Large Truck Accident Injuries

16 Jun, 2017 By

If you’ve witnessed or been involved in an accident involving a large truck, you know how terrifying and damaging it can be. Whether the truck driver caused the accident or not, large truck accidents can lead to expensive vehicle repairs, huge medical bills or even the loss of life. If you’ve been involved in a large truck accident and you were not a fault, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries, vehicle repair expenses and more.

Driver Fatigue and Equipment Failure

Federal laws require truck drivers to take a specified amount of time each day to rest. By ignoring these laws and driving through fatigue, truck drivers put all other surrounding vehicles at risk. Truck drivers must keep a log of their driving activities and any equipment inspections, so if you’ve been injured in a large truck accident, our team will acquire those logs to prove any failure to comply with federal laws.

In the case that the documentation shows inappropriate conduct of the driver, it is much easier to prove that the accident was not your fault.

Getting the Proper Documentation Will Help Improve Your Case

Federal law only requires trucking companies to retain driver records for 6 months, obtaining the files to strengthen your case is a time-sensitive matter. Therefore it is vital to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible after a large truck accident.

If you’ve been injured in a large truck accident, contact Lonati Law Firm in Dallas, GA for a free consultation.

Filed Under: Blog, Personal Injury Law

Personal Injury Law: Auto Accidents

10 May, 2017 By

The invention of the automobile changed the world, but it also led to a new way for people to be seriously injured. With more than 210 million licensed drivers in America, there’s an abundance of opportunity for you to be involved in a car wreck. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s recklessness, it’s important that you understand personal injury law.

What Is Personal Injury Law?

Unlike criminal law, personal injury law isn’t focused on sending a person to jail. Instead, it involves individuals who have been injured due to the negligence of another. In these cases, the victims are typically seeking financial compensation for their injury, medical bills and other related costs.

The court can rule that one party committed a tort, which is a wrongful act, and owes the victim financial compensation. These torts occur when people violate a duty. This could include anything from not having their dog on a leash to rolling through a stop light without stopping.

Personal Injury Auto Accidents

People sometimes ask if their auto accident is eligible for a personal injury case. They may believe that insurance companies will handle everything in their best interest. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and any accident could be eligible for a personal injury case. Most cases, however, involve one of the following:

  • Big truck accidents
  • Distracted driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Speeding
  • Reckless behavior behind the wheel

About 2.3 million Americans are injured or disabled yearly due to these and other auto accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured, there are a few things you should know about a potential personal injury lawsuit.

What to Do After an Accident

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident caused by the actions of another driver, you’ll want to seek immediate medical care for injuries. Failing to do so may make it more difficult to receive appropriate compensation later down the road. Keep track of receipts for everything from medical bills to gas costs for driving to doctor appointments.

After receiving medical attention, contact a personal injury attorney immediately. Insurance companies are skilled at getting victims to accept less compensation than they deserve. You need an experienced attorney on your side to ensure this doesn’t happen.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another driver, contact Lonati Law Firm today so we can fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Filed Under: Blog, Personal Injury Law

What to Do If You or Your Loved One Is Involved in an Auto Accident During Spring Break

07 Apr, 2017 By

Auto Accident Attorney

Spring break is a fun time for a road trip, but alongside the freedom of the open road lurks the threat of an auto accident. If you or your loved one has been injured in a road traffic accident during spring break, Lonati Law Firm in Dallas, GA offers the following steps to deal with the situation.

Seek Medical Help

After an accident, it’s important to see a doctor to find out whether you have any injuries that could cause you future problems. Even injuries that seem minor can develop into long-term conditions if they aren’t treated properly. Whether you go to the emergency room immediately after the accident or see a doctor later, don’t underestimate the importance of seeking medical help.

Swap Contact Details

If you collide with another driver on the road, you need to exchange contact information with that person. Get their address, phone number, insurance details and license plate number since you’ll need these details when filing a claim with your insurance company.

Document the Scene

Before you leave the scene of the accident, take photos showing the damage to both vehicles and their positions on the road. If the other driver later disputes your account of the accident, you can use these photos as evidence to back up your case.

Contact a Lawyer

If the other driver claims the accident was your fault, or you want to bring a claim against them, you need to contact a lawyer who has experience dealing with road traffic accident claims. An auto accident attorney can help you fight for the maximum amount of compensation, ensuring that your medical bills are covered if you have been seriously injured.

Where to Get Help

Lonati Law Firm in Dallas, GA has many years of experience helping people claim compensation for road traffic accidents. If your spring break was spoiled by an accident on the road, don’t hesitate to get in touch for advice and support. Lonati’s expert attorneys can assess your case and advise you about claiming compensation for your injuries.

Filed Under: Blog

5 Ways to Stay Safe as a Pedestrian

31 Mar, 2017 By

An estimated 12 pedestrians die every day after being struck by a car, and countless more are injured. Don’t take chances: Follow these five simple tips to stay safe.

1) Walk on the Sidewalk or Facing Traffic

Sidewalks are designed for pedestrian use. Unless you have a reason to stay off the sidewalk (such as the sidewalk being slippery or otherwise impassible), walk on the sidewalk instead of the street.

If you must walk on the street, walk on the left side, facing oncoming traffic. This way, you’re more likely to see cars as they approach, so you can step aside.

2) Obey Crosswalks and Signals

Like sidewalks, these are here for your safety. Drivers know to expect pedestrians at a crosswalk; they’ll be surprised if you walk into the street anywhere else. If an intersection has a pedestrian signal, cross with it. Otherwise, cross with the light, and check for turning cars.

3) Stay Sober

If you’re not sober enough to drive, you may not be sober enough to walk. Many pedestrians are struck because substances diminish their ability to perceive distance or danger or affect their inhibitions. If you’re out drinking, bring your phone with you, and have a cab company’s number handy so you can get home safely.

4) Wear Bright or Reflective Clothing

Drivers have trouble seeing pedestrians if they’re wearing dark clothing, especially at night. Wear something white or brightly colored when you’re out walking late at night, or — better yet — wear something reflective or blinking. You may also want to bring a flashlight with you, both to avoid hazards and to give drivers an extra indication of your presence.

5) Never Assume Traffic Will Stop

While cars should stop at stop signs, red lights and crosswalks, that doesn’t mean they will. Even if you legally have the right to cross, that doesn’t assure you that drivers have seen you, and it won’t save you if you get struck by a car. Before you enter the street, wait to see traffic slow or stop.

If you’re hit by a car, get out of the street immediately. Call the cops, take photos, keep the driver there and get their contact information. Get medical care as soon as you can, even if you feel fine.

Once you’ve gotten that out of the way, it’s time to file insurance claims. But don’t do that without a lawyer at your side. Lonati Law Firm is a compassionate, ethical law firm that will help you get the damages you need to pay medical bills and make up for lost work time. Contact us today to learn more.

Filed Under: Blog

What’s Next? Knowing the Law and What to Do If You are the Victim of a DUI Accident

20 Feb, 2017 By

Drunk Driving in Dallas, Georgia DUI Injury AttorneyMany drivers make the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel of a car after they have been drinking. Sometimes, it has catastrophic results. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) offers this statistic: 9.9 million people reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs in 2013.  It is tragic for both the driver and the victim when a loss of life occurs due to an impaired driver. If you have lost a loved one or if you have been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you need an expert attorney on your side to help you through the legal system.

Georgia DUI Laws

In Georgia, driving under the influence (DUI) with blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher is a crime. Additionally, a lower BAC can also be a crime if there are drugs involved as well. When a person drives after drinking, he or she puts both their own life and other people’s lives at risk. It is a selfish and careless choice that can easily be avoided. For these reasons, it should carry the full weight of the legal system as punishment. This is especially true when others are severely injured or killed due to another driver’s negligence.

When you are a victim of a drunk driver, have been injured, or have lost a loved one because of a drunk driving accident, you are entitled to compensation. This can include payment for physical and emotional injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, disability, and other losses caused by the crash. The compensation process can be challenging because the involved insurance companies will try very hard to minimize the amount of cash they pay out.

Getting Support

At Lonati Law Firm, P.C. in Dallas, Georgia, we sympathize with those who have been injured or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident. Our team of experienced DUI injury accident attorneys will work vigorously to pursue getting you the compensation you deserve. Should you select our law firm to represent you in your case, we’re committed to providing you with personal attention and fast action.

What to do When Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident in Georgia

  • One of the most vital things to do is getting medical treatment immediately. This is true even if you don’t feel seriously injured, as your body can be in a state of shock and not recognize the injuries right away. However, problems with your neck, your back and soft tissue injuries can surface days to weeks later. Getting medical treatment quickly is important to your claim. Waiting to obtain treatment can make it much more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident you were involved in.
  • Contact a Georgia law firm that specializes in personal injury. Much like getting medical treatment quickly, this action protects you legally. Most personal injury law firms provide an initial consultation free of charge to victims of drunk driving accidents.
  • Once you hire an attorney, allow them to handle all communications about the accident for you. This includes speaking with the impaired driver, your own or the other person’s insurance company.

The attorneys at Lonati Law Firm, P.C. have years of experience in handling drunk driving accident cases, and we are committed to getting you the best outcome for your case. This means securing fair and adequate compensation so that you have time to heal and recover. Contact our office at (678)363-3500 for a free consultation today.

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Don’t Wait! 5 Key Steps to Take After a Work-Related Injury

23 Jan, 2017 By

 

Worker's Compensation Personal Injury Lawyer Dallas, Georgia Lonait Law Firm, P.C.According to the Occupation Safety and Health Administration, employers must provide employees a healthy and safe place to work, and most often they do. Even so, people do get hurt at work sometimes. Because of this, every state has a workers’ compensation system in place to help employees. In Georgia, employers that regularly employ three or more full-time individuals are required to have workers’ compensation insurance.

Workplace injuries vary and include things like broken bones due to falls and illnesses from occupational hazards, such as asbestos exposure. They can also include less frequent ailments like psychological harm and aggravation of preexisting conditions.

1. Report Your Injury

The first step to take after a workplace injury is to report it to your employer as soon as possible, even if it seems minor – small injuries can turn into larger issues. There is a 30-day time limitation for reporting an injury to obtain workers’ compensation eligibility.

2. See a Doctor Right Away

After reporting the incident, you will be provided with a list of doctors that you can visit. However, if your injuries are serious enough to require immediate medical attention, an emergency room visit or urgent care bill will be covered by the program, as well. Seeing a doctor soon after the injury is critical to receiving the necessary medical care and to document your injuries.

3. Document Everything

Keeping good records is vital. Document your doctor’s appointments and the results of each. Keep track of any time you miss from work due to your injuries, as you may be entitled to payment for lost wages. Furthermore, if you return to work on light duty, it may reduce your earnings and result in eligibility for partial disability benefits.

4. Follow Doctor’s Orders

Be sure you follow your doctor’s recommended course of treatment to remain eligible for workers’ comp benefits. An exception to this rule: If you believe you are getting substandard care, you might be able to go to a different doctor or get a second opinion.

5. Get Legal Advice

When you suffer a workplace injury, talking to an experienced attorney with in-depth knowledge of Georgia workers’ compensation laws is wise. These laws were created to protect workers, but some employers and insurance companies are not big fans of them and will attempt to deny legitimate claims.

A knowledgeable law firm like Lonati Law Firm, P.C.  in Dallas, Georgia can work on your behalf to ensure you get the full benefits warranted for your injury. Call 678-363-3500 to set up a free consultation regarding your workplace injury.

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The Rise of Dog Bites During the Holiday Season

15 Dec, 2016 By

Dog Bites Personal Injury Lonati Law Firm, PC Dallas, GA

As the holidays approach, your mind is likely on shopping, staying warm and planning family gatherings. One thing you’re probably not thinking about is the potential for dog bites this holiday season, but you should be. That’s because the risk of dog bites increases around this time of year. Here’s why and what you can do about it.

Common Reasons for Dog Bites Around the Holidays

One of the main reasons for more dog bites during the holiday season is that everyone is busier than usual. While dog owners in Dallas, Georgia are busy shopping for presents, decorating the house or choosing what to wear to holiday parties, they might not be home as often as usual. Schedule changes can easily upset dogs, as can fewer walks due to their owners being busy.

Another reason for dog bites during the holidays is that there are more parties than usual. This can be stressful for dogs that are not used to having a lot of people around, especially if there are suddenly young children in their home for family gatherings. Those children may pull the dog’s tail, feed him food he’s not used to or just create more noise than he likes. All of this stress can make the dog more likely to bite.

What You Can Do

If you want to prevent dog bites as a dog owner, make sure you keep up your pet’s regular schedule as much as possible. Make time to take him for walks and be sure that anyone who comes to your home during the holidays knows not to feed your dog strange foods or make too much noise around him.

If you’re concerned about dog bites as a guest in other people’s homes, you can still take precautions. If you have children, be sure to supervise any of their interactions with dogs, and remind them to be gentle and calm around them. You should also know the common signs that a dog is stressed and may bite. They include heavy panting, licking lips, keeping the ears pulled back, wide eyes and growling.

If you or a loved one suffers a dog bite during the holidays in Dallas, Georgia this year, you need to talk to a personal injury attorney to determine your options. You can start by contacting Lonati Law Firm, P.C. for a free consultation. Our team is caring, detail-oriented and committed to helping Dallas, Georgia residents get the compensation they deserve after being injured. Call (678) 363-3500 to schedule your appointment today.

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Winter Weather Fall Prevention Tips

30 Nov, 2016 By

Winter Weather Fall Prevention Tips Dallas, Georgia

Filed Under: Blog

How to Avoid Accidents on Halloween Night

20 Oct, 2016 By

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Did you know that children are four times more likely to be struck by a motorist on Halloween night than any other day of the year?  In fact, Halloween has consistently been one of the top three days of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As children take to the streets of Georgia on Halloween night, Lonati Law Firm, P.C. is offering these tips to help both motorist and parents of trick-or-treaters keep all of the little dinosaurs, superheroes, power rangers, and princesses safe on Halloween night in your community.

Parents

  • Make sure an adult is available to supervise any children under the age of 12.
  • Plan and establish a route your trick-or-treaters will follow that night.
  • Remind your children to only trick or treat in familiar areas and only stop at well-lit houses.
  • Instruct your children not to eat any candy until getting home.
  • Make sure you child’s costume is flame-retardant and visible with the use of retro-reflective material.
  • Review safety precautions for both pedestrians and traffic safety rules.

Trick-or-Treaters

  • Look both ways when crossing the street.
  • Use crosswalks and walk on sidewalks when possible.
  • Make eye contact with motorists before crossing in front of the car.
  • Trick or treat in groups if someone older is unavailable to go with you.
  • Wear a costume that doesn’t obstruct vision.
  • Carry a flashlight and attach retro-reflective tape to your costume.

Motorists

  • Slow down and use caution when driving through residential areas.
  • Eliminate all distractions so you can better focus on the road and your surroundings.
  • Watch for children in the street, medians and curbs. Carefully look for those dressed in dark costumes. They’ll be harder see at night.
  • Use your headlights to make yourself more visible.
  • Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.

If you or someone you know is injured while out trick or treating this Halloween, contact Lonati Law Firm, P.C. in Paulding County, GA for a free consultation. Our legal team is dedicated to providing our clients caring, thorough and purposeful legal representation to get them the compensation they deserve for their injuries.  Call (678) 363-3500 to schedule an appointment today.

Filed Under: Blog

Are You Guilty of Texting & Driving?

30 Sep, 2016 By

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