Atlanta, Savannah, & All of Georgia

Teenagers literally think differently. Increasing scientific evidence has found that teens' brains are physically different from adults and still developing. That's why teenagers often do things that make people think, "What were they thinking?"

On the road, that can translate into erratic behavior behind the wheel. That's why many states have strict laws specifically for teen drivers. Georgia has laws governing teenage drivers designed to keep everyone on the road accident free. Such laws limit when teens in Georgia under 18 years old can drive. Teenage drivers in Georgia must also have no major traffic violations in order to obtain a full driver's license.

Such laws may sound strict. But they aren't tough enough, according to a recent study advocating nationwide phased-in teen driving rules. If every state had tougher phased-in teen driving laws, an estimated 2,000 traffic fatalities each year nationwide could be prevented, according to a detailed study done by the National Safety Council, which researched the issue for the Allstate Foundation.

Auto accidents involving teenage drivers in Georgia can happen in an instant. But the effects can last a lifetime. Unsure what to do? You need an experienced Atlanta teen auto accident attorney on your side. You need the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. Serving clients in Georgia, our knowledgeable attorneys have worked with many accident victims to help them decide what to do, including whether to file an auto accident lawsuit in Atlanta, GA. An auto accident can be overwhelming. You might not be able to work for weeks or months. You may become physically disabled. Don't suffer in silence. Take action. Contact an Atlanta auto accident attorney who demands justice. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates.

An estimated 41 lives in Georgia could be saved every year if every state nationwide adopted tougher phased-in teen driving privileges, according to the Allstate Foundation. Countless more injuries could be prevented too. Don't leave your future to chance. If you've been injured in an auto accident, take back control. Contact a law firm eager to work for you. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates.

March 6, 2012, Atlanta, GA - A bicyclist was hit by a drunk driver at approximately 1 a.m. on Wednesday morning in Buckhead and sustained serious injuries including a broken leg, broken ribs and possible head trauma, according to the AJC news article.

Christopher Hamer-Hodges was hit at the intersection of Peachtree Road and West Paces Ferry by an intoxicated driver. David Seigel was driving under the influence when he hit the cyclist.

Hamer-Hodges was thrown from the bike and quickly taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for urgent care. Seigel did not stop and was later pulled over by police where he was given a breathalyzer. He blew a 1.42 ad was charged with DUI, reckless driving and following too closely, according to the news report.

Gary Martin Hays has given away over 1000 bicycle helmets and sponsored hundreds of public service announcements about bike safety to help prevent the tragedies such as this one.

"I have seen so many terrible bicycle accidents and my law firm is very active and supportive of educating the community on bicycle safety. We hate to see these victims suffer, as the injuries they sustain usually are so severe," said Hays.

Bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians are at great risk when traveling along Atlanta roads, especially at night when the risk of drunk drivers on the road increase. Other motorists often fail to notice pedestrians and cyclists, putting them at serious risk for injury and fatality. The impact of an accident such as this can leave permanent physical and emotional damage.

Don't waste another minute wondering if the insurance company will compensate you for your injuries. Call the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays for your free legal consultation. Our expertly trained staff knows exactly how to help you through this difficult time and we will make sure you are represented fairly. You have nothing to lose: 1-800-898-HAYS

For daily updates and tips on safety, follow us on Facebook on The Safety Lawyer page: www.facebook.com/thesafetylawyer .

Texting while driving continues to put people using Georgia's roads in danger. A recent study revealed more people texting while driving in recent years. Two out of every 10 drivers admitted they did it occasionally. And for young people between 21 and 24 years old, the number was one out of two.

Auto accidents involving texting drivers happen fast. What would you do if you were injured in Georgia by a texting driver?  You need a texting auto accident attorney in Georgia in your corner. You need the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. Serving clients in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, our lawyers have dedicated their careers to helping accident victims, including working with people to decide if they should file an auto accident lawsuit in Atlanta, GA. We work tirelessly with one goal in mind: to get accident victims the compensation they rightfully deserve. Don't leave your future to chance. Contact an auto accident attorney in Georgia who fights for justice. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates.

State officials believe there could be a link between increase in texting while driving and the explosion in the number of new cell phones. "In 2000 there were 97 million subscribers," said Spencer Moore, deputy director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. "In 2009, there were nearly 300 million. As those numbers continue to go up, certainly that increases the exposure and opportunity for folks to text and drive."

Texting auto accidents happen fast in Georgia. If you've been injured in a car crash caused by a texting driver, take back control. Contact a Georgia accident attorney who puts people first. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. We're on your side.

Texting while driving continues to put people using Georgia's roads in danger. A recent study revealed more people texting while driving in recent years. Two out of every 10 drivers admitted they did it occasionally. And for young people between 21 and 24 years old, the number was one out of two.

Auto accidents involving texting drivers happen fast. What would you do if you were injured in Georgia by a texting driver?  You need a texting auto accident attorney in Georgia in your corner. You need the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. Serving clients in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, our lawyers have dedicated their careers to helping accident victims, including working with people to decide if they should file an auto accident lawsuit in Atlanta, GA. We work tirelessly with one goal in mind: to get accident victims the compensation they rightfully deserve. Don't leave your future to chance. Contact an auto accident attorney in Georgia who fights for justice. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates.

State officials believe there could be a link between increase in texting while driving and the explosion in the number of new cell phones. "In 2000 there were 97 million subscribers," said Spencer Moore, deputy director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. "In 2009, there were nearly 300 million. As those numbers continue to go up, certainly that increases the exposure and opportunity for folks to text and drive."

Texting auto accidents happen fast in Georgia. If you've been injured in a car crash caused by a texting driver, take back control. Contact a Georgia accident attorney who puts people first. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. We're on your side.

By: Laura Kelly

A new smartphone application has been developed by Georgia state officials to cut down on drunk driving this New Year's Eve and Super Bowl Sunday. The Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) created the "Drive Sober Georgia" application to provide party-goers with a list of contacts for free sober rides.

Starting Dec. 16 to Jan 2, law enforcement officers all over Georgia will be strictly enforcing zero tolerance and on the lookout for drivers under the influence with their "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign. Any driver with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher will be arrested immediately and taken to jail.

Not only is driving under the influence putting yourself in serious danger, it effects everyone on the road. This time of year there is a significant increase in impaired drivers. Stay alert and watch out for suspicious drivers who are swerving, failing to maintain lane, driving aggressively or speeding.

"Always have a plan to have a sober ride home if you plan on drinking while out at a party. If you find that you have had too much to drink, please, call a taxi," said Atlanta personal injury lawyer, Gary Martin Hays. "Driving under the influence puts yourself and others at serious risk."

If you have been hit by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Don't suffer in silence. Being injured due to someone else's negligence can leave you seriously injured and out of work. Attorneys at The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates are ready to fight the insurance companies for you. Call us today, 1-800-898-HAYS for your free legal consultation.

By Laura Kelly

Over the holiday weekend, four motorists were killed in Georgia. The Georgia State Patrol reported 169 injuries and 280 wrecks during the 78-hour period ending on Monday night.

Cobb county resident, Eric Lynch, 18, was killed on Christmas night. Lynch lost control of his vehicle after speeding down the wet pavement of Pisgah Road and hit a utility pole, as reported by Cobb County spokesman Mike Bowman. Lynch was not wearing a seatbelt.

Another death occurred early Monday morning involving a driver not wearing a seat belt. 27-year-old David Jones, of Powder Springs, was killed near Five Oaks Place in Mableton after his Ford F-150 ran off the road and hit several trees. Jones was pronounced dead on the scene. Alcohol use is being considered a factor in the accident, said Bowman.

Buckling up can save your life. Hundreds of drivers are affected by alcohol, fatigue, bad weather and traffic jams, especially during the holidays, making Georgia's highways a dangerous place.

"It is so sad to hear about these accidents, especially during the holidays. My deepest sympathies go out to the family members of the drivers," said Atlanta personal injury lawyer, Gary Martin Hays. "When traveling this holiday season, make sure to buckle up and slow down, especially if the roads are wet. Speeding won't help you to get your destination any faster. Your safety is the number one priority. Don't risk it."

Attorneys at The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays and Associates specialize in personal injury claims. If you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident, call us today. Don't fight the insurance companies by yourself. Our expertly trained staff will settle your claim and get you the compensation you deserve. Call 1-800-989-HAYS for your free consultation.

The number of fatal motor vehicle accidents in Georgia has decreased steadily in recent years. But while the number of fatalities has declined, the financial impact of a fatal auto accident has skyrocketed in both states and nationwide. In 2009, the cost of a single motor vehicle fatality exceeded $6 million nationwide, according to federal accident data analyzed by AAA. That figure is 85 percent - or $2.76 million - higher compared to 2005, when the estimated cost of a single motor vehicle fatality was $3.24 million across the country.

What would your family do if you lost a loved in a fatal car crash in Georgia? Who would you trust? You need a dedicated Georgia fatal auto accident attorney on your side. You need the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. Serving clients in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon and all of Georgia, our knowledgeable fatal auto accident attorneys in Atlanta have spent their careers working tirelessly for the rights of clients. We understand how frustrating and complicated an accident can be for families dealing with the aftermath of losing a loved one. Allow us to deal with all the red tape associated with an accident so you can focus on your recovery. Put your trust in a fatal auto accident lawyer in Georgia who puts people first. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates.

The number of people who died in motor vehicle accidents in Georgia has declined in recent years. In 2005, a total of 1,729 people died in auto accidents statewide. In contrast, 1,284 people died in car crashes in Georgia in 2009, according to the most recent statistics.

Accidents happen fast. But the effects can last a lifetime. Don't worry about whether you're doing the right thing after your family's accident. Consult with someone familiar with handling such complex situations. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. Your initial consultation is free. It's that simple.

The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates - we're on your side.

By: Laura Kelly

Last Monday, a 27-year-old man, Seth Atkinson Jr., was killed at a road side construction site inside the gated subdivision at Landings Way South in Savannah. 66-year-old, Carmencita Limosnero, hit four workers and a dump truck that was in the roadway and a backhoe tractor located in the median of the road, according to the news report.

Three of the workmen were taken to Memorial University Medical Center with injuries and Atkinson died at the scene at 12:16pm. Limosnero was taken to the hospital also, but with no reported injuries. The workers were repairing the pavement at the apartment complex and they were all employed by Groundworks Unlimited.

"On-the-job accidents can be life altering and some cases such as this, fatal. My condolences go out to the families that are affected by this accident," said personal injury lawyer, Gary Martin Hays. "If someone is injured on a construction site or due to someone else's negligence, they may be entitled to more compensation through a third-party claim. It is important that a thorough investigation is conducted. The workers and their families deserve to receive rightful and fair compensation for their loss." See: construction accident lawyer Georiga

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates are ready to fight the insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve. Work-related injuries can leave you out of a job and in debt from medical expenses. Call us today 770-934-8000.

By Laura Kelly

Georgia's highways are most dangerous around the holiday season. Trips are longer and traffic jams are more frequent. Travelers are more anxious to get to their destination, speeds increase and so does fatigue. Late night holiday celebrations leave some drivers intoxicated, putting you at the mercy of their impaired state. Add in a mix of icy weather conditions and you have a very dangerous commute ahead.

A report conducted by the Crash Reporting Unit at the Georgia Department of Transportation revealed that during the 2010 Thanksgiving weekend there were a total of 2,571 crashes, 1,099 injuries and 13 traffic deaths.

A major cause of accidents in the US is driver fatigue. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there are estimated to be 56,000 sleep related road crashes annually, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities. Fatigue can cause drivers to become delusional, careless and even fall asleep at the wheel. Often they fail to maintain lane and overcorrect, resulting in a car accident.  Here are a few tips we would like to share with you to avoid driver fatigue:

• Be sure to get plenty of rest before you get behind the wheel, especially if it is a long trip.
• Take breaks every two hours to maximize alertness.
• Eat healthy snacks and avoid high sugar, high fat foods.
• If someone is traveling with you, split up the drive and take turns behind the wheel.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages- not even a little. Stick with caffeine or water.

The National Transportation Safety Board announced the week of November 6-12 to be "Drowsy Driving Prevention Week."  NTSB Chairman Deborah A. P. Hersman said, "Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is an ideal time to remind drivers that being well rested is a safety measure that can save lives 52 weeks a year," Hersman said. "If you can't stay alert, then stay off the road."

Every year, we handle thousands of claims on behalf of people injured in car wrecks, tractor trailer wrecks, and motorcycle collisions.  Sadly, some of our clients have lost a loved one because of someone else's negligence in a wreck.  Often times, we represent people who have never been through this legal process.

"This holiday season stay alert and be aware of dangerous drivers. You may not be sleepy, and you may not be drunk, but the driver in the car or truck next to you could be," said Gary Martin Hays.

Don't become a statistic. If you have been injured in a car accident, call The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates at 770-934-8000. Our expertly trained staff of attorneys and paralegals is ready to assist you in your personal injury case.

Georgia is one of 34 states nationwide that bans people from texting while driving. Distracted driving kills and injuries thousands of people nationwide every year. Even so, many people continue to text and drive because they think they can do both safely at the same time. Think again. A recent study revealed some startling information about the effects of texting on a driver's reaction time. According to the study, drivers react twice as slow while texting.

What would you do if you were injured by a texting driver in Georgia?  You need a determined texting accident lawyer in Georgia on your side. You need the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. Serving clients in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, our experienced distracted driving attorneys in Atlanta, GA take great pride in working on behalf of clients every day. We work tirelessly with one goal in mind: to get accident victims the compensation they rightfully deserve. Serious accidents demand serious attention. Contact an auto accident attorney in Georgia who will put your interests first. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates.

Results from the recent scientific study conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute revealed some shocking information. Using a closed road, the scientific test involved drivers attempting to read or write a text message while driving on an open road and a section of roadway lined with construction barrels. Throughout the test, drivers who were texting reacted much slower than the test subjects who were not texting. "It is frightening," the researchers wrote, "to think of how much more poorly our participants may have performed if the driving conditions were more consistent with routine driving."

Texting accidents happen fast on Georgia's roads and highways. Don't suffer in silence. If you've been injured in an accident, take action. Contact a Georgia accident attorney who will fight for your rights. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. We're on your side.