Marietta Injury Lawyer Blog

Free Thumb Socks! New Campaign to Stop Texting & Driving

August 1, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

I just finished up a case where a violent head on collision was caused by a texting teen. In my case, luckily no one was killed, but texting and driving is a huge problem that is killing American teens. Do Something.org’s Thumb Wars is a national campaign to help educate drivers on the dangers of texting and driving. Check out the site, they have free thumb socks! What are thumb socks you ask? Watch the video.

In the video above Ken Jeong (Community, The Hangover) and Joel McHale (Community, The Soup) share the sobering fact that car accidents are the leading cause of teen deaths in the U.S., while demonstrating how difficult it is to text when your thumbs are wearing socks.

In an attempt to fix this huge problem, the State of Georgia recently passed a law banning texting while driving. So who knows, if fear of a big traffic ticket doesn’t stop the problem, maybe thumb socks will.

Attorney Ben Persons Receives 10 out of 10 Superb AVVO Rating

August 1, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Avvo is a leading lawyer rating website that rates and profiles lawyers in every state to help consumers evaluate and select an excellent lawyer for their needs. The primary focus of Avvo’s ratings are 1) Experience, 2) Industry Recognition, and 3) Professional Conduct. Recently, they have given Persons Firm attorney, Ben Persons, Avvo’s highest possible endorsement 10 out of 10, Superb. The Persons Firm is proud to congratulate Ben Persons on this prestigious achievement.

Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Answers Frequently Asked Diminished Value Questions

July 28, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Most people know how collision and liability property damage claims work following a car accident. However, from my experience as a Car Accident Lawyer, most people are confused when it comes to diminished value claims. Over the years, I’ve been asked so many questions about diminished value, I thought it would be helpful to put together this brief guide.

1. What is diminished value?

Simply put, it is the value a vehicle loses as a result of being in a collision. No matter how good the repairs, a wrecked car is never going to be worth as much as a similar car that has never been in an accident. Think about it this way, you are looking for a used car, and the dealership shows you two gorgeous identical cars listed at the same price. The only difference, the Carfax reports show one of the two cars was once involved in a car accident at some point. Which car would you buy?

A recent consumer survey indicated 55% of potential buyers would never buy a vehicle with a prior accident history. Additionally, those surveyed that indicated they would buy a wrecked vehicle said they would have to be given a large discount to make the purchase. In many instances, not only should the insurance company pay to repair your vehicle but they should also pay you for your vehicle’s diminished value. Valid claims should always be pursued. In many cases, I’ve seen diminished value claims worth several thousand dollars.

2. Has my vehicle suffered diminished value?

The short answer is that depends. If before the accident your vehicle was relatively new, in good condition, with no significant prior accident history, with significant current property damage then you certainly have a diminished value claim. The value of the claim will vary based on numerous factors. For example, $5,000 in repairs for collision damage will have a larger impact on the value of your car than $5,000 in repairs to paint over cosmetic damage. Along those same lines, if your vehicle already had a significant accident history, suffered minimal accident damage, then your claim will probably have little or no value. Most lawyers offer free consultations. If the insurance company is making you a diminished value offer that seems too low, it might be a good idea to contact a lawyer for a free consultation.

Crime Stoppers Tip Leads to Capture in Fatal Hit and Run Incident

July 27, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Atlanta has seen a flood of wrongful death and catastrophic injuries caused by hit and run drivers this summer. Numerous metro area police departments are pursuing active hit and run investigations. This week DeKalb county caught the man believed to be responsible for the fatal hit and run collision on Flat Shoals road June 12, 2010. The man charged with vehicular homicide is a Cobb County school administrator and WSBTV has the full story.

According to police investigators, a Crime Stoppers tip led to the accused’s arrest in this case. It is good to see the victim’s family get justice thanks to programs like Crime Stoppers. The program works. If you have information about a hit and run incident or other crime you can call Crime Stoppers at (404) 577-TIPS, (404) 577-8477.

Sandy Springs Police Looking for Car Involved in Deadly Hit and Run

July 26, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Today, a Lexus LS 460, like the vehicle pictured to the left, struck and killed a pedestrian walking next to Roswell Road. According to the Sandy Springs Police the Lexus left the road, struck a man walking on the sidewalk, and immediately left the scene.

We have seen a rash of horrific hit and run incidents in Atlanta this summer. One report after another of cowards with complete disregard for human life leaving the scene of accidents hoping to avoid traffic citations. Hopefully, they will catch this one. The Police believe the Lexus was black or gray in color and likely has damage to the right front fender and right headlight.

If you know anything about this incident or see a Lexus LS 460 with similar damage call the Sandy Springs Police Department at 770-551-6900

Victim Seriously Injured in Cobb County Hit and Run Collision

July 25, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Smyrna Police are looking for the driver of a 2001 or 2002 white Chevrolet Camaro involved in a hit and run incident, Saturday night, July 17th. According to the police investigation, the Camaro struck a parked car and while attempting to flee the scene struck a young woman causing serious injuries. The 17 year old woman was taken to Grady for treatment and according to a recent Marietta Daily Journal report is still in intensive care.

It is appalling a young woman is in intensive care because the Camaro’s driver did not want to take responsibility for causing a simple traffic accident. Smyrna Police believe the left front quarter panel and driver’s side door of the white Camaro are damaged and the car is likely missing the driver’s side mirror. If you have any information about this incident call the Smyrna Police at (770) 434-6666 or (770) 434-9481

The Persons Firm Welcomes New Baby, Oliver Samuel Persons

July 25, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

On June 21st, the Persons family was blessed with our third child, Oliver Samuel. Fatherhood has once again become a wonderful distraction. As you can tell, blogging has taken a back seat to rocking the baby and I haven’t written an article in weeks. Now you know why. Here is a picture of baby Oliver, the newest love of my life.

Another Dangerous Product Recall; Chrysler Recalls Nearly 600,000 Unsafe Vehicles

June 10, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

In a summer that has seen several dangerous and defective product recalls, Chrysler recently recalled nearly 600,000 vehicles involving five models in the United States.

The recall includes the Dodge Grand Caravan minivans and Chrysler Town and Country minivans for the years 2008 and 2009. These vehicles have the potential to catch fire due to a problem with the sliding door electrical system.

Also included are the Chrysler Jeep Wranglers for 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. These jeeps could experience brake failure as a result of leaking brake fluid.

Whirlpool Recalls 1.7 Million Maytag Dishwashers Due to Defective Product Fire Hazard

June 7, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

On Thursday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of 1.7 million Maytag dishwashers due to a fire hazard. Whirlpool Corp. has received reports of 12 fire incidents caused by electrical failure in the dishwashers’ heating element. There have been no reported injuries from the defective product. The recall includes dishwashers sold from February 2006 through April 2010 of the following brands, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Performa by Maytag and Crosley.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the dishwasher and disconnect the power supply by shutting off the fuse controlling power to the appliance. To determine if your dishwasher is included in the recall you can contact Maytag at 1-800-544-5513.

McDonalds Issues Recall of Promotional Shrek Glasses Containing Cadmium

June 6, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Cadmium is a carcinogen known to cause adverse health problems including bone softening, severe kidney problems, and hindered brain development. In spite of this, dangerously high levels of Cadmium are still being discovered in dangerous products marketed to our children. On Friday, June 4, McDonald’s announced it was recalling all Shrek promotional glasses due to abnormally high levels of Cadmium in the paint. At the time of the recall, McDonald’s had sold an estimated 7 million glasses. Congresswoman, Jackie Speier, began an investigation into the Shrek glasses after receiving an anonymous tip concerning high levels of Cadmium in the paint. Following this investigation McDonald’s issued a voluntary recall. “Our children’s health should not depend on the consciences of anonymous sources,” Speier said. “Although McDonald’s did the right thing by recalling these products, we need stronger testing standards to ensure that all children’s products are proven safe before they hit the shelves.”

The McDonald’s recall is just the latest. Early this spring, the consumer protection agency, issue three recalls for children’s jewelry containing high levels of Cadmium.