and losses. These victims and their families are rightfully entitled to insurance limit maximums, which may well be in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. Such a claim would send a clear message to all Georgia drivers about the risks of impaired driving.

Although financial recovery is, of course, not of importance to a grieving family, it is important that the victims and families consult with an experienced law firm as early as possible to ensure any evidence relating to the accident remains preserved and that the family's best interests are protected. Although accident victims and families are rightfully entitled to maximum insurance coverage limits, all too often insurance companies and unscrupulous parties are reluctant to pay victims what they deserve.

Our prayers are with the families of Taneka and Niyla Ackies, April Winters, and the many other families who lost a loved one during these holiday traffic fatalities. We offer our legal assistance, if needed.

Anyone seeking further information on this accident is encouraged to contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.

Collision attorneys at The Murray Law Firm of Georgia warn drivers that accidents spike during the holiday season. As holiday driving picks up throughout the state, Georgia car accident attorneys call on the public to protect our roads and families. Please enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season.

Liz Fabian of The Macon Telegraph describe's Georgia's new 'Operation Safe Holidays':

Georgia is poised to mark the first increase in state traffic deaths in more than five years which prompts Tuesday's launch of "Operation: Safe Holidays."

"Seat belt use is one of the few things we have control over in our lives," Blackwood said. "Neglecting it should never be a factor in our deaths."

Patterson, GA Teens, Jake Westberry and Kenny Lowman, were training for the Waycross 5K race on Thursday evening [November 1, 2012] when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver. The Georgia State Patrol reports the boys were jogging northbound on Trudie Rd. just before 7pm when Floyd Alvin Cantrell allegedly hit them with his Ford Ranger.

14-year-old Jake Westberry was flung 186 ft. along pavement. 16-year-old Kenny Lowman was thrown 30 ft. into a ditch, suffering a broken leg, arm and shoulder. Lowman, who attempted to crawl to Jake at the scene, is recovering at home. His sister says, "His heart is the most broken thing right now."

Mr. Westberry was med-flighted to Shands Medical Center in Jacksonville and remains on a ventilator in a medically-induced coma while attempting to recover from his critical injuries, including a collapsed lung, kidney damage, head lacerations, facial fractures and road rash covering 90 percent of his body. Over 100 visitors have come to the hospital in support of the 5'11'' PCHS freshman, whom his parents, Patti and Alton, call the "gentle giant" with "the biggest heart."

A fund has been set up to at the Patterson Bank in Patterson, Jesup, and Waycross to assist with medical expenses.

Mr. Cantrell has been charged with serious injury by vehicle and DUI, pending toxicology reports. Given Mr. Cantrell's apparent criminal fault in this incident, the families of these young victims may elect to hold Mr. Cantrell civilly liable. The compensation for injuries sustained to Mr. Lowman and Mr. Westberry could well be in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. The families of these young victims should retain an experienced Waycross attorney as early as possible to ensure that any evidence relating to the accident remains preserved and that the family's interests are protected.

If you have any information pertaining to this incident or are in need of legal assistance, we encourage you to contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888-842-1616.

Three Lithia Springs teens were rushed to the hospital early Tuesday morning [November 6, 2012] after being struck on a Douglas County road. According to Georgia State Patrol, Kendra Taylor, Shania Willis, and Carleece Brown, ages 13-15, were hit by 22-year-old Crystal Marshall of Chicago while walking to a store. According to reports, Taylor is in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital with head trauma. Willis is also in critical condition with head trauma and being treated at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. 13-year-old Carleece Brown was treated for a broken ankle at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite.

Police have charged Marshall with driving under the influence, driving too fast for conditions, slick tires, possession of marijuana, and serious injury by vehicle. She has been taken to the Douglas County jail and was being held without bond as of Tuesday afternoon.

Given Ms. Marshall's apparent criminal fault in this incident, families of these young victims may elect to hold Ms. Marshall civilly liable. The compensation for injuries sustained to Mss. Taylor, Willis, and Brown could well be in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. As there are multiple injured parties, the insurance coverage will certainly be limited. Consequently, it is imperative that the families of these young victims retain an experienced attorney as early as possible.

If you have any information regarding this incident or are in need of legal assistance please contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.

As a personal injury law firm that regularly represents Clients who have been injured, or who have lost a loved one, at the fault of an intoxicated driver, we are excited by early reports detailing the development of the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS). The following is an article on the technology that was recently posted on the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Waltham, Mass. -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland today took a first look at new Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) technology being developed to prevent alcohol-impaired drivers from operating their vehicles while under the influence.

In 2009, 10,839 people died nationwide in crashes involving a drunk driver. These deaths make up 32 percent of all fatal crashes.

A car accident occurring on Saturday, February 19, 2011 has sadly claimed the life of a teenager from Villa Rica High School and has left three other Alexander High School students injured according to reports reviewed by our personal injury law firm. Douglas County Investigators indicate on that 17-year-old Jason Lark lost control of his Chevrolet Blazer while negotiating a curve, causing the vehicle to flip several times before colliding with a U-Haul truck. Shyann Shles, 17, and Jamie McManis, 15, were ejected from the SUV during the accident, and the victims were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for medical care. Mr. Lark has been charged with DUI and vehicular homicide acoording to authorities.

Our Law Firm is regulalry retained by the families of victims of car accidents such as this one to protect their interests. Given Mr. Lark's apparent criminal fault in causing this incident, the victims of this tragic accident may elect to hold Mr. Lark civilly liable for the wrongful death of Ms. Shules and the injuries sustained by Jamie McManis and Taylor Coss. These victims may be entitled to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars, but their recovery may ultimatley be contingent upon the insurance coverage held by Mr. Lark. As there are multiple injured parties, the insurance coverage will certainly be limited. Consequently, it is is important that the victims consult with an experienced law firm as early as practicable.

Our law firm has recovered millions upon millions of dollars for Clients who have lost a loved one or have been seriously injured in car accidents such as this one. We understand the grief and emotional trauma that the victims and their families are enduring at this difficult time. We extend our condolences to the family of Ms. Shules and we wish a speedy recovery to Mr. McManis and Mr. Coss. Our law firm is availble 24 hours a day to offer assistance if needed.

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.