Kennesaw State University is reported to have a high level of security on campus, so the attack was unexpected. KSU offers a variety of crime prevention and education programs through its Department of Public Safety. Students may begin taking greater advantage of the programs in the future.

A Few Safety Tips to Keep In Mind

Attacks are not common in the Kennesaw and Marietta areas, but being aware of safety precautions will make everyone a little safer.

• Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Traveling with a buddy or a group of friends greatly reduces the risk of being a victim of crime.
• If you must walk at night, use public, well-lit walkways and avoid dark, isolated areas.
• Let someone know where you’re going and when you should be back. In case of an emergency, someone will be able to report to authorities about your whereabouts.
• Do not display valuables as you walk.  Money, credit cards, and expensive jewelry may be attractive to a potential robber. Purses should be kept tucked closely under your arm.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Appearing alert instead of being immersed in texting or talking on the phone will lessen the chances of an attacker selecting you as their victim.
• Dress for freedom of movement. If there is a chase, you want to be able to run.
• If you see someone suspicious or who alarms you for any reason, contact police immediately. Reporting potential dangers can ensure that everything is safe for you and those around you.

In the event you are being followed, changing direction, such as crossing the street, could help evade a potential attacker. Continuously looking back so the person realizes you are aware of their presence is another option when being trailed. Immediately get to a well-lit and populated area if possible, and try to notice as many physical details that you can so that describing the person to the police later will be easier. As soon as it’s safe to do so, report the incident to the police.

Kennesaw Premises Liability Lawyers

Oftentimes attacks can be attributed to lack of security in public locations. There are a variety of circumstances that endanger citizens due to a lack of safety and security. Kennesaw negligent security claims may include rape attacks, criminal attacks, robbery, abduction, and many other crimes. Public establishments should be aware of possible crimes on their property and do everything to prevent them. Especially in high crime areas, property owners should take precautions, including providing working alarm systems, operating video monitoring equipment, functioning locking mechanisms, adequate security and proper lighting.

When someone is hurt on another’s premises, negligence must be proven. In Georgia, proving liability is not always easy. Implementing the aid of the top personal injury attorneys at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. is detrimental to your negligent security claim. The affordable Marietta premises liability attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones take pride in representing each and every client in a personalized and dedicated manner. Contact the experienced Kennesaw premises liability lawyers at our firm today to find out more about safety tips and your rights.

Parents, are your teens begging you to let them get their learning permits? Or maybe even to move to the next step and begin driving without your presence? If so, you’re not alone. Teenagers long for this independence from a young age, and when that age finally arrives they have little else on their minds. And those that for various reasons wait until an older age to get their licenses are sure to be nervous about taking the plunge. Understanding the rules of the road is important, and having a few rules is the most effective way of preventing Atlanta injury-related accidents.

Pointers for First Time Drivers

Whether you’re a first time driver or your teen is still in their early days of operating a vehicle, here are a few tips to constantly remind them of before they’re behind the wheel.

• Pay Attention At All Times: A good driver always knows what’s in front, to the side, and behind their vehicle.
• Buckle Up – Both You and Your Passengers: Do not move the vehicle until all occupants have their seat belts buckled. The driver is responsible for ensuring that their passengers are safe.
• Know Your Speed: Drivers have less control over their vehicle at higher rates of speed. Speed limits have been tested and established for the safety of everyone on the road.
• Share the Road: Cars are not the only vehicles on the road. Drivers should understand that sharing the road with other drivers, pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicycles is very important.
• No Child’s Play: Potentially, a motor vehicle is one of the most dangerous weapons if not used correctly. Vehicles are meant to transport people from one place to another. It is not meant to be used to impress friends or onlookers.
• No Drinking & Driving, EVER: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is the first sign that a driver is not responsible enough to drive a car. Driving under the influence is dangerous to not only those in the vehicle with you, but pedestrians and other drivers as well. Lack of sleep can also lead to injury-related wrecks; in order to drive safely one must be sober and alert at all times.
• What To Do If You Miss A turn Or Exit: Do not slam on your brakes or navigate your vehicle illegally. Simply take the next turn or exit.  Knowing your route before leaving for your destination is the best way to avoid this. If you use a GPS, make sure to input your destination before setting the vehicle in motion.
• Who Pays For the Car: Before a teen gets being the wheel, guardians should discuss who will pay for gas, car insurance, or damages done to the vehicle. Establishing these small details before they get out of hand can prevent accidents and confusion later on.
• Consequences for Actions: Make sure that the rules are clear on vehicle usage. What penalties will arise for new drivers when they break any of those rules? Also, make sure your teen is fully aware of the legal consequences of not abiding by those rules.
• Just Drive Safely: The ultimate goal of every new driver is to be just like everyone else on the road. By following the rules and driving safely, you’ll be just that.

Experienced Marietta Auto Injury Attorneys

The Marietta car wreck lawyers at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones care about the safety of everyone on the road. In instances when crashes do occur, it is our job to ensure that victims receive the appropriate compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and physical impairment. If the injuries as a result of an Atlanta auto accident are catastrophic, we will represent victims’ families with a wrongful death claim. The affordable Kennesaw injury accident lawyers at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. have experience representing every type of personal injury victim. If you or someone you know have sustained an injury due to the negligence of another driver, please contact the Marietta injury accident lawyers Andrew W. Jones and M. Chase Swanson immediately for a free consultation.

Marietta Car Wreck Injury Lawyers

There are numerous dangerous hazards when driving in the metro Atlanta area. The most common causes of car accidents, including many Marietta car accidents, that lead to injury or death involve drivers taking risks, speeding, driving under the influence or being negligent in their overall conduct. These parties cause innocent victims and their families great distress when they cause auto accidents. Not only do these victims have to deal with their injuries, but with medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, physical and mental pain and suffering, and physical impairment. In catastrophic cases, family members are left to handle these worries. It is important for accident victims and their family members to understand that you do not have to handle everything on your own. By consulting with an experienced Marietta auto injury lawyer, you can rely on us to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries. At Andrew W. Jones, P.C., we want you to concentrate on getting yourself better. We’ll handle the legal issues!

Respected Atlanta Auto Injury Attorneys

If you or someone that you know has been injured or lost a loved one as a result of a car, truck, or SUV accident, you deserve to be represented by someone that cares about your well-being. Please contact our affordable Marietta car accident lawyers today for a free consultation and affordable representation at (770) 427-5498. Remember, there are no fees for our services unless we make a recovery for you. At Andrew W. Jones, P.C., we understand that many people need an affordable alternative to the hourly fees charged by many Atlanta personal injury attorneys. Andrew W. Jones and M. Chase Swanson strive to give each client honest, experienced and professional representation and take care to develop lasting relationships with our clients and their families.

• Medical Expenses: victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills that arose from the care received as a result of an accident. This can include bills for emergency room visits, physical therapy, diagnostic tests, medication or equipment costs, and more.
• Lost Wages: victims could be entitled to compensation for past and future wages that would have been earned if they were not injured, including those not covered by disability or workers’ compensation benefits.
• Pain and Suffering: this includes physical and mental stress caused from an injury and refers to compensation injured parties may receive for things such as mental torment, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and the physical pain and suffering experienced as a result of the accident.
• Permanent Scarring
• Impairment
• Loss of Earning Capacity
• Punitive Damages: typically awarded when the defendant’s conduct was outrageous and serve the purpose of punishing defendants for causing the accident. An example is when an auto accident was caused by someone operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

What Factors Determine the Value of My Injury Case?

One of the most common questions asked by countless Atlanta accident victims is “how much is my case worth?” Unfortunately, no magic formula for determining the value of a potential claim exists. The answer to this question depends on a multitude of factors. The value of a claim can vary extensively depending on the circumstances involved in the accident such as the severity and cost of the injuries sustained. The following factors may aid in determining the appropriate compensation deserved by injured victims:

• Who was at fault?
• What was the extent of your injuries?
• How do your injuries affect you?
• What is your income status?
• To what extent was their property damage?
• Did the at-fault party have insurance?
• Do you have health insurance?

These are just a few factors that may affect your Atlanta injury claim either positively or negatively. The experienced Marietta personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones will investigate your claim to the fullest extent before reviewing the total cost of all property damages, current and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and your physical or mental pain and suffering. Gathering this information will give your Marietta injury lawyers the approximate amount that should be negotiated for.

Let Our Marietta Injury Attorneys Handle Your Injury Claim

After sustaining an injury in an Atlanta accident, hiring an injury lawyer is not often the first thing on victims’ minds. But by contacting an experienced personal injury attorney immediately after an incident, victims can concentrate solely on seeking medical care and treatment. At the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones, your well-being is our first priority. If you’ve been injured in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another, the best injury attorneys at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. want to take the stress off your shoulders and handle all legal matters involved in your claim. Enlisting the assistance of an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer will not only help you recover damages caused by an accident, but also allows you to focus solely on getting better. Contact our Marietta personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation and affordable representation.

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. These disruptions can include visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), or cognitive (taking your mind off operating the vehicle). Even making use of vehicle navigation systems and other technologies can be sources of distraction.

Most Common Driving Distractions

In a 2011 study performed by the United States Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 57% of Americans admitted to partaking in distractions for personal purposes. The study ranked the driving distractions that Americans engaged in the most, from greatest to least:

• Talking with passengers
• Adjusting vehicle climate/radio controls
• Eating, snacking, or drinking
• Using a cell phone to text or make a call
• Tending to children passengers
• Reading, including maps
• Grooming
• Preparing for work

Because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from drivers, it is by far the most dangerous distraction. Any one of these things can take a person’s attention off the road and other drivers just long enough to cause an accident that could leave someone injured or killed.

“I’m a safe driver.  Sending one text won’t cause any problems.”

Many people believe that these accidents just won’t happen to them. You may be a pro at multitasking while driving, but it only takes one mishap to cause a fatal accident. Just because you believe you’re a safe driver doesn’t mean others on the road are. If another driver is operating a vehicle while distracted, you can more easily avoid an accident with them if you’re not distracted at the same time. Studies say that drivers using phones, no matter how much of a pro they are, are 4 times more likely to cause a car crash as other drivers. Below is a video that was taken by a dashboard camera in a police officer’s car.  It shows just how bad things can get from taking your attention off the road for even a second.

Experienced Marietta Auto Injury Attorneys

If you have been injured or someone you love has suffered a wrongful death in a collision with a distracted driver, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones want to help. With over 40 years of combined experience, we have represented clients seeking legal compensation in a variety of situations. The affordable Kennesaw auto accident injury lawyers at Andrew W. Jones, P.C. represent injured parties in wrecks involving cars, tractor trailers, motorcycles, drunk drivers, and many other types of accidents. If you’ve been injured in an Atlanta auto accident, it is important to speak with an experienced Atlanta automobile wreck lawyer as soon as possible. We understand the complexities involved in auto accidents and have the experience to maximize the value of your claim, so contact our Marietta auto accident lawyers today.

Georgia negligent security claims often involve property owners or those in control of the property failing to provide the safety or security required to prevent dangerous attacks. These criminal attacks can include forced entries, robberies, abduction, assaults, murders, or rapes. Inadequate security incidents can happen anywhere – retail stores, hotels, parking lots, amusement parks, airports, apartment buildings, malls or restaurants. There are a variety of circumstances that might endanger citizens due to lack of safety.

Safety Precautions Property Owners Should Be Taking

In order for Georgia negligent security lawyers to establish liability, it must be proven that property owners failed to provide adequate protection to those on their property. Especially in high crime areas, property owners should take precautions to ensure safety to everyone involved. Typically, Atlanta negligent security cases claim that property owners failed to follow one or more of the following safety procedures that would have prevented the criminal from injuring those parties involved:

• Inadequate lighting for security
• Not providing security guards or adequate security patrols
• Faulty or inadequate gates, doors, fences, or locks
• Lack of or inadequately placed video monitoring equipment or surveillance cameras
• Failure to provide working alarm systems
• Not responding to a security alert
• Failing to adequately warn others of potential for danger

Property owners should be aware of possible crimes on their property and do everything in their power to prevent them.  Something as insignificant as landlords not repairing a lock when tenants report it can result in a break in that those property owners could be held responsible for.

Why You Need an Attorney to Handle Atlanta Negligent Security Cases

Negligent security liability is one of the more unpredictable areas of law in the state of Georgia. There are many competing state policy considerations that courts and injuries are faced with, so they have difficulty determining the degree of liability that should be assigned in particular situations. Because of these inadequacies, Marietta negligent security cases are very fact-specific so it is important to retain an experienced injury attorney that understands the various factors that may affect the outcome in pursuing a negligent security claim.

Without an investigation, it is not always clear if victims of dangerous crime have negligent security cases or not.  These cases require an experienced injury lawyer to establish the facts of the case needed to prove liability to courts and juries. Negligent security cases range in value, each considering pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages that resulted from the dangerous crime. Because settlements and verdicts involving negligent security can be large, it is not likely that adjusters will pay the fair value of a claim to someone that is not represented by the best Marietta negligent security attorneys. At the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones, our Kennesaw negligent security lawyers will help you every step of the way. We have experience determining the value of cases and can negotiate or litigate to recover what you deserve. For a free consultation, contact our Atlanta negligent security lawyers today at (770) 427-5498.

Steps to Be Taken After an Atlanta Car Accident

First, don’t wait to be examined by a doctor! Although you may not be bleeding or have any obvious broken bones, you should always see a medical doctor as soon as possible after an accident. If you believe you may have been injured in any way, regardless of the significance, you should be taken to the emergency room at the nearest hospital by an ambulance, friend, or family member for a physical exam and diagnostic evaluation. If you did not go to the emergency room following the accident, call your primary care physician immediately to setup an appointment as soon as possible.

After having been checked out initially at the ER or your doctor’s office, there are a variety of different providers with varying specialties who you may choose to see. These might include general internists, orthopedists, neurologists, physical therapists and others. After a Marietta auto accident, many people also choose to see a chiropractor. As mentioned above, restoring your health is without a doubt your first priority, and you have the right to choose which and what kind of providers help you do that. However, when it comes to making injury claims with an insurance company, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture are deemed less valuable. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters assume that if you have sustained serious injuries – and thus more valuable injuries – then you would seek care from a medical doctor such as an orthopedist.

Suggestions from Experienced Cobb County Injury Attorneys

As personal injury attorneys, we do not tell our clients what doctors to see or what care to undergo. However, based upon our over 40 years of combined experience, we are able to provide our clients with information and advice to help them make good decisions about their treatment insofar as it may affect the value of their claim. For the reasons mentioned previously, we suggest that you at least meet with and be examined by a medical doctor or orthopedist soon after an accident to discuss the appropriate plan of care given your situation.

In the event you have been involved in an Atlanta auto accident, please contact our experienced Marietta personal injury attorneys at (770) 427-5498 to discuss your options and hear more about how our injury attorneys may be able to help you. Don’t get bogged down trying to deal with the insurance companies! Contact us today so you can focus on getting better.

There are numerous studies ranking the canine breeds most responsible for Atlanta serious injuries and deaths, but any dog is capable of attacking and inflicting major injuries.  Georgia dog bite laws currently require victims and their attorneys to prove an animal was dangerous or vicious, that the owner knew this and was careless in the management of the dog, or it was allowed to run free.  The victims’ attorneys have to prove that the animal was unleashed under the relevant local authority ordinance.   Proving liability for Georgia dog bites can be complicated under the state’s current laws.

Georgia’s Dog Bite Laws May Be Strengthened

A rise in the number of dog bites in Georgia has led to our General Assembly moving forward with its efforts to pass a stronger dog bite law.  It would hold owners of unsafe and vicious dogs more accountable for their pets’ bad behavior.  Although it is not certain if exact breeds will be classified as dangerous and vicious, the improved law will fix a number of things.

If passed, Georgia citizens will be required to purchase liability insurance providing coverage of a minimum of $50,000 before they can own a dangerous or vicious dog.  This is helpful to Atlanta dog bite victims because at present many dog owners do not have insurance.  With this required insurance coverage, dog bite attorneys could more easily win significant monetary damages for their clients’ medical bills, emotional and physical pain and suffering.

Also, the potential Georgia law requires vicious and unsafe dogs to have a microchip inserted into the animal to keep track of its whereabouts.  Current Marietta dog bite cases require injury lawyers to prove that the dog was the biting dog, and this new traceability will make it easier to determine if the dog was loose at the time of the bite.  Vicious dogs will also be required to be locked away from the public, and if not on a leash must be muzzled at all times.

Finally, penalties for vicious dog owners will be much greater under the improved law.  Even if the dog doesn’t attack any­one, owners could be fined up to $1000 and face jail time if they do not adhere to these new regulations.  As an Atlanta dog bite injury firm, the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones is hopeful that this bill will offer greater protection for the public as well as to make it easier for dog bite victims to recover for their injuries.

Experienced Marietta Dog Bite Lawyers

The damages and costs associated with a Marietta dog attack can be extensive.  Under Georgia dog bite laws the owner of any dog that attacks a victim can be held liable to pay medical expenses, the cost of wages lost, and damages for pain and suffering resulting from the attack.  If you are attacked by a dog, contact our experienced Marietta personal injury attorneys immediately so we can help you recover the most for your injury.  Andrew W. Jones, P.C. has experience representing serious dog bite cases in which clients have suffered terrible injuries when bitten by a dangerous dog.   If you or someone you know have been injured by a dog, contact our Marietta dog bite lawyers today at (770) 427-5498 for a free consultation and affordable representation.

• The sheriff, or their deputies, of the county in which action is brought or where the defendant is located
• The marshal or sheriff of the court
• Any United States citizen that is appointed by the court to serve process for a particular case or on a long-term basis.  This person cannot be a party in the investigation and must be 18 years of age or older.
• A certified private process server that has been approved by the sheriff.

Plaintiff’s lawyers do not always have the option of using sheriff’s departments to serve papers, so they file a motion for the judge to appoint a private process server. Time constraints can be an issue when serving legal papers, so waiting for sheriffs or deputies to serve papers is not always an option for Marietta personal injury attorneys. Because sheriffs and deputies work on shifts, it usually takes longer to serve in this method. These instances are when most attorneys request the county’s judge to assign a private process server.

In 2010, state lawmakers allowed private process servers to work in Georgia, but this is not foolproof. Sheriffs must approve these private process servers in their counties, but often will not for various reasons. Most courts refuse to make permanent appointments. Whether this is because of money or personal preference, it negatively affects cases. When private process servers are used, lawyers and their clients spend a great amount of money and time that could have been implemented more effectively elsewhere. Many times attorneys will be in a situation where the statute of limitations is about to expire, so they are unable to take the case because of time constraints these methods place on them.

Marietta Personal Injury Lawsuits May Face Less Time Constraints

A new bill that is before the Senate Judiciary Committee, House Bill 1048, would solve these problems. It would allow private process servers who have finished the statutory certification process to work statewide, without facing a potential veto by a county’s sheriff.  This certification process would include finishing training, passing an exam, and enduring an extensive background check that includes fingerprinting. If passed, the bill will not change the current ability for county sheriffs and marshals to serve papers, as well as the option for judges to appoint process servers, but it would provide a much quicker method of process serving in Georgia. Without the county confinements based on the respective sheriffs, personal injury claims will become much less time-constrained. By having a certified private process server available to serve papers immediately, lawyers’ needs for someone to make several attempts in one day or being somewhere at a set time may be answered.

Local Marietta Injury Lawyers

The Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones supports this new bill and hopes that it will allow for better representation of our Atlanta personal injury clients. We take a genuine interest in the lives of our clients. When you are injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced and personal lawyer to represent you. Our Kennesaw personal injury attorneys have represented clients throughout Georgia that were involved in Atlanta auto accidents, tractor trailer wrecks, drunk driving crashes, dog bite incidents, wrecks as a result of automobile defects, and even the wrongful deaths of their loved ones from catastrophic injuries.

Please contact our Marietta personal injury attorneys today for honest, genuine, and personal concern regarding an injury sustained by your or a loved one.

• Avoid blind spots

Many Atlanta auto accidents are caused by tractor trailer drivers, but they cannot always help it. These large vehicles provide limited visibility, so if you’re driving too close to the back of the truck, drivers cannot see you in their mirrors. If you can’t see the driver in their side mirror, then they probably can’t see you. If you see an 18 wheeler preparing to change lanes and you’re considering passing them or are already next to them, get out of the way immediately and allow them to change lanes. The driver may not see you.

• Prepare for Tire Blow Outs

Keep enough distance between you and surrounding tractor trailers in case of a blow out.

• If you must stop, pull completely off the road

Many times Georgia drivers need to stop their vehicles on the interstate for various reasons. Whether you’re changing a tire or your vehicle malfunctioned, move your car as far away from the closest lane of traffic as possible. Many tractor trailer drivers can become fatigued or confused and assume they are following traffic rather than approaching a stopped vehicle. Being struck from behind by an 18 wheeler is extremely dangerous and can cause fatal injuries.

• Drive carefully in adverse weather conditions

In addition to issues with truck drivers’ visibility and the size of trucks, adverse weather conditions can affect any vehicle on Georgia roads. If it’s raining, snowing, foggy or hard to navigate because of some other factor, you should use extra caution when driving near a tractor trailer. These drivers may have a more difficult time seeing potential road hazards and stopping when an emergency arises while operating in these conditions. Slow down and provide tractor trailer drivers more room to navigate when weather conditions are adverse.

• Signal Far in Advance of Turning

If you’re driving near a tractor trailer and need to make a turn or change lanes, make use of your turn signal well in advance. Tractor trailers take longer to slow down when brakes are applied than a typical vehicle because of their excessive weight.

Get Help after an Atlanta or Marietta Tractor Trailer Accident

By practicing safe and alert driving habits, we can all do our part to help reduce the risks of 18 wheeler accidents. Practicing safe driving techniques isn’t always enough to avoid tractor trailer crashes though. If you or someone you know is involved in a Georgia tractor trailer wreck, contacting an experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney is important.

The Marietta trucking crash lawyers at the Law Offices of Andrew W. Jones have represented victims of 18 wheeler crashes throughout the state of Georgia. Trucking companies and drivers are subject to federal and state regulations which are designed to help keep roads and highways safer given the significant threat posed by such large vehicles. For this reason, trucking accidents require the commitment and expertise of the best Acworth trucking accident attorneys to conduct a thorough investigation. Evidence preservation is critical in trucking accidents, so contacting a personal injury attorney with experience litigating tractor trailer accidents quickly is important.

Our Kennesaw trucking accident attorneys take pride in not only winning cases, but building lasting relationships with our clients in the process. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a Georgia truck wreck, the best way to protect yourself is to contact an experienced Marietta trucking accident attorney for a free consultation right away. Andrew W. Jones, P.C. understands your needs and will be with you every step of the way.