Williams & Associates PCFindLaw IM Template2024-03-08T04:10:20Zhttps://www.williamsandassoc.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1400286/2020/09/cropped-favicon-new-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Williams & Associates PChttps://www.williamsandassoc.com/?p=470712024-03-08T04:10:20Z2024-03-08T04:10:20ZWhiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from motor vehicle accidents. It occurs when a person’s head jolts sharply forward and then back upon impact and can cause pain, stiffness, headache and limited range of motion. Usually, those involved in rear-end collisions are most likely to sustain this injury. Whiplash often clears up on its own within a few weeks.
Broken bones
Depending on the severity of an accident, victims can suffer simple or compound fractures. The former causes a clean break, but the latter results in out-of-place bone penetrating the skin. Broken arms and ribs are the most likely of these injuries to occur.
Lacerations and soft tissue injuries
Lacerations and other soft tissue injuries occur in crashes when a person comes into contact with broken glass or metal. It can also happen when loose objects in the vehicle go flying and strike the occupant. Although some of these injuries are minor and can heal quickly, others are worse and require surgery.
Brain injuries
Car accidents can cause traumatic brain injury when a person hits their head on the dashboard or a window or when something breaks and penetrates their skull. Mild concussions are the most common form of this injury, but in severe crashes, it’s possible to suffer permanent brain damage.
Spinal injuries
Spinal injuries stemming from car accidents are often catastrophic and can result in damaged or broken vertebrae, limited range of motion and chronic pain. In the worst-case scenario, a victim can be left paralyzed from the waist down or neck down.]]>On Behalf of Williams & Associates PChttps://www.williamsandassoc.com/?p=470682023-12-12T07:30:21Z2023-12-12T07:30:21ZSpeed-related accidents
The NHTSA considers motor vehicle accidents to be speed-related when one of the drivers involved was cited for speeding, exceeding the posted speed limit, racing, or traveling too fast for prevailing road conditions. According to the FARS data speeding is a particularly serious problem in the District of Columbia. Between 2012 and 2021, almost half of the deadly traffic accidents in the nation’s capital involved a driver who was speeding. In Georgia, 17.6% of the fatal accidents that took pace in 2020 were speed-related.
Risk factors
Closer scrutiny of the NHTSA data reveals that some road users are far more likely to lose their lives in speed-related accidents. Motorcycle riders are more likely to be killed in traffic accidents involving excess speed than passenger vehicle drivers, and men crash while speeding more often than women. The data also shows that young male drivers are the demographic group that is most likely to be killed in speed-related accidents. In 2021, more than 30% of the male drivers under the age of 25 who were involved in fatal accidents were speeding when they crashed. Among female drivers under the age of 25, that figure was 19%.
More rigorous policing
Many experts believe that the worrying rise in speed-related traffic deaths is largely due to reckless driving habits that motorists developed when travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders emptied the nation’s roads starting in 2020. If these experts are correct, more rigorous policing and harsher penalties for dangerous driving could help to solve the problem. When the consequences of reckless behavior are severe and the chances of being pulled over are high, drivers tend to behave more responsibly.]]>On Behalf of Williams & Associates PChttps://www.williamsandassoc.com/?p=469112023-09-11T00:51:03Z2023-09-08T00:49:27ZUnderstanding lost wages
Lost wages refer to salaries and earnings lost due to injuries or disability resulting from motor vehicle accidents. This includes both past and future wages, representing the income an accident victim would have earned had the crash not occurred. Lost wages are generally lumped together with other damages as part of a personal injury claim or lawsuit. If you're unable to work because of your injuries, you may be able to recoup those lost wages through an insurance settlement or court claim.
Proving lost wages
It is important to provide sufficient evidence to back up your claim, such as pay stubs, W-2 or 1099 forms, tax returns, timesheets, employment contracts or any other documentation that shows the income you would have earned had the accident not happened. You should also be able to provide evidence showing a timeline of your missed employment days.
Additionally, you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor documenting the severity and duration of your injuries and how it affects your capacity to work. He or she can testify in court as to how long you'll be out of commission and when they expect you to return to work.
Timeline for seeking lost wages in Georgia
In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for lost wages. However, a judge may elongate this timeline if your case is especially complex or involves multiple defendants.
Understanding your rights and the potential compensation you're entitled to can significantly ease the financial strain of an unexpected car accident. Remember, it's not just about making ends meet while you're unable to work. You must secure the financial future you were on track to have before the accident.]]>On Behalf of Williams & Associates PChttps://www.williamsandassoc.com/?p=468382023-07-20T05:29:55Z2023-06-06T22:50:41ZDistracted driving
It's not hard to find plenty of potential distractions while driving. Pedestrians, large billboards or a collision can take your attention away from what's around you. Sometimes, drivers can refocus their attention and continue driving safely. However, other drivers take their eyes off the road and wind up in motor vehicle accidents. One of the most common causes of distracted driving is when the driver pays too much attention to their smartphone.
Being too tired to drive
Living in such a fast-paced world can make some people over-commit to their jobs or other people. If this happens, it could result in someone who's far too tired to drive forcing themselves to reach a destination. Driving while tired can cause someone to momentarily doze off behind the wheel or completely fall asleep as their car barrels down the road.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Other leading accident causes involve drugs, alcohol or both. During a typical year, drugs and alcohol usage causes 25% to 33% of all collisions on U.S. roads involving fatalities. Alcohol or drugs can drastically impair your ability to judge distances and control your vehicle. Driving under the influence also slows your reaction times, potentially increasing your risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident.
It's impossible to know the condition of other drivers. However, by following speed limits, paying close attention and keeping a safe distance from other drivers, you can help reduce the risk of being in a car collision.]]>On Behalf of Williams & Associates PChttps://www.williamsandassoc.com/?p=468252023-07-20T05:30:00Z2023-03-13T22:05:05ZUnavoidable accidents
Motor vehicle accidents involving flying wheels are generally impossible for victims to avoid. Victims are caught off-guard and hit before they even realize what's happening. In addition to motor vehicle drivers, victims can include pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists.
Those at high-risk for flying wheel accidents include road repair workers, transportation workers and state police officers. People in these professions spend significant time on roads and highways without protection from flying debris.
The aftermath of flying wheel accidents
Determining the cause of these accidents helps make trucks safer. Finding the cause makes it easier for manufacturers and trucking companies to prevent similar accidents.
There are several reasons why such an accident could occur. One of the most common reasons is old and worn-out truck parts. A broken or rusted axle can cause a wheel and tire to detach from a truck. It’s also possible that manufacturing errors, lack of maintenance or improperly installed parts can cause a flying wheel accident.
In most accidents involving flying wheels and tires, investigators want the repair and maintenance records of the truck involved. It’s common to discover that issues were identified but never repaired.
Relief for victims
United States law requires that commercial trucking companies have liability insurance. The coverage generally provides at least $1 million in benefits for injuries and helps victims receive compensation for injuries and damages caused by negligent trucking companies.]]>On Behalf of Williams & Associates PChttps://www.williamsandassoc.com/?p=468182023-12-05T08:56:11Z2023-03-13T19:51:45Z
Tarisha Wimbley is originally from Broward County, Florida, but in 2006 she relocated to Henry County, Georgia with her four children. Tarisha has an Associates Degree in Applied Science, Paralegal Studies from Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin, Georgia, which she obtained in 2015. She has work experience in Employment/Labor Law, Family Law, and she has spent the past 8 years working in the Personal Injury field. She started working at Williams and Associates in 2023 as a Litigation Paralegal.
Apart from her legal career, Tarisha is a Master Licensed Nail Technician, which showcases her creativity and attention to detail. She enjoys attending church services, volunteering in the nursery, and participating in praise and worship. In her free time, she enjoys attending sporting events where her son and grandson participate.
Tarisha's goal is to create a lasting legacy for her children and grandchildren while also building and growing with Williams and Associates. Tarisha looks beyond reality and she truly believes that we must trust the process- things are not always what they seem!]]>On Behalf of Williams & Associates PChttps://www.williamsandassoc.com/?p=468102023-07-20T05:30:17Z2023-03-12T23:11:05Z auto insurance is important:
It protects you if you are at fault for a Collision.
It can compensate you for a Collision caused by someone else.
It can help protect your assets.
It can cover you for bodily injury if the at-fault driver left the scene.
It can cover your passengers.
It can cover you for bodily injury when the at-fault driver did not have enough coverage
It can compensate you for property damage repairs to your vehicle.
It can supplement your health insurance.
Clickhere to read about the different types of auto insurance policies.]]>On Behalf of Williams & Associates PChttps://www.williamsandassoc.com/?p=467802023-12-05T09:07:50Z2023-03-12T22:55:44Z
Nikki was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her paralegal career began in 2011 in Atlanta Georgia and she started working at Williams and Associates in 2023. In a short time, Nikki discovered her love for personal injury law and helping her community. Nikki has a strong passion for helping others obtain justice and fair treatment which translates into every aspect of her work and personal life. Nikki is a community activist, hosting panels, protests, toy and food drives and doing hands on community outreach work. In the future Nikki has dreams of starting her own law firm and owning a nonprofit that helps her community. Nikki also has a passion for art. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two children and traveling to see her family in Jamaica.
Nikki’s favorite quote is “It always seems impossible until it’s done” by Nelson Mandella. Nikki's life is a reflection of these words.]]>On Behalf of Williams & Associates PChttps://www.williamsandassoc.com/?p=467872023-07-20T05:30:30Z2022-12-12T22:43:51ZUnderstanding wrongful death in Georgia
Under Georgia law, a wrongful death lawsuit arises when a person dies due to the actions of another person or entity. This applies in cases involving negligence, intentional harm, recklessness or defectively manufactured products. In addition, a wrongful death lawsuit can arise if the deceased person would have been able to bring a personal injury claim had they survived. This may include medical malpractice, defective drugs and dangerous property conditions.
Individuals that can file for wrongful death in Georgia
Georgia law allows only the administrator or executor of the deceased estate to file a wrongful death suit. However, certain family members are also eligible to file such a suit against the responsible party. These include surviving spouses, parents of minor children who are under 18 years old when filing the suit, adult children and any other survivors who were dependent on the deceased’s financial support at the time of their passing.
Time limit to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia
Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death cases. This means that the family members or administrators of the deceased estate need to file their claim within two years of their loved one’s passing; otherwise, they will not be able to do so.
Damages available in wrongful death lawsuits in Georgia
In Georgia, the court usually awards damages based on economic losses such as medical expenses and funeral costs incurred by the family due to the death. In addition, close relatives can also recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering brought about by the deceased untimely death. Furthermore, the judge might also punish the responsible party with punitive damages if they acted in a particularly malicious or reckless manner when causing the death.
A wrongful death lawsuit can help provide closure and justice for the family of the deceased, as well as seek financial compensation for them. You should also know that all wrongful death damages are non-taxable except for punitive damages.]]>On Behalf of Williams & Associates PChttps://www.williamsandassoc.com/?p=467432023-07-20T05:30:35Z2022-09-09T05:31:44ZThe dangers of reckless driving
Reckless driving involves more than committing a moving violation, which is hazardous in and of itself. A reckless driver shows blatant disregard for others' safety. Someone who becomes impatient at stalled city traffic may turn the vehicle to travel the wrong way on a one-way street. Such behaviors could lead to a collision due to excessively reckless behavior.
More common examples of reckless driving involve excessive speeding at unsafe levels and tailgating. Both reflect the dangers of impatience and a casual attitude towards collision risks.
Drunk driving also reflects reckless behavior since a driver might be too impaired to perceive road conditions or react effectively. Even someone taking a legally approved medical prescription might suffer the same effects.
Reckless driving and its consequences
Reckless drivers often cause fatal motor vehicle accidents. The aftermath may lead them to face vehicular manslaughter charges and wrongful death lawsuits. Even when the victims survive terrible crashes, their injuries could leave them suffering permanent disabilities. These victims might rely on a lawsuit or insurance settlement to cover their expenses and suffering.
Even when an accident results in lesser injuries, such as whiplash or sprains, the victims may suffer losses from missed work and health care costs. Lawsuits might be the only way for these victims to recover losses that may be more than initially believed.]]>