Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
A tragic accident happened earlier this month in Forsyth County, which led to an 11 year old girl becoming critically injured, and later dying at the hospital.
The two-car accident occurred when the young girl’s mother was headed southbound on Old Atlanta Road near Estates of Old Atlanta subdivision when she apparently lost control while on a curve. Her car traveled into the southbound lane and struck a Honda Odyssey. The mother was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, an 11 year old family friend, was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries to her face.
The driver of the Honda Odyssey was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A seven year old passenger in the van was transported to the hospital for treatment of a broken arm.
Investigators believe that the rainy weather conditions were a contributing factor in the crash.
Sadly, this tragedy is just one of many reported recently whereby at least one individual was killed as a result of a vehicle crossing over into oncoming traffic.
Although it was not reported in this case, in many collisions, crossing over the yellow line occurs when a driver is engaging in distracted driving.
Distracted driving occurs whenever a driver diverts his or her attention from the most important task at hand: driving itself. While the possibilities are potentially endless for what could distract a driver, the most common culprits are activities such as the following:
- Handheld cell phone use
- Personal grooming, such as applying makeup
- Interacting with passengers, whether friends, children, etc.
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio, music, or other device
Georgia law currently prohibits all drivers from texting while driving, and handheld cellphone use is prohibited while driving for all bus drivers and novice drivers. The legislature recently rejected a more far-reaching distracted driving law, which would have prohibited other distracted activities, such as eating, grooming, and writing while driving. According to distraction.gov, an estimated 10% of collisions in 2011 were believed to be caused as a result of distracted driving, and with the increased use of smartphones, that number is likely to increase.
The reason for the collision is relevant because it can provide a basis for liability. If the driver responsible for causing the collision was distracted, this can provide a foundation for a negligence lawsuit. Negligence claims that the driver was not driving in a manner that a reasonably prudent (safe) driver would have, and that this failure resulted in causing harm to the plaintiff (person bringing the lawsuit).
If you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed, in a car accident due to another individual’s negligent driving, you should consult with an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney immediately. Stephen Ozcomert is a knowledgeable personal injury attorney with over 20 years of experience in representing individuals and their families who have been injured as a result of the negligent or reckless driving of others in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. Our firm is dedicated to treating our clients to the highest ethical standards, and treating each client with the personal attention and highest quality representation that they deserve. Contact us today in order to schedule your free initial consultation. You can reach us by calling (404)-370-1000 or through our website.
More Blog Posts:
Two DeKalb Police Officers involved in Serious Car Accidents within Two Week Span, Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 12, 2013
Tragic Rollover Crash on I-85 in Duluth Ends in Tragedy, Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 29, 2013