Georgia Legal Report

22-year-old Kenyotta Jones was struck and killed by a Macon street sweeper early Monday morning.

According to Macon Police, the accident occurred at the intersection of Eisenhower Parkway and Key Street in Macon, just after 1:00am Monday morning. Police report there was no street lighting in the area where Ms. Jones was walking, a factor which may have contributed to the fatal accident. Ms. Jones perished at the scene.

The driver of the street sweeper volunteered a blood sample and police report no charges have been filed. However, attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating whether distraction or improper caution signaling may have been factors in this tragedy. Additionally, investigators are questioning why the intersection, which serves as a bus stop and pedestrian crosswalk, has no working street lights or sidewalks for pedestrians.

• The intersection of Eisenhower Parkway and Key Street serves as a four-way crosswalk and bus stop. Police report the area was unlit at the time of the accident. Are there street lamps in this area and, if so, were they broken at the time of the accident? If not, why has the town failed to provide safe lighting for pedestrians using this major intersection?

• This intersection serves as a bus stop. Is there a safe place for pedestrians to await a bus away from oncoming traffic? Is there a sidewalk at this intersection where Ms. Jones could have safely moved out of the way of the oncoming street sweeper?

• What factors lead to the street sweeper's failure to signal Ms. Jones and stop? Was the street sweeper displaying proper cautionary signals to oncoming pedestrians and vehicles and, if not, why? Were the caution signals broken and, if so, was the owner and manager of the vehicle aware? Was the operator of the street sweeper distracted at the time of the incident?

As the details of this tragic accident continue to unfold, the family of Ms. Jones may elect to hold the owner and operator of the street sweeper liable in her wrongful death. Though financial recovery is certainly not of importance to a grieving family, such a substantial claim would demand all Georgia towns improve their streets and vehicles to meet pedestrian safety standards. It is crucial the family of Ms. Jones retain an experienced personal injury law firm without delay to ensure all evidence, including surveillance footage, is preserved and their best interests are protected. Photographs and a proper inspection of both the street sweeper and any area lighting will need to be made immediately, before any repairs can be made or evidence destroyed. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting families of tragic cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

Our prayers are with the family of Kenyotta Jones. Please let this tragedy serve as a reminder to all Georgia drivers to share our roads with pedestrians and practice extra caution around crosswalks and bus stops.

If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us toll free at 888-842-1616 or locally at 478-246-1010.

Georgia 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.

An I-575 ambulance accident in Canton, GA left two EMS medics injured and further-injured a patient being transported to the hospital early Sunday morning.

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to an ambulance accident just after 2:00am Sunday morning. According to reports, the ambulance was headed northbound on I-575, near the 140 exit, when it swerved off the roadway, crashing into the tree line. A 22-year-old patient already en route to the hospital was reportedly thrown from the back of the vehicle, suffering further injuries. The 32- and 48-year-old EMS medics were also injured in the crash. All three occupants were transported to Kennestone Hospital.

According to attorneys at The Murray Law Firm, both the passenger and medics in this accident may have claims against AmeriMed. The passenger in this incident may elect to hold the ambulance company civilly liable for any injuries sustained in the crash if the driver of the vehicle is found to have been at fault in causing the incident. In addition, he may hold the company liable for any original medical issues exacerbated by the accident. As both medics were working at the time of the incident, they are almost certainly entitled to workers compensation claims under Georgia Workers Compensation law. Total financial recovery for the three victims could be a substantial sum. Unfortunately, insurance companies and business owners are all too often more concerned with limiting their financial exposure than providing victims the compensation they rightfully deserve. As such, all victims in this incident should retain a law firm experienced in personal injury and workers compensation without delay to ensure that all evidence is properly preserved and their best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience protecting clients in complex cases such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

If you are seeking further information about 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.

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.

A tractor trailer truck driver was killed early Thursday morning on I-85 North in Troup County, GA. As details of this accident continue to develop, the tragedy illuminates the need for drivers to share the road with tractor trailers.

According to initial reports, a tractor trailer headed northbound on I-85, just north of Kia Boulevard in Troup County, GA, swerved off the roadway and crashed into the woodline. The driver was killed. The incident occurred around 7:30am.

The accident serves as a grave reminder for all drivers to share the road with tractor trailer trucks. Automobile drivers are often unaware of the risks of changing lanes too closely or quickly in front of tractor trailers. Road debris is also especially hazardous to tractor trailer drivers. As trucks are significantly heavier than most other vehicles on the road, it takes them much longer to safely slow down or stop.

Attorneys with The Murray Law Firm are investigating whether another driver or a mechanical error, such as a brake malfunction, lead to this accident. If this incident occurred while the truck driver was working, the driver's family will almost certainly be entitled to substantial compensation under Georgia workers' compensation laws. In addition to compensation available under the workers compensation code, the victim's family may have additional claims against the manufacturer and owner of the truck, should it be found to have suffered a catastrophic malfunction which lead to the driver's death. It is important that the family retain an experienced workers' compensation lawyer to assist them with this complex claim, as pictures and an inspection of the vehicle will need to be obtained. If photographs and an inspection are not obtained before repairs are made, the value of the case may decrease significantly. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience protecting families in cases, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

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

A 5-vehicle accident on I-285 killed at least one person and left two others injured Tuesday afternoon.

Fulton County Police report the accident occurred on I-285 near Washington Road just before 3:30pm Tuesday. At least five vehicles, including two tractor trailer trucks were involved in the accident.

According to initial reports, the accident began when a ladder fell in the middle of the highway, striking a car. The car stopped and a semi-truck driver behind the car swerved to avoid hitting it. A tractor trailer truck driving behind the semi then swerved to avoid hitting the semi-truck and hit three cars, including the car which was originally struck by the ladder. The driver of that car was killed. At least one person was transported to the hospital for injuries while another was treated and released at the scene.

As multiple vehicles and tractor trailer trucks were involved in this horrific accident, injured victims and their families may be entitled to millions of dollars to assist with medical expenses, damage and losses. In addition, victims who were working at the time of the accident, such as the tractor trailer truck drivers, will likely be entitled to substantial workers' compensation under Georgia law.

Insurance coverage will certainly be limited, given the number of victims and damages. The family of the victim killed in this tragedy, as well as the injured victims, should retain an experienced law firm as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is preserved and their best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm specializes in cases such as this and offers legal expertise, if needed.

If you have any information on this accident or are seeking information, please contact our legal hotline toll free at 888-842-1616.

The search for a tractor trailer truck driver who fled the scene of a fatal accident on Thursday evening is now apparently over. 36-year-old Scotty Oxford has reportedly turned himself in to Eufaula, Alabama Police. The Georgia State Patrol will determine what charges he will face in connection with the tragic hit-and-run accident, which claimed the lives of a mother and child and left another victim in critical condition.

24-year-old Latosha Harvey and her 4-year-old daughter, Emani Harvey, were crossing State Rt. 520 with 23-year-old Adrianna Glover around 7:30pm Thursday evening. A white Southern Ag Carriers Inc. tractor trailer, purportedly driven by Mr. Oxford, struck the three pedestrians, killing Ms. Harvey and her daughter. Ms. Glover suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital where she was listed in critical condition.

According to police, Mr. Oxford fled the scene of the accident and abandoned his truck at the Golden Peanut on Stonewall Street. Mr. Oxford finally turned himself in on Friday afternoon in Eufaula, Alabama. He has since been transported back to Terrell County authorities. Georgia State Patrol will determine what charges he will face.

Attorneys with The Murray Law Firm are investigating this horrific accident and exploring whether speed, distraction, or impairment were factors in this tragedy. As it appears Mr. Oxford is at fault in this accident, the family of Latosha and Emani Harvey may elect to hold him civilly liable for the wrongful death of their family members. Adrianna Glover and her family may also elect to hold Mr. Oxford liable for her substantial injuries. Victims and their families are rightfully entitled to maximum insurance company limits, which in this case could be millions of dollars. Unfortunately, all too often, insurance companies and trucking companies are more concerned with financial exposure than with compensating injured victims. Although compensation is, of course, not of importance to a grieving family, it is critcal that the families retain an experienced law firm as soon as practicable to protect the family's best interests and to secure all evidence relating to this accident. 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.

UPDATE: The Georgia State Patrol has released the names of the four victims who died in a 27 vehicle accident on Wednesday morning on Interstate 16.

Several others, including the driver of an empty tanker truck, which exploded, are being treated for injuries at Fairview Park Hospital.

East and westbound lanes of I-16 were closed for several hours Wednesday as dense fog and smoke from a tanker truck explosion caused a deadly series of accidents, leaving 4 dead and 9 injured.

The accidents began just after 8:00am during the Wednesday morning rush hour commute on I-16 westbound, near the Bleckley and Laurens County lines. Smoke from a tanker trunk explosion, coupled with a dense fog advisory of less than a quarter mile of visibility, created a deadly scenario for rush hour drivers.

According to Twiggs County authorities, two tractor trailers caught fire and one exploded. Emergency crews responded from Twiggs, Bleckley, Laurens, and Wilkinson counties. Hazardous materials were involved, requiring all rescue personnel to initially wear HazMat gear.

In all, seven tractor trailer trucks and 20 other vehicles were involved in the massive I-16 pileup. Traffic was halted in both directions between mile markers 34-37 as injured drivers were transported from the scene to Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin.

The Georgia State Patrol reported 4 dead and 9 injured in total. While eastbound lanes reopened at 12:30pm, emergency crews continue to clear the scene in westbound lanes.

As multiple vehicles and tractor trailer trucks were involved in this horrific accident, injured victims and their families may be entitled to millions of dollars to assist with medical expenses and losses. In addition, victims who were working at the time of the accident, such as Joel Moore and the many tractor trailer truck drivers, will likely be entitled to substantial workers' compensation under Georgia law.

Insurance coverage will certainly be limited, given the sheer number of victims and damages. The families of Mr. Moore, Mr. Smith, and Mr. and Ms. Warnock, as well as the many other injured victims, should retain an experienced law firm as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is preserved and their best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm specializes in cases such as this and offers legal expertise, if needed.

If you have any information on this accident or are seeking information, please contact our legal hotline toll free at 888-842-1616.

East and westbound lanes of I-16 were closed for several hours Wednesday as dense fog and smoke from a tanker truck explosion caused a deadly series of accidents, leaving 4 dead and 9 injured.

The accidents began just after 8:00am during the Wednesday morning rush hour commute on I-16 westbound, near the Bleckley and Laurens County lines. Smoke from a tanker trunk explosion, coupled with a dense fog advisory of less than a quarter mile of visibility, created a deadly scenario for rush hour drivers.

According to Twiggs County authorities, two tractor trailers caught fire and one exploded. Emergency crews responded from Twiggs, Bleckley, Laurens, and Wilkinson counties. Hazardous materials were involved, requiring all rescue personnel to initially wear HazMat gear.

In all, seven tractor trailer trucks and 20 other vehicles were involved in the massive I-16 pileup. Traffic was halted in both directions between mile markers 34-37 as injured drivers were transported from the scene to Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin.

The Georgia State Patrol reported 3 dead and 9 injured in total. While eastbound lanes reopened at 12:30pm, emergency crews continue to clear the scene in westbound lanes.

As multiple vehicles and tractor trailer trucks were involved in this horrific accident, injured victims and their families may be entitled to millions of dollars to assist with medical expenses and losses. In addition, those working during the time of this accident, such as the several tractor trailer truck drivers, would likely be entitled to substantial workers' compensation claims for their injuries. Our prayers are with the victims and families involved in this tragic accident and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

If you have any information on this accident or are seeking information, please contact our legal hotline 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.

Georgia Legal Report investigators have uncovered more information on the tragic Saturday morning accident which claimed the life of Loretta Williams and seriously injured Linda Estell.

50-year-old Columbus resident, Loretta Williams, was walking with friends along Steam Mill Road around 6:30am Saturday morning when a Muscogee school district worker drifted off the roadway, onto the sidewalk, fatally striking Ms. Williams and critically injuring 63-year-old Linda Estell. A third pedestrian, Randall Williams, sustained minor injuries.

According to Columbus police, 45-year-old Alfie Johnson was driving westbound down Steam Mill Road in a Muscogee school district issued Ford F-150 truck when he drifted onto the sidewalk and into a group of pedestrians. The accident occurred on Steam Mill Road, down the hill from the Shirley Winston Park entrance, in front of the Pierce Chapel AME Church.

Randall Williams, a witness and friend of Loretta Williams and Linda Estell, was grazed and bruised by the truck as she pushed another walker, Eddie Ford, out of its path. She described the horrific accident for the Ledger Enquirer, "I could feel the truck behind me...I saw his lights out of my peripheral vision, and I could feel him being real close, and I thought, 'He is too close.' And he was on the sidewalk." The pick-up truck continued into Loretta Williams and Linda Estell, who were walking a few feet ahead. "He hit both of my friends, and they flew about 10 feet."

Loretta Williams and Linda Estell were taken to The Medical Center in Columbus. Ms. Williams succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash and, according to her daughter, was pronounced dead at the Columbus Medical Center at 8:25am. Linda Estell has been transferred from the Medical Center to a long term rehabilitation center in Atlanta, suffering incomplete quadriplegia and partial memory loss.

The four walkers were part of a larger walking and exercise club, which met regularly at the Shirley Winston Park. Friend and fellow walking club member, Geneva Turner, said Loretta Williams was dedicated to her health and exercise. "She was proud of the fact that she had lost so much weight; she had got off diabetic medicine; she was no longer a diabetic."

"She and I walked together, every day, seven days a week, and every day, we would pray....She always would encourage me; I would encourage her. We were a family out there. We took care of one another," recalls Randall Williams.

From a hospital bed, Linda Estell learned about Ms. Williams' death. "Oh my God, Oh my God, she was such a good person. She didn't deserve that." Now, she's asking questions about the man who killed her friend and forever changed her life. She wants to know if Mr. Johnson was impaired or texting while driving.

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are also investigating the details of how this horrific accident occurred and whether distraction or impairment were factors in the crash. As it appears Mr. Johnson is at fault in this incident, the family of Loretta Williams may elect to hold him civilly liable for the wrongful death of their family member. Linda Estell may also elect to hold Mr. Johnson civilly liable for her substantial injuries. Total financial recovery could be in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. Of course, compensation is not of importance to a grieving a family, but legal experts warn it is critical that the families retain an experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorney immediately to ensure evidence is preserved and the families 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. Further, as Mr. Johnson appears to have been working for the Muscogee School District at the time of the accident, the county may get involved to protect their interests. As such, having an experienced injury attorney to represent the best interests of the victims through these complex negotiations is essential.

Our prayers are with Linda Estell and the grieving family of Ms. Williams. We offer our legal assistance, if needed. Anyone seeking further information on this tragic accident is encouraged to contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.

SEE UPDATE: Georgia Legal Report investigators have uncovered more information on the tragic Saturday morning accident, which claimed the life of Loretta Williams and Injured Linda Estell.

Loretta Williams of Columbus, GA was taking a morning walk with friends down Steam Mill Road Saturday when a pick-up truck struck and killed her.

Initial police reports indicate Ms. Williams was walking down Steam Mill Road around 6:30am Saturday morning [December 15, 2012] when the driver of a pick-up truck fatally struck her.

Ms. Williams' daughter, Aliyah Bri'Ana Williams, told WTVM Channel 9 that her mother was part of a "group of walking buddies...trying to keep a healthy fit life."

Police have not yet released information on the pick-up truck driver.

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating how this tragic accident occurred. If the driver of the pick-up truck is found to have been at fault in causing this tragedy, the family of Loretta Williams may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for her wrongful death. While compensation is certainly not the family's focus during this time of hardship, it is important that an experienced law firm be retained quickly to ensure that any evidence relating to the accident remains preserved and that the family's interests are protected. All too often evidence critical to a civil claim is destroyed by adverse parties and insurance companies who take advantage of a grieving family.

Though the cause of this tragedy is still under investigation, it comes as pedestrian fatalities are on the rise throughout Georgia. Recent studies show "more Americans are walking for exercise and to avoid paying higher gas prices." At the same time, digital vehicle distractions are growing and the combination is lethal.

DOT Secretary Ray Lahood warns, "Every single time you take your eyes off the road or talk on the phone while you're driving--even for just a few seconds--you put yourself and others in danger."

Please help save lives and keep Georgia roads safe. Put an end to distracted driving!

The Georgia Legal Report will continue to investigate this tragic accident. Anyone seeking further information on this incident is encouraged to contact our legal hotline toll free at 888-842-1616.

Otis Johnson, a 33-year-old Lawrenceville, GA meter service employee, was seriously injured on Monday afternoon after a falling tree limb crushed his city truck.

Mr. Johnson was driving his city-issued Ford Ranger down the 100 block of Stone Mountain Street, near the Constitution Blvd. intersection, around 1:30pm when strong winds and heavy rain toppled a large oak tree limb onto the roof and windshield of his truck. Mr. Johnson lost control and the vehicle continued through the intersection, crashing into a Chevy pickup truck, which had been involved in another accident only moments earlier.

The Jaws of Life were needed to free Mr. Johnson from his truck and he was rushed to the Gwinnett Medical Center with severe head and facial injuries. Mr. Johnson's family and community have rallied around him in support.

Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson extended thoughts and prayers to Mr. Johnson's family on Monday, "Our hearts are with Otis Johnson and his family during this time of extreme uncertainty."

Mr. Johnson's brother-in-law, James Horn, reports, "They did surgery last night to remove pressure from his brain and tonight they're doing facial surgery....He's in good spirits and has a lot of family and people to support him and his wife, Mandy."

According to workers' compensation experts at The Murray Law Firm of Georgia, as the incident occurred in a workplace setting, Otis Johnson will almost certainly be entitled to significant compensation under the Workers' Compensation laws of Georgia. Legal experts warn, however, employers and insurance companies are concerned with limiting their financial exposure and without an experienced lawyer protecting the interests of these families, the value of these claims may be adversely affected. Although Mr. Johnson's family is focused on his recovery, it is imperative they secure experienced legal representation quickly.

The Georgia Legal Report will continue to monitor this incident. If you are seeking information pertaining to this case or are in need of legal assistance, please contact The Murray Law Firm toll-free at 888.842.1616.