Drunk Driving Liability
Category RSS FeedA year of bright ideas in advocacy
No matter how many years a lawyer has practiced, there is no end to the need for exposure to bright new ideas from the best lawyers around the United States.
Over the past year, I had the opportunity to serve as chair of the Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability Section of the American Association … Continue Reading
Georgia cracks down on boating under the influence
Georgia cracks down on boating under the influence
Every summer thousands of metro Atlanta residents take to the surrounding lakes in boats. And every summer we see fresh cases of boating accidents, often collisions between watercraft in which someone is drinking alcohol, often at night, killing or injuring people involved. Boating under the influence is a … Continue Reading
The learning curve of a bar president
In the past 10 days this plaintiffs’ trial lawyer, in the capacity of State Bar of Georgia president, has co-presided over a joint meeting of the State Bar Executive Committee and the Georgia Supreme Court, had a joint press conference with the Attorney General of Georgia and spoke at a lunch meeting that included general … Continue Reading
Trial preparation – field investigation
As president of the State Bar of Georgia, I often have occasion to speak at events that extend beyond my own personal injury, wrongful death and commercial trucking law practice. The following is excerpted from my presentation — “Trial Preparation: 30 tips in 30 Minutes” – at the Georgia Law of … Continue Reading
When drunk bought 12 pack, then killed 6, convenience store accountable under Georgia dram shop law
The Georgia Supreme Court issued a landmark decision today, in FLORES et al. v. EXPREZIT! STORES, holding that a convenience store that sold a 12 pack of beer to a visibly intoxicated customer could be accountable for the injuries and deaths that resulted.
The Georgia dram shop statute, OCGA § 51-1-40, provides:
(a) The General Assembly finds … Continue Reading
Should all convicted drunk drivers be required to pay for ignition interlocks as condition of probation?
Should all convicted drunk drivers be required to use an ignition interlock device at their expense as a condition of probation?
Ignition interlocks, or in-car breathalyzers, are devices that can be installed in vehicles to prevent people who have consumed alcohol from driving. They are most often installed after a driver has … Continue Reading
DUI in BMW kills woman in Atlanta, freed on bond
On September 4th in Atlanta, Angel Rivers, 21, was ejected and killed in a fiery crash when the Chrysler in which she was an occupant was rear-ended by a drunk driver. Witnesses saw Donis Hodges recklessly driving a 2006 BMW M6 just before he crashed into the Chrysler near Hamilton E. Holmes Drive.
Charges against Hodges … Continue Reading
Victims of drunk driving can seek justice in civil lawsuits
Drunk drivers may be held financially accountable for injury or wrongful death.
Continue reading…
Gwinnett mom killed by drunk speeding through neighborhood
This news story brings out the old prosecutor in me.
Sunday evening in Gwinnett County, a young mom walked out to the street to tell a driver who had repeatedly sped through her neighborhood to slow down.
But the allegedly drunk driver ran off the road and hit her, crushing her between the front of his truck … Continue Reading
MADD proposes ignition interlocks for all drunk drivers
As an Atlanta personal injury trial lawyer, I have been pleased to sponsor the Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Georgia web site. (See the extremely small print with no hyperlink at the very bottom of the home page.)
Now MADD is proposing legislation to require DUI offenders to have ignition interlock devices — an electronic gadget … Continue Reading
