Accidents unique to tractor-trailers include jackknife collisions and carriage truck override or underride accidents. Both of these types of Columbus commercial trucking accidents are particularly dangerous for passenger vehicle occupants. Jackknife accidents occur when the front portion of a tractor-trailer combination swings around toward the rear of the vehicle so that it resembles a folding pocketknife. These Columbus tractor-trailer accidents are caused by the cab portion of the commercial truck skidding, which causes the trailer to force the cab to spin around and face toward the rear of the vehicle. This type of accident can cause major wrecks because the commercial truck may rollover on vehicles or obstruct multiple lanes of the roadway causing a multi-car accident.

Columbus underride or override tractor-trailer accidents involves a passenger vehicle traveling beneath the undercarriage of a tractor-trailer because of a fifteen inch height differential between undercarriage of a car and that of a large truck. In a Columbus underride trucking accident, a passenger vehicle slides under the undercarriage of the tractor-trailer where the passenger vehicle may be crushed or the upper portion of the vehicle may literally be ripped of the vehicle. An override accident involves a truck running over the top of a passenger vehicle because of the height differential between the vehicles. Columbus underride and override trucking accidents frequently result in horrific accidents and life-altering injuries.

The inherent limitations of commercial trucks in handling and braking increase the risk of motorists being involved in a Columbus tractor-trailer accident. Tractor-trailer accidents account for approximately 33 percent of all motor vehicle related fatalities despite the fact that these massive vehicles account for a relatively small proportion of registered vehicles. Hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country are injured in big-rig accidents each year. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that it is the occupants of the other vehicle that suffer serious injury or die in virtually all tractor-trailer collisions.

Because of the serious nature of the injuries associated with Columbus trucking accidents, it is important to have an experienced Columbus trucking accident law firm on your side. Trucking accident claims are not just “car accident claims involving bigger vehicles.” Our experienced Columbus trucking accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates understand the unique issues that must be effectively addressed in a Columbus trucking accident claim. A successful Columbus trucking accident claim entails understanding and effectively handling a wide range of unique issues:

Regulatory Structure of the Trucking Industry-The trucking industry is subject to an extensive matrix of state and federal regulations that govern intrastate and interstate commercial trucking. These regulations govern many safety issues including inspections and maintenance, pre-employment screening and qualifications, drug and alcohol policies, fatigue rules, restrictions on cell phone use and a wide variety of other safety issues. Trucking companies and commercial drivers often disregard these regulations in the pursuit of higher revenue. When drivers fail to comply with trucking safety regulations often with the express or implicit approval of trucking companies, these violations may serve as the basis for liability in a Columbus trucking accident claim.

Trucking Litigation Tactics and Resources: The commercial trucking industry has both experience and expertise in successfully defending trucking accident claims. Trucking companies have enormous financial resources, a stable of experts and an experienced team of trucking lawyers. Commercial drivers and trucking companies also engage in unethical tactics when facing accident claims, including doctoring driver logbooks that are designed to track fatigue and maintenance issues. Trucking companies often have experts dispatched to a trucking accident scene within minutes so critical evidence can disappear or be altered. Our experienced Columbus trucking accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates have been representing those injured in Columbus trucking accident since 1984 so we have the resources, experience and expertise to level the playing field.

There are many types of negligent practices that may be a factor in causing a Columbus trucking accident including the following:

• Drunk or drugged truck drivers
• Failure to conduct inspections or perform maintenance
• Driver fatigue resulting from violations of hours of service rules
• Lack of awareness of “no zones” which are the large truck blind spots
• Truck drivers who do not properly plan routes to avoid unsafe inclines and other unsafe roads for big-rigs
• Drivers that fail to drive at a safe speed given the braking and handling limitations of commercial trucks
• Brake failure and tire blowouts resulting from inadequate maintenance practices
• Insufficient screening of potential drivers
• Drivers that are not medically fit to drive

When Columbus truck drivers operate commercial vehicles unsafely and trucking companies turn a blind eye to the unsafe practices, it can result in permanent life-altering injuries. Our dedicated team of commercial trucking accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates has represented many people who suffer serious injuries. Some of the most common types of trucking accident injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis, loss of mobility or impaired sensation
• Severe disfigurement that requires reconstructive surgery
• Severe head injuries resulting in traumatic brain injuries
• Loss of extremities
• Injuries to the joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, knee or other joints
• Severe damage to internal organs
• Whiplash injuries that may cause pain and disability for months
• Broken bones including injuries that require pins and other medical devices
• Wrongful death

When you suffer serious injuries like these that may cause long-periods of disability, it can prevent you from returning to work while medical and household bills continue to accumulate. These types of injuries may even result in permanent impairment of mental or physical functioning. These kinds of injuries can interfere with even the enjoyment of simple pleasures of enjoying one’s family. Our compassionate and experienced team of Columbus trucking accident attorneys may be able to seek a variety of forms of compensation including the following:

• Costs associated with hospitalization and medical expenses
• Loss of past, present and future wages/salary
• Disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Impairment of marital relationship
• Wrongful death type damages including burial and funeral expenses
• Other damages based on specific facts and circumstances

Know your legal rights! If you or someone you love has been injured in a Columbus tractor-trailer accident, our experienced Columbus commercial accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your Columbus tractor-trailer accident claim. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Our Columbus workers’ compensation attorneys at Montlick and Associates understand that the procedures and documentation associated with pursuing a workers’ compensation claim can be confusing. Although the no fault nature of pursuing a Columbus workers’ compensation claim removes the obstacle of proving fault by one’s employer, it also typically produces far less in financial recovery than a personal injury claim. While a Columbus personal injury claim provides free medical care, compensation for time off work and permanent disability, there are many forms of personal injury damages that are not available including pain and suffering, impaired quality of life, loss of consortium and punitive damages. The workers’ compensation system will typically constitute the only remedy against an employer for injuries suffered in the scope of one’s employment.

Fortunately, workers’ compensation claims and personal injury claims are not mutually exclusive. Our experienced Columbus workers’ compensation lawyers often pursue both a workers’ compensation claim against our clients’ employer and a personal injury claim against a third party. A construction worker may be injured on a Columbus construction worksite by defective heavy equipment that is rented to one’s employer. Heavy machinery in a construction or industrial setting is a common cause of workplace injuries. In this example, we may be able to pursue a workers’ compensation claim against the your employer and a personal injury claim against the equipment manufacturer based on the product defect as well as the rental company for failing to properly maintain the equipment.

Our experienced Columbus workers’ compensation attorneys at Montlick and Associates have successfully guided many seriously injured employees through the workers’ compensation system while also seeking personal injury damages from a third party since our firm was founded almost three decades ago. There are many dangerous occupations, but safety regulations imposed by OSHA and other federal or state entities are designed to reduce the risk of on-the-job injuries. When workplace safety rules are not enforced, it can mean injuries that threaten one’s livelihood and one’s ability to provide financial support for one’s family.

If you suffer an injury while on-the-job or engaged in activity for the benefit of your employer even outside normal workplace hours, you will generally be able to seek workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits may include income replacement checks, medical care provided by your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier and disability compensation depending on your degree of permanent disability. In most cases, an employee may pursue a workers’ compensation claim even if an employee may have been negligent in causing one’s own injury though some narrow exceptions apply.

Our Columbus workers’ compensation lawyers have effectively represented those injured in workplace accidents or who suffer occupational illnesses or repetitive motion injuries. We represent clients from a broad range of sectors of the economy including industrial, farming, construction, emergence services, administrative support staff, professional occupations and virtually all other types of occupations. We are prepared to represent clients injured by a wide range of work related hazards including construction site accidents involving heavy machinery accidents, trenching accidents, confined space accidents, motor vehicle collisions, explosions and exposure to hazardous chemicals (asbestos).

Our Columbus workers’ compensation lawyers have been representing injured employees since we were founded in 1984. We combine extensive knowledge of workers’ compensation and personal injury law with a commitment to thinking outside the box to obtain the most effective solutions for our Columbus workers’ compensation clients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your Columbus workers’ compensation claim. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

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Columbus pedestrian accidents can be caused by many kinds of unsafe driving and result in over 59,000 injuries and four thousand fatalities each year nationally. Pedestrian accidents cause twelve percent of all motor vehicle accident related fatalities and disproportionately impact the elderly and children. Almost twenty percent of pedestrian accident fatality victims are age 65 or above while children age fifteen or below account for 25 percent of all pedestrian related injuries. Some of the most common causes of Columbus pedestrian accidents include:

• Drivers who are distracted by portable electronic devices
• Those who violate speed limits or fail to drive safely given driving conditions
• Drunk drivers and drugged drivers
• Drivers who fail to driver carefully in school zones or around stopped school buses
• Motorists blowing through stop signs and stoplights
• Lack of attention by drivers particularly near intersections and crosswalks
• Drivers that fall asleep while driving
• Unsafe driving in construction or work zones
• Reckless driving

While these types of careless driving cause many pedestrian accidents, there are other factors that may contribute to pedestrian accidents including urban development that focuses primarily on motor vehicles rather than Columbus residents who walk, job and run. Even if a negligent motorist plays a significant factor in a Columbus motor vehicle accident, the failure of municipalities and other public entities to develop safe roadways that provide adequate pedestrian safety may also serve as a basis for imposing liability. If negligent design or maintenance of traffic signals, construction zones or other roadway hazards contributes to a Columbus pedestrian accident, the public entity may be liable, but there are special procedures and timing requirements that must be complied with to successfully pursue a claim against a governmental entity. A vehicle manufacturer may also be liable if a vehicle involved in a pedestrian accident malfunctions because of a product defect.

The extensive injuries that are typical in pedestrian accidents can impose extreme financial challenges on an injury victim and the victim’s family. Many victims in Columbus pedestrian accidents must undergo treatment for months so that they are unable to work. It is not uncommon to suffer at least partial disability so that you cannot engage in your chosen occupation in the future. While we know that we cannot eliminate the physical pain you may endure or restore lost physical or mental functioning, we can help you obtain the resources necessary to protect your quality of life and take care of your family. We provide compassionate and effective legal representation for those who suffer all forms of Columbus pedestrian accident injuries including:

• Head injuries like traumatic brain injuries
• Paralysis of the extremities from spinal cord damage
• Burns including full thickness burns
• Fractures or broken bones including those requiring surgery
• Damage to knees and other joints
• Amputation of limbs
• Fatalities

Severe injuries like these can mean overwhelming medical bills which can force a family to the brink of bankruptcy. Our experienced Columbus pedestrian accident attorneys understand the tactics and strategies used by insurance companies to reduce or avoid liability for pedestrian accident claims. We draw on nearly three decades of experienced when negotiating the resolution of Columbus pedestrian accident claims with insurance companies. If you or a loved one suffers severe injury in a Columbus pedestrian accident or a loved one dies, we may be able to obtain the following forms of compensation:

• Lost income and impaired future earning potential
• Hospital, medication, diagnostic and other medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished enjoyment of life experiences
• Property (e.g. vehicle) repair or replacement
• Costs of wrongful death like funeral/burial expenses
• Exemplary/Punitive Damages (appropriate to punish particularly unacceptable conduct)

If you or someone close to you has been involved in a Columbus pedestrian accident, we recognize that you may be feeling enormous stress, confusion and uncertainty about the future. Our dedicated and compassionate Columbus pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to seeking the best possible results on behalf of pedestrian accident victims.

Know your legal rights! If you or someone close to you has been injured by the negligence of a third party in a Columbus pedestrian accident, our experienced Columbus pedestrian accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your Columbus pedestrian accident claim. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

There are many types of conduct and hazards that may be the basis of a wrongful death action including the following:

• Car accidents
• Trucking crashes
• Rollover collisions
• Construction site accidents
• Falls from scaffoldings
• Defective drugs
• Crime victims
• Medical malpractice
• Busing accidents
• Defective consumer products
• Violent assaults
• Pedestrians hit by motor vehicles
• Industrial accidents
• Defective medical devices
• Accidents involving heavy machinery
• Hazardous conditions on property
• Gunshot injuries
• Negligent security
• Accidents involving explosions, electrocution and hazardous substances
• Bicycle-car crashes

If your loved one dies in an accident or is killed by an intentional criminal act like those above, it may give rise to two separate legal claims that are typically brought together in a single wrongful death case: a survival cause of action and a wrongful death of action.   A survival action is effectively a personal injury claim that survives the death of an injury victim. The damages available in a survival cause of action include pain and suffering between the time of the accident or intentional misconduct and the death of the decedent, lost income over the reasonable life expectancy of the decedent, medical costs and expenses. The survival cause of action may be brought by the representative of the decedent’s estate and also may include burial and funeral costs. The objective of the survival accident is to compensate the decedent’s estate for the damages that the victim would have been entitled to if he or she had survived.

Our Columbus wrongful death lawyers at Montlick and Associates have been providing effective legal representation to families of those killed in avoidable accidents and to those victimized by violent criminal acts for almost three decade. We know that the financial compensation recovered by a family when someone they love dies can be essential to maintaining the family’s standard of living and moving past its tragedy. The attorneys at our Columbus wrongful death law firm diligently strive to provide reasonable communication with our clients, sound legal advice and effective negotiation and advocacy.

Know your legal rights! If you or someone you love has suffered wrongful death, our experienced Columbus wrongful death attorneys at Montlick and Associates are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your Columbus wrongful death case. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

The experienced Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates have been seeking compensation for motorcycle injury victims since our Columbus law firm was founded nearly three decades ago. If you injured by a negligent driver of a passenger vehicle who is drunk, distracted, drowsy or otherwise drives unsafely, you may have a right to seek compensation for your injuries. There are approximately fifty thousand motorcycle accidents annually in the U.S. resulting in thousands of fatalities and tens of thousands of serious injuries. Montlick and Associates has built a reputation successfully representing motorcycle accident victims since 1984 so many times we are able to settle cases through negotiation or alternate dispute resolution.

Motorcycles lack the crashworthiness of passenger cars, trucks and SUVs so Columbus motorcycle collisions often involve devastating injuries that may significantly alter the course of one’s life. Data from the NHTSA indicates that a motorcyclist has a twentyfold greater risk of being involved in an accident when compared to drivers of four wheeled motor vehicles. Motorcycles not only fail to offer the structural protection and other safety features of other motor vehicles, but they are must harder for other drivers to see because of their relatively diminutive size. Although data indicates that motorcycle driver inexperience contributes to many Columbus motorcycle accidents, this is partly because the design of motorcycles makes them extremely unstable so that there is virtually no margin for error when motorcyclists must engage in sudden braking or hard steering maneuvers. A few common causes of motorcycle accidents in Columbus include:

• Accidents caused by drivers that do not see motorcycles because they fail to check blind spots or engage in distracting activities.
• Collisions with drunk drivers
• Lane change collisions where drivers fail to check for the presence of motorcycles
• Obstructions, pavement defects and other roadway hazards
• Rear end collisions with motorcycles by speeding or inattentive drivers
• Left turn motorcycle accidents by distracted or inattentive motorists
• Defective bikes that malfunction resulting in loss of control or impaired braking ability

While most Columbus motorcycle accidents pose a risk of serious injuries, riders not wearing a motorcycle helmet are particularly at risk. Although state law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets, some Columbus motorcycle riders do not comply with the mandatory helmet law. This can be a tragic and fatal decision because forty percent of those who die in motorcycle accidents are not wearing helmets. Those who survive a motorcycle accident when not wearing a motorcycle helmet often suffer devastating head injuries that permanently impair mental functioning, mobility and sensation. Our Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys understand that these types of severe head injuries can prevent an accident victim from engaging in one’s occupation, taking care of one’s family or even taking responsibility for one’s one basic daily needs.

If you are involved in a Columbus motorcycle accident when you are not wearing a helmet, it may also be more difficult to recover the full measure of compensation for your injuries. Insurance companies frequently argue that the injury victim caused or contributed to a motorcycle collision to shift responsibility for the collision to the motorcycle rider at least to some degree. If you suffer a serious head injury in a Columbus motorcycle accident, your recovery may be reduced because the head injuries may be determined to be partially caused by your failure to wear a helmet.

Our Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys recognize the difficulties faced by motorcycle accident victims and their families. Our team is committed to handling the insurance complications and legal issues for our motorcycle accident clients so that they can focus on healing and rehabilitation. We have successfully obtained financial compensation for motorcycle accident victims that have suffered a wide array of injuries including but not limited to the following: 

• Head injuries often resulting in traumatic brain injuries
• Fractures and crushed bones
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia caused by damage to the spinal cord
• Road rash and disfigurement
• Damage to vital organs
• Wrongful death

If an inattentive, indifferent or otherwise careless driver causes you to be involved in a motorcycle accident, our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates may be able to seek various kinds of damages including: (1) lost salary, earnings or wages; (2) costs associated with hospitalization, treatment, medication and rehabilitation; (3) diminished future income because of partial or total disability; (4) pain and suffering; (5) emotional distress; (6) impaired enjoyment of life; (7) property damage; (8) diminished spousal companionship or services; and (8) punitive damages to punish particularly reckless conduct. Our experienced Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to seeking the best possible recovery for our clients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your motorcycle accident claim. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Montlick and Associates has recovered millions of dollars for its clients in the nearly three decades since it was established. We have built a reputation in the Athens community and throughout the state that often motivates insurance companies to settle cases without the necessity to file a lawsuit. Even if we must aggressively pursue a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for our clients, we may be able to settle your case through effective negotiation or other forms of alternate dispute resolution. We carefully tailor our approach to fit the specific facts and law while seeking the best available results for our clients. Our Athens personal injury law firm is available to represent those injured in the following accidents in Athens and the surrounding vicinity:

Athens Auto Accidents: There are many types of Athens car accidents involving every type of motor vehicle which annually claim the lives of over thirty thousand people and result in injury to approximately 1.4 million people throughout the country. Often these accidents could be prevented if drivers took slightly more care by not consuming alcohol before driving, slowing down and paying attention. When drivers careless or reckless driving or negligence by other parties cause an Athens car accident, our experienced Athens car accident lawyers may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.

Athens Trucking Collisions: While most people realize the danger associated with a collision with a vehicle that may exceed the weight of their own by more than 75,000 pounds, drivers tend to think accidents involving tractor-trailers (i.e. big-rigs, commercial trucks) are unusual events. This assumption is mistaken as there are approximately a half a million trucking accidents nationally each year. The injuries that result from an Athens trucking accident tend to be life-altering and may permanently impair a trucking accident victims mental and physical functioning. The party that suffers severe injury or dies in an Athens trucking accident is almost always an occupant in the other vehicle. Trucking companies are used to legal claims being pursued against them for trucking accidents so they have enormous resources, a stable of lawyers and experts as well as a pattern of distorting or destroying key evidence. Our Athens tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates are familiar with these challenges and do not hesitate to diligently pursue the best possible strategy when seeking compensation for our Athens trucking accident clients.

Abuse/Neglect in Athens Nursing Homes: When you must entrust an elderly family member to the care of a residential facility like an Athens nursing home, it can be a scary prospect. The reality is that abuse of seniors in nursing homes is common because so many facilities lack adequate staffing or provide substandard training and supervision. Nursing home neglect often involves denying residents basic needs like hydration, medication, nutrition or the opportunity for hygiene. This type of neglect can lead to life-threatening injury and illness. Nursing home abuse in an Athens elderly residential care facility may take the form of sexual abuse, physical assault, financial exploitation, abandonment of care, unjustified restraint (physical or chemical) or emotional abuse. If you suspect that someone you love is being mistreated or neglected while in the care of an Athens nursing home, our experienced Athens nursing home attorneys may be able to discover evidence of such abuse or neglect and seek compensation for your loved one.

Athens Slip and Fall Accidents: When you are on the premises of a home owner, business or public entity, it is normal to presume that the premises are reasonably safe. While the owner of a property may be required to investigate to identify hazards, warn of certain hazards and take remedial measure to make other hazards safe, the scope of this duty changes based on a number of factors so it important to seek prompt legal advice if you have been injured in an Athens slip and fall accident on the premises of someone else. Generally, if you are patronizing a business, the owner will have a duty to make the premises reasonably safe. Insurance carriers commonly defend slip and fall cases by claiming that the injury victim was not paying attention or otherwise was not diligent in avoiding the fall. Our experienced Athens slip and fall attorneys at Montlick and Associates understand the importance of investigating and analyzing maintenance records and practices, lighting, warning signs, remedial measures and other factors that may affect the outcome of an Athens slip and fall claim.

Athens Wrongful Death Actions: If a loved one dies, the emotional pain and financial challenges are often overwhelming, but when someone you love dies because a third party is unsafe, indifferent or violent, the pain is intensified. Our Athens wrongful death law firm is committed to seeking justice for those who needlessly die because of the misconduct of third parties and to providing financial support for the loved one’s that survive them. Whether your loved one dies in a motor vehicle accident, fall on a construction site or during a violent assault because of negligent security, our experienced team of Athens personal injury attorneys may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek damages on behalf of the estate of your loved one and to compensate your for your own loss.

Athens Construction Accidents: Construction sites in Athens can be extremely dangerous with exposed power lines, heavy machinery, hazardous substances or chemicals and improperly built scaffoldings that cause deadly falls. There are many people that suffer serious injuries on construction sites every year. If you suffer serious injury on an Athens construction site, we may be able to pursue both a workers’ compensation claim against your employer and a personal injury claim against another entity on the construction site. This is generally the best way to pursue the maximum compensation for injuries in a construction accident. The Athens construction accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates are familiar with the complicated safety regulations and confusing chaos that often prevails at construction sites. If you have been injured or a loved one dies on an Athens construction project, we may be able to help you obtain the compensation you need in the face of injuries that may prevent you from engaging in future construction work.

Athens Dog Bites: If you are bitten or mauled by a dog, you may suffer severe physical injuries that necessitate plastic surgery and deep psychological trauma. The most common victims of dog bites and mauling incidents are small children. An owner of a dog has a legal duty to be aware of evidence that their dog has violent tendencies. If the dog owner should know of such violent tendencies, they may be strictly liable (liability without fault) for injuries suffered in an Athens dog attack. Even where a dog owner has no reason to believe that their dog is violent, they may be liable if they violate a local leash law, or they fail to exercise reasonable care to prevent their dog from causing injury. The Athens dog bite attorneys at Montlick and Associates understand the physical and emotional trauma that may be caused by a dog attack or mauling in Athens and work diligently to obtain the compensation our clients need to obtain physical treatment and counseling along with other appropriate compensation.

Athens Pedestrian Accidents: Walking is becoming an increasingly popular way to get around because of the cost of gas and physical fitness benefits associated with hoofing it. However, the streets of Athens and many cities throughout the state often pose substantial dangers to pedestrians including lights that change to quickly, lack of middle islands, long distances between crosswalks and a dearth of sidewalks. This lack of pedestrian traffic safety features can mean a recipe for disaster when distracted, drunk or otherwise careless drivers collide with pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents frequently result in devastating injuries or the tragic death of a love one. The Athens pedestrian accident attorneys at Montlick and associates aggressively pursue legal claims for our pedestrian accident clients who suffer severe injury. When unsafe road design contributes to a pedestrian accident, our experienced Athens pedestrian accident lawyers understand the special timing requirements and procedures that are involved in claims against public entities.

Athens Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycles are fun and fuel efficient ways to commute to work or explore Athens, but they also may be involved in horrific collisions. Motorcycles are harder to see because of their relatively small mass and because they may be located in positions where motorists do not think to look such as straddling the line dividing lanes. This makes motorcyclists more vulnerable to negligent drivers that are intoxicated or not focused on their driving. When a motorcyclist is involved in an Athens motorcycle accident, the result can be permanent incapacitating injuries because motorcycles lack the basic safety features of other motor vehicles. If you or a loved has been injured in an Athens motorcycle accident, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates have successfully represented many motorcycle accident victims just like you.

Athens Premises Liability: There are many ways that one may suffer injury on the premises of another as varied as trip and falls caused by hazards like poorly maintained handrails on staircases to violent assaults committed by third parties. While the scope of the duty that a property owner owes to those on his or her property may vary based on a number of factors, a property owner often has a duty to inspect their property, perform reasonable maintenance, remove or correct hazardous conditions and warn visitors of unsafe hazards that they might not be expected to notice. Premises liability law is complicated and requires a careful analysis of many factors to determine what duty is owed to someone who visits the premises of another, and what constitutes sufficient compliance with that duty. Whether you are the victim of an animal attack, trip and fall or negligent security, our Athens premises liability attorneys at Montlick and Associates provide diligent legal representation in seeking the best results for our clients.

Athens Workers’ Compensation Claims: At Montlick and Associates, we have effectively represented employees who have been injured on the job in a broad range of industries including construction, poultry processing, manufacturing, agriculture, administrative support and a wide range of other types of employment. Our experienced team of Athens workers’ compensation attorneys can help you navigate the often complex workers’ compensation system to determine that you are treated fairly. If you suffer a work related injury, occupational injury or repetitive motion injury, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, free medical care and compensation for future disability. Our Athens workers’ compensation attorneys may also investigate the feasibility of a personal injury claim against other entities that may have contributed to your workplace injury to obtain access to more extensive compensation.

Athens Product Liability (Defective Products): Companies that manufacture, import, distribute and market products to consumers are in a unique position to detect potential defects and prevent consumers from injury caused by defective products. This is a key rationale for why product liability law permits consumers to seek compensation from anyone in the process of producing or distributing a product. While the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recalls and establishes safety standards for many products, there are many more products that are not regulated or do not come to the attention of the CPSC until injuries have already occurred. This danger posed to consumers is increasing exponentially as more products are being imported from countries with lax safety standards. If you or a loved one is injured by a defective product, the experienced Athens product liability attorneys at Montlick and Associates have helped many consumers injured by dangerous products.

Know your legal rights! Whether you are injured by the negligent, reckless or intentional misconduct of a third party, speak to an experienced Athens personal injury attorney at Montlick and Associates. Call us today for your Free Consultation.

No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

While many people assume that car accidents are reasonably rare and only happen to other drivers, over 1.5 million people are injured in car accidents annually with another 32,000 dying in tragic collisions throughout the U.S. Many of these accidents are easily preventable because they are caused by negligent or reckless conduct, as a cursory examination of national car accident fatality statistics makes apparent:

• Drunk driving accounts for over 10,200 motor vehicle fatalities
• Almost 3,100 car accident deaths are caused by distracted driving
• More than half of all fatal car accidents involve vehicle occupants not wearing a seat belt
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports 75 percent of drivers admit to answering cell phones while driving without regard to traffic circumstances

These facts make clear that if all drivers exercised reasonable care when driving, many unnecessary injuries and wrongful deaths could be avoided. Athens car accidents may be caused by a vast multitude of causes including drug and alcohol impaired drivers, cell phone use for texting and talking while driving and violations of traffic laws pertaining to speeding, following distance, right of way, traffic control signals and other driving safety laws. Although the majority of Athens car accidents are caused by unsafe driving, some collisions are caused by vehicles with product defects or dangerous roads.

Although not every Athens car accident entitles an injury victim to financial compensation from another party, the actions that you take immediately following a collision may increase the probability that you can successfully seek damages. An injury victim who seeks immediate medical treatment may make it easier to prove the nature and extent of one’s injuries because there may be objective scans like x-rays, CT-scans, MRIs and other diagnostic evidence. An Athens auto accident victim can also strengthen a motor vehicle accident claim by seeking prompt legal advice. Insurance adjusters are skilled at negotiating motor vehicle accident claims and may lure unsuspecting accident victims into damaging their claim. Some of the tactics used by insurance adjusters may include:

• Requesting a signed release to obtain confidential records like employment and medical records
• Arranging a recorded statement that may be used to develop inconsistencies that compromise your claim
• Asking you to affirm facts that might minimize the seriousness of the accident or your injuries
• Seeking an executed general release of liability even for claims that you are not aware exist
• Attempting to settle the claim for far below its actual value

To successfully pursue a personal injury claim for injuries or the loss of a loved one in an Athens car accident, a plaintiff in an Athens car accident case must establish that the other driver was negligent, that the negligence of the driver caused the plaintiff’s injuries and that the victim suffered injuries and/or property losses (i.e. damages). Negligent conduct in the context of an Athens car accident essentially means unreasonably unsafe driving practices. The unsafe behavior must cause the injury meaning that proving another driver was drunk or speeding is not necessarily sufficient to establish liability. A plaintiff in an Athens car accident claim must establish it is more likely than not that the unsafe driving practice caused the collision and resulting injuries or fatalities. Where the conduct of the defendant in an Athens car accident case is particularly reckless, the judge or jury may even award punitive damages, which often exceeds the cumulative sum of all other types of damages.

Our Athens car accident law firm is not a “general practice firm”; we focus on tort (e.g. personal injury) cases so we have the experience and expertise to successfully represent clients injured by many causes of car accidents including:

• Drivers distracted by electronic devices, grooming, eating, drinking, reading or reaching for an object
• Drivers impaired by narcotics, over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs
• Accidents caused by violation of basic traffic safety laws
• Motorists who do not drive safely in adverse weather conditions
• Forms of aggressive driving such as speeding and weaving in and out of traffic , street racing or tailgating
• Failure by government entities to repair road hazards or safely design roadways
• Automakers that produce defective automobiles
• Alcohol impaired drivers
• Inexperienced teen drivers

These factors and other similar accident risk factors can cause many types of collisions and create the risk of life-altering collisions that change the course of one’s life in the briefest of moments. The cause of the accident and type of vehicles involved can impact the evidence that is relevant and the severity of the injuries in a collision. Our Athens car accident attorneys represent clients in all types of motor vehicle collision cases including but not limited to the following:

• High impact head-on collisions
• Vehicles that run off the road
• Intersection T-bone crashes
• Vehicles that are sideswiped
• Pedestrian accident when backing up in driveways or parking lots
• Car-bicycle accidents
• Accidents involving privately and publically operated buses
• 15-Passenger van or SUV rollovers
• Rental car accidents
• Chain reaction pileups
• Accidents involving public transportation and taxis
• Motorcycle crashes
• Other pedestrian accidents

Our experienced Athens car accident lawyers offer the experience, expertise and resources often associated with large law firms delivered with the compassion, personalized service and reasonably prompt communication of a small law firm. We have represented hundreds of personal injury clients and know that treating a personal injury client with the cold indifference of a “personal injury file” only intensifies the anxiety and stress that is natural for car accident injury victims. State bar associations throughout the country report the number one complaint by clients is that their attorneys do not promptly return calls or provide reasonable communication regarding the progress of their case. Our Athens car accident attorneys work hard to provide relevant discovery of the facts, creative application of the law, winning legal strategies, solution oriented negotiation and persuasive courtroom advocacy.

Serious Athens car accidents can create significant life disruptions. Our law firm provides effective legal representation for many types of physical and psychological injuries. Some of the types of injuries that we may be able to seek compensation for include:

• Injuries to the head like traumatic brain injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Injuries to the spinal cord that may cause partial or total paralysis
• Severe burns including third-degree burns (i.e. complete thickness burns)
• Severe fractures and broken bones
• Amputation of extremities
• Whiplash injuries affecting the neck, back and shoulder
• Wrongful death

When you lose someone you love in an Athens car accident or suffer life-altering injuries, we understand that we cannot give you back the love of a family member or restore the ability to hug your spouse and lift your child into your arms. Our Athens car accident attorneys can seek the compensation that you need to deal with the financial crisis that many car accident victims face in the form of medical expenses and disability from employment. We also can handle communications and negotiation with insurance adjusters and the legal procedures necessary to protect your Athens car accident claim.

We routinely seek both special and general damages for our Athens auto accident clients. Special damages refer to damages that are essentially economic damages like medical expenses, lost income, vehicle damage and lost future earning capacity. General damages refer to more abstract damages like compensation for pain and suffering and diminished enjoyment of life. While there are other types of damages that may be available to an Athens car accident victim, the specific damages available in your personal injury claim depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your claim.

Know your legal rights! If you or someone you love has been injured in an Athens auto accident, our experienced Athens auto accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your Athens auto accident claim. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

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If you drive the roads of Savannah on a regular basis, you know that there are many different varieties of Savannah auto accidents involving cars, sports utility vehicles, motorcycles, commercial trucks and buses just to name a few examples. Regardless of the type of vehicle that someone is operating, those that navigate Savannah roadways have a legal obligation to take reasonable care to avoid causing an auto accident. This obligation includes compliance with traffic laws, concentrating on one’s driving and other driving conduct designed to avoid causing a serious Savannah auto accident. While most motor vehicle accidents are caused by unsafe drivers, they may also occur when public entities fail to provide safe roads or vehicle manufacturers produce defective vehicles or vehicle components.

It is not the case that every Savannah auto accident necessarily entitles you to recover damages in a personal injury settlement or judgment. Successfully pursuing a personal injury claim based on a Savannah auto accident entails establishing that another party has caused the accident and your resulting injuries because of negligent or reckless conduct. Negligent conduct in this context is basically conduct that poses an unreasonable risk of harm to others, which may include violating traffic safety laws like exceeding the speed limit, driving while intoxicated, ignoring traffic signals and other forms of unsafe driving. If a judge or jury determines that a defendant’s driving is extremely unsafe and dangerous (i.e. reckless), this may result in an award of punitive damages to punish the driver and provide a deterrent to engaging in similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are common in cases involving drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol and may exceed all other forms of damages combined.

Understanding Savannah Auto Accident Claims

Because our Savannah auto accident attorneys have been handling motor vehicle accident claims for many years, we are qualified to represent clients in the full spectrum of Savannah auto accident cases. We have the knowledge and experienced to seek compensation for accidents caused by virtually all types of negligence including:

• Texting and driving
• Driving while intoxicated
• Exceeding the speed limit
• Roadways that are not properly designed or maintained
• Failing to allow a proper following distance
• Unsafe lane changes
• Defective motor vehicles
• Talking on a cell phone
• Blowing through red lights and stop signs

While there are many other potential causes of Savannah auto accidents, these are typical causes that may be the basis for a Savannah personal injury settlement or lawsuit. There is also a broad spectrum of motor vehicle collisions including the following:

• Car accidents
• Deadly head-on impacts
• School, commuter and long-distance bus accidents
• T-bone intersection collisions
• Multi-car pile ups
• Bicycle crashes
• Rollover crashes
• Sideswipe collisions
• High speed collisions
• Collisions involving pedestrians
• Back over accidents
• Motorcycle accidents

Our experienced Savannah auto accident attorneys strive to provide the type of exemplary legal services typically associated with mega-size law firm with the communication and individual attention of a small firm. Our law firm is committed to the principle that legal representation should be a service based profession. We understand that when people are facing the challenges that accompany serious injuries in a Savannah auto accident it is extremely stressful to be left in the dark about the progress of one’s Savannah personal injury claim. The most common complaint made by legal clients is that calls are not returned and communication is poor. Our law firm understands that our clients have a right to expect reasonable progress reports and answers to communications in a reasonably prompt fashion. Our Savannah auto accident lawyers offer our clients effective discovery and investigation of the facts, innovative legal strategies based on current law, proven negotiations strategies and persuasive presentation of the facts whether during informal negotiations or litigation.

Seeking Compensation for Savannah Auto Accident Victims for Serious Injuries

If you are injured in a Savannah auto accident, you may suffer injuries that can seriously derail your life. At the law firm of Montlick and Associates, we have experience representing clients who have suffered a broad range of injuries that cover a broad spectrum from soft tissue injuries that heal reasonably fast to catastrophic life-altering injuries that may have a permanent impact on an accident victim’s mental and physical functioning. We can seek compensation for many injuries including:

• Brain injuries
• Injury to the spinal cord
• Third degree burns
• Fractures
• Loss of limbs
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Injuries to the neck and back (whiplash)
• Damage to tendons and ligaments (especially in the knee or shoulder)
• Fatalities

Our Savannah auto accident attorneys understand that we cannot eliminate your pain, restore your ability to walk or give you back the life of a loved one, but we can provide legal representation so that you can obtain the financial compensation that you may urgently need. Serious injuries suffered in a Savannah auto accident may mean substantial medical bills, lost income, permanent disability from employment or loss of financial support from a family’s primary wage earner. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that our clients need to ease these financial hardships so that our clients can focus on healing physically and psychologically. We have helped many clients obtain both economic and non-economic types of damages including but not limited to the following

• Medical costs and hospitalization expenses
• Replacement salary, wage and other forms of employment related income
• Property loss (including vehicle repair, replacement or diminished value)
• Partial or total disability (lost future income)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium (impairment of marital relations)

Know your legal rights! If you or someone you love has been injured in a Savannah auto accident, our experienced Savannah auto accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your Savannah auto accident claim. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Our knowledgeable team of Savannah personal injury attorneys and staff are dedicated to customizing our legal strategy to fit the unique circumstances of each client’s case. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients since our firm was founded in 1984. We are committed to providing effective negotiation and persuasive advocacy in pursuing the best possible settlement or verdict for our Savannah personal injury clients. During our long tenure representing Savannah injury victims, we have handled a staggering variety of personal injury cases, but some of the most common Savannah personal injury claims our firm handles includes the following:

Savannah Auto Accidents: While there are many forms of negligent conduct, which in simple terms is “unreasonably careless conduct”, the most common cause of personal injury claims is motor vehicle accidents involving cars, big-rigs, SUVs, 15-passenger vans, buses, bicycles, pedestrians and any other type of motor vehicle. Savannah auto accidents are the leading cause of accident related injury and wrongful death. Motor vehicle accidents may be caused by many types of unsafe conduct but some of the most common driving practices that lead to Savannah auto accidents are speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, drunk driving, stoplight running and unsafe lane changes. A Savannah motor vehicle accident victim will often suffer severe injuries which may cause enormous financial obstacles and entail significant medical treatment. Our Savannah auto accident attorneys can handle our clients’ insurance and legal issues so that they can focus on their physical recovery.

Savannah Slip & Falls/Trip & Falls: Many people have no idea how serious injuries suffered in a Savannah slip and fall accident can be until it happens to them. When you are patronizing a Savannah business, it is reasonable to expect that the proprietor of the business will conduct reasonable inspections for potential hazards and either warn patrons of dangers that may not be readily apparent or correct the hazardous condition. Our Savannah slip and fall attorneys have the experience to investigate and identify hazards like uneven flooring, improper lighting and other hazards that may increase the risk of a Savannah slip and fall accident so contact us today.

Savannah Tractor-Trailer Accidents (Commercial Trucking Collisions): Tractor-trailers may weigh 80,000 pounds when transporting a full load, which may be more than 25 times the weight of a passenger car. This vast difference in the size and weight of vehicles in a Savannah trucking accidents can mean life-changing injuries and a high risk of wrongful death. While the intrastate and interstate trucking industries are heavily regulated, trucking companies sometimes cut corners and disregard safety regulations in the pursuit of increased revenue. Effective legal representation in Savannah tractor-trailer accidents requires extensive knowledge of trucking regulations and industry practices. Our Savannah trucking accident lawyers are well aware of the practices used by trucking companies to avoid liability for injuries caused by their drivers. If you are injured by an improperly screened, trained or supervised driver, our experienced Savannah truck accident attorneys seek the best possible outcome for our clients.

Savannah Motorcycle Accidents: While all motor vehicle accidents may result in severe injury, motorcyclists have no physical protection in a collision, and motorcycles are far less stable than other types of vehicles. Fatality rates are much higher when a motorcycle is involved in a collision. Because Savannah motorcycle accidents often result in devastating injuries that require long-term rehabilitative care, our Savannah motorcycle accident attorneys seek the full measure of compensation possible when pursuing motorcycle injury settlements and lawsuits.

Savannah Dog Attacks (Dog Bite Claims): Millions of people are bitten in dog attacks each year with almost 800,000 of those victims suffering dog attack injuries severe enough to require medical treatment. The massive number of dog bite victims and seriousness of dog bite injuries are reflected in the fact that dog bite injuries account for nearly a billion dollars a year in insurance claims. If you are injured because a property owner chooses to keep a hostile and aggressive dog or fails to restrain their dog on a leash or behind a fence, our Savannah dog attack lawyers have obtained compensation for dog mauling victims who have suffered serious injury including reconstructive surgery.

Savannah Wrongful Death Claims: When you lose someone you love in a motor vehicle accident, construction accident or other serious accident, you may face intense emotional loss and financial burdens. It is a fundamental principle of law that victims of injury caused by unsafe or intentional misconduct of others should be compensated even if they die as a result of their injuries. Wrongful death actions can provide compensation that accident victims would have received had they survived the injuries caused by a third party. A Savannah wrongful death claim action may also provide compensation to family members for their own losses incurred because a loved one is prematurely taken from them. Our Savannah wrongful death legal team understands the challenge families face when they lose someone they love, and we are committed to pursuing the compensation that our clients need.

Savannah Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Claims: As baby boomers age, the strain on resources to care for our elderly loved ones continues to increase. Many nursing homes are already understaffed or staffed with under-qualified employees. When Savannah nursing homes put cutting cost above resident care, the result can be physical, emotional and financial abuse or chronic neglect. Our Savannah nursing home attorneys are committed to holding nursing homes accountable for providing the care that they have promised to provide. If your vulnerable loved one has been injured by nursing home abuse and neglect, we invite you to contact our Savannah nursing home abuse law firm to see how we can help.

Savannah Construction Site Injuries (Construction Accidents): Savannah construction sites are dangerous workplaces filled with many injury risks including falls from ladders, roofs and scaffoldings; accidents involving heavy machinery including backhoes, excavators, cranes, booms and front-end loaders; injuries caused by electrocution or fire; and exposure to hazardous substances. Construction accident claims pose unique issues including identifying viable defendants for personal injury claims and preventing critical evidence from disappearing from Savannah construction projects which may be in massive flux. Our Savannah construction accident attorneys understand the unique obstacles that must be navigated to effectively pursue a Savannah construction accident claim.

Savannah Workers’ Compensation Claims: When an employee suffers a workplace injury, it can result in disability from employment and the need for significant medical care. A workers’ compensation claim in Savannah generally provides a no-fault basis for seeking compensation for workplace injuries. While the system does not require you to prove the negligence of your employer, it also fails to provide certain important damages that may be available in a personal injury claim, such as pain and suffering, impaired quality of life and punitive damages. Our Savannah workers’ compensation attorneys at Montlick and Associates often pursue both a personal injury claim against a third party and a workers’ compensation claim against our client’s employer because it may provide the broadest scope of recovery.

Savannah Pedestrian Accidents: The growing concern over health issues has prompted many people to walk, jog and run when negotiating the streets and roads of Savannah. Unfortunately, there are many drivers who fail to pay attention or drive safely and cause serious injury to unsuspecting pedestrians. Because pedestrians have no protection when they are struck by a motor vehicle, “minor” pedestrian accidents are rare. If you suffer the type of life-altering injuries that are common in a pedestrian collision, our experienced Savannah pedestrian accident attorneys aggressively oppose insurance company tactics like trying to shift the responsibility for a Savannah pedestrian accident to the victim.

Savannah Premises Liability: Property owners have an obligation to keep their property reasonably safe for those who come on their property for legitimate reasons or to warn of potential hidden dangers. Our experienced premises liability lawyers are committed to providing effective legal advice and representation to those injured by dangerous conditions on the premises of others including animal attacks, trips and falls, failure to provide adequate security and other injuries caused by unsafe conditions on the property of others.

Savannah Defective Products (Product Liability): When companies sell products to Savannah consumers, they have a legal obligation to design, produce and market safe products that do not pose dangers to consumers who purchase their products when used as intended. Despite this obligation, many defective products sold by Savannah retailers cause significant injuries to unsuspecting consumers. If you have been injured by a product because of substandard workmanship, poor design or marketing/instructions that do not provide adequate instructions or warning of potential risks, our experienced Savannah product liability attorneys may be able to pursue a product liability claim against anyone in the production or distribution chain. Our Savannah defective product law firm is committed to holding companies accountable that endanger the public with unsafe products including defective medical devices, bad drugs, faulty consumer electronics, hazardous children’s toys and other unsafe consumer products.

Know your legal rights! Whether you are injured by the negligent, reckless or intentional misconduct of a third party, speak to an experienced Savannah personal injury attorney at Montlick and Associates. Call us today for your Free Consultation.

No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Common Types of Columbus Car Accidents

Any type of motor vehicle collision exacts a massive amount of force on the human body regardless of whether the vehicle that collides with your car is a passenger vehicle, 15-passenger van, SUV or 18 wheel big-rigs. All drivers have a responsibility to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing a Columbus car accident that may result in injury or the tragic death of others with whom a driver shares the road. This duty includes such practices as obeying the rules of the road, paying attention when driving or abstaining from driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Manufacturers of cars and other motor vehicles have implemented many safety improvements over the last decade including a higher number of air bags and crash avoidance systems, but car accidents still result in hundreds of thousands of injuries per year and approximately 30,000 deaths. 

Most Columbus car accident claims are based on negligent or reckless conduct by a driver although some car accidents are caused by defective vehicles or roadways. Negligent conduct in a driving context is essentially failing to take reasonable care to avoid causing a car accident and may include things like speeding, following to close or running a stoplight. When a driver’s behavior is so unsafe as to exhibit a conscious disregard for the safety of others, one’s driving may rise to the level of recklessness. This type of driving may include conduct like street racing, driving while under the influence of alcohol or weaving through traffic at extremely high rates of speed. If the conduct of a driver demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others, you may even be able to seek punitive damages which are designed to punish such inappropriate driving practices and discourage such practices in the future.

Our experienced Columbus car accident attorneys have handled a wide range of motor vehicle accident claims during our many years representing Columbus injury victims, but some of the types of Columbus car accidents that we handle include:

• Passenger vehicle collisions
• Head on crashes
• Intersection accidents
• Sideswipe collisions
• SUV rollover crashes
• Bus accidents
• Freeway accidents
• Motorcycle collisions
• Multi-car chain reaction crashes
• Run off the road accidents
• Parking lot or driveway backup accidents
• Pedestrian collisions
• Bicycle accidents
• T-bone collisions

Columbus Car Accidents May Be Caused by Many Types of Unsafe Conduct

These are just a few of the types of car accidents that our Columbus car accident attorneys are qualified to handle on behalf of Columbus car accident victims. There are many types of negligence that may be the basis for liability in a Columbus car accident settlement or lawsuit including:

• DUI/DWI involving drugs or alcohol
• Failure to comply with traffic laws
• Running lights and stop signs
• Motorist who do not adapt their driving practices in bad weather
• Poorly maintained or designed roadways
• Vehicles that are not properly maintained or have defects
• Exceeding the speed limit
• Drivers who are distracted because they try to multi-task while driving
• Aggressive driving like tailgating

Our experienced Columbus car accident attorneys are dedicated to delivering the high quality legal services of a large law firm with the personalized attention provided by a small boutique law firm. We have successfully helped our clients obtain millions in compensation from those who through negligent, reckless or intentional misconduct cause avoidable injuries to our clients. We are committed to the proposition that the practice of law is a service oriented industry and understand the importance of keeping our clients updated on their cases and returning calls and emails on a reasonably prompt basis. The Columbus car accident lawyers at our firm know that our clients are also valued members of the community that we serve so we represent our clients with commitment, passion and dignity. Our attorneys strive to provide appropriate investigation of the facts, knowledge of the law, carefully prepared legal work product and effective advocacy in settlement negotiations or litigation.

Striving to Obtain the Compensation Our Clients Need

Serious Columbus car accidents often result in permanent debilitating injuries. At Montlick and Associates, we handle car accidents that range from soft tissue and whiplash injuries to devastating spinal cord injuries and brain damage. Our Columbus car accident lawyers can effectively represent clients that have suffered a broad range of injuries including but not limited to the following

• Spinal cord injuries causing paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Amputation of arms or legs
• Severe burn injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Damage to internal organs
• Broken bones/fractures
• Whiplash injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Wrongful death

If you are involved in a Columbus car crash and suffer serious injury, you may be faced with the dilemma of high medical bills but lack the income to pay for the cost of treatment. Serious injuries in a Columbus car accident can result in hospital and treatment costs that can be in the tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our experienced Columbus car accident lawyers offer a free consultation so that we can determine the viability, estimated value and available damages of your Columbus car accident claim. Depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your auto collision claim, we may be able to seek damages for a broad spectrum of economic and non-economic loss including:

• Property damage (i.e. vehicle repair)
• Costs of hospitalization, treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and future lost income due to disability
• Pain and Suffering
• Impact on marital relationship and quality of life
• Costs associated with burial & funeral in wrongful death cases
• Punitive damages (some cases involving reckless conduct)
• Compensation for other forms of provable loss

The Columbus personal injury attorneys at Montlick and Associates are dedicated to representing our clients with dignity, compassion and diligence whether we are pursuing a Columbus personal injury settlement or judgment. Our law firm has recovered millions of dollars in financial compensation for our clients since we were founded nearly three decades ago. Our experienced Columbus personal injury attorneys are qualified to provide effective legal representation in a wide range of personal injury claims including the following:

Columbus Truck Accidents: Few motor vehicle accidents cause the same high degree of devastation and injury as a commercial trucking collision. The enormous risk of permanent life altering-injuries is a product of the overwhelming weight of these vehicles. The Columbus trucking accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates understand the complex matrix of regulations that often are a critical basis for imposing liability in a Columbus trucking accident. When trucking companies and drivers choose to exceed hours of service regulations, disregard required inspections and maintenance or fail to screen drivers to determine they are fit for service, the Columbus tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates understand how to conduct an investigation to uncover such violation of Columbus trucking regulations.

Columbus Auto Accidents: Our experienced Columbus auto accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates have handled a broad spectrum of Columbus car crashes including those involving distracted drivers, intoxicated drivers or other drivers who disregard safe driving practices. Whether you are involved in a collision with a passenger car, commercial big-rig, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian, our law firm has successfully represented others involved in similar Columbus auto accidents. We understand the stress and frustration of dealing with insurance companies and legal claims and we try to ease these burdens for our clients.

Columbus Motorcycle Accidents: Many people are injured in Columbus motorcycle accidents because of their lack of stability and lack of safety equipment to protect riders in collisions. Motorcycles are also extremely unforgiving if a motorcyclist must employ sudden evasive maneuvers to avoid a Columbus motorcycle collision. This combination of features makes motorcycle enthusiasts particularly susceptible to severe injuries and fatalities. Our Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers recognize that the types of severe injuries that are common in motorcycle collisions can impose enormous hardships. Our Columbus motorcycle law firm has successfully represented many motorcycle accident victims in seeking fair compensation for their injuries.

Columbus Dog Attacks: If you are attacked by a dog that has a past pattern for aggressive behavior or that has not been properly controlled on a leash or enclosure, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Dog attacks often result in long-term psychological and physical challenges including the need for plastic surgery to repair disfigurement caused by dog mauling injuries. If a dog has a past pattern for aggressive behavior that the owner should know about, the owner may be strictly liable for injuries depending on the circumstances of the case. Where there is no evidence of past aggressive behavior by a dog, liability may be based on violations of leash ordinances or negligence by the owner. Our Columbus dog attack attorneys may use any of these legal strategies when representing a Columbus dog attack victim.

Columbus Wrongful Death Claims: The loss of a loved one because of negligent, reckless or intentional conduct of a third party can cause enormous grief and economic challenges. A wrongful death action that arises out of a Columbus accident or criminal act can be financially devastating to a family particularly if the person who dies is the family breadwinner. Columbus wrongful death cases often are based on motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, defective products, medical malpractice and criminal attacks as well as many other types of dangerous conduct. Our Columbus wrongful death legal team understands the enormous challenges that face those who prematurely lose a loved one.

Columbus Elder and Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse: With the average age of the U.S. population rising rapidly, a growing number of seniors are dependent on nursing homes for their care and daily needs. Some Columbus nursing homes utilize cost-cutting measures that put elderly residents at-risk of being injured by unsafe conditions, sub-standard care or caregiver abuse. Columbus nursing homes may fail to adequately screen or train their staff or may understaff a nursing home creating a dangerous environment for elderly residents. Elder abuse in Columbus nursing homes may be based on chronic neglect, physical and sexual assault or financial abuse. If your vulnerable loved one has been the victim of elder abuse or neglect in a Columbus nursing home, our experienced Columbus nursing home abuse attorneys may be able to help.

Columbus Premises Liability: Our Columbus premises liability attorneys have handled many accidents involving injuries on the premises of others since our firm was founded in 1984. Premises liability law is designed to compensate those injured by unsafe conditions on the premises of other. The scope of the duty of a property owner to make their premises safe or to warn visitors of hidden hazards depends on the way the property is being used, your reason for being on the property, the nature of the hazard and a number of other factors. Our Columbus premises liability lawyers are dedicated to holding property owners accountable when they fail to take reasonable measures to protect those who come on their property from harm.

Columbus Construction Injuries: Anyone that has worked on a construction site understands that they can be a chaotic environment filled with potential hazards. The construction industry disproportionately experiences a high rate of permanent injuries and worksite fatalities. Our experienced Columbus construction site accident attorneys know that there are many hazards that can cause a construction accident including heavy machinery, falls from elevations, electrocution/explosion hazards, excavation/trench collapse accidents and many others.   Full compensation in a construction case may involve finding third parties who contribute to an accident because recovery against an employer is generally limited to workers’ compensation benefits. Our Columbus construction injury lawyers generally investigate to identify all potential parties that may share liability to maximize the recovery for our clients.

Columbus Slip, Trip and Falls: When you are visiting a Columbus business, you presume that the owner will take reasonable care to eliminate hazards that may cause injury to customers. Whether you are visiting a department store, supermarket, restaurant or other business, it is unlikely you expect to slip on a wet floor or trip over a broken step. Unfortunately, many people are injured by the failure of a property owner to warn of hidden hazards or to take remedial measures. Slip, trip and fall accidents in Columbus may result in serious injuries that mean substantial medical bills, time off work and prolonged physical pain. Our Columbus slip, trip and fall attorneys are committed to seeking fair compensation for those injured by business owners who fail to make their premises safe for customers.

Columbus Workers' Compensation: Employees have a right to expect that they will be provided with a safe work environment. This right is reinforced by OSHA regulations and other state and federal safety standards. Sometimes employers fail to abide by these safety standards while other times injuries occur despite the best efforts of an employer and employees to avoid accidents. The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide a fast efficient no-fault basis for Columbus employees to be compensated for their injuries. While the workers’ compensation system does not require you to prove fault by your employer, there are many procedural and substantive legal obstacles that must be successfully navigated. Our Columbus workers’ compensation attorneys may be able to seek a variety of workers’ compensation benefits including free health care, partial wage replacement and permanent disability. We may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit against third parties that share fault in causing an accident to seek the maximum compensation for our clients.

Columbus Product Liability Claims (Dangerous Products): When consumers purchase products in Columbus, Georgia stores, they generally presume that the product will not cause injury or wrongful death provided it is used as intended. This confidence may be misplaced because an increasing number of products on the shelves of stores in the U.S. are manufactured in countries like China that lack our safety and quality control standards. If you are injured by a defective product that is manufactured in China but imported and marketed by a U.S. company, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer, importer, distributor, retailer or anyone else in the production and distribution chain. There are a number of types of defects that may appear in products including those that are inherent in the design of the product and those that develop due to problems in the manufacturing process. A manufacturer also may be liable for a failure to warn consumers of potential risks posed by the product. Our experienced Columbus product liability attorneys have provided effective legal representation in cases involving unsafe and defective products to many clients just like you.

Columbus pedestrian accidents: The streets of Columbus and many cities throughout the state often pose substantial dangers to pedestrians including lights that change to quickly, lack of middle islands, long distances between crosswalks and a dearth of sidewalks. This lack of pedestrian traffic safety features can mean a recipe for disaster when distracted, drunk or otherwise careless drivers collide with pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents frequently result in devastating injuries or the tragic death of a love one. The Columbus pedestrian accident attorneys at Montlick and associates aggressively pursue legal claims for our pedestrian accident clients who suffer severe injury. When unsafe road design contributes to a pedestrian accident, our experienced Columbus pedestrian accident lawyers understand the special timing requirements and procedures that are involved in claims against public entities. 

Know your legal rights and options! Whether you are injured by the negligent, reckless or intentional misconduct of another, we invite you to speak to an experienced Columbus personal injury attorney at Montlick and Associates. Call us today for your Free Consultation.

No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

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Pedestrian accidents account for almost sixty thousand people being injured and 4,000 deaths annually. Many times Augusta pedestrian accidents involve seniors and children. Many of these pedestrian accidents would be avoided if drivers exercised reasonable care and governmental entities took appropriate precautions to make Augusta roadways safe. Some of the most common causes of Augusta pedestrian accidents include the following:

• Drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Accidents caused by fatigued and drowsy drivers
• Reckless driving practices like street racing and unsafe passing
• Failure to comply with traffic signals or exercise caution at intersections
• Speeding drivers unable to stop or avoid pedestrians
• Poor urban planning that fails to provide adequate crosswalks, traffic signals and other safeguards

While the majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by negligent or reckless drivers, Augusta pedestrian accidents may also be caused by poor roadway design or maintenance, defective motor vehicle components and poor vehicle maintenance. Poor public safety planning when designing roads and intersections in Georgia cities like Augusta is a common cause of many pedestrian accidents. When negligence by a public entity is a contributing factor to a pedestrian accident, special procedures and time limits apply to pursue a claim against the governmental entity. The experienced Augusta pedestrian accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates have a proven track record of pursuing pedestrian accident cases against not only careless or inattentive drivers but public entities.

While any pedestrian can be injured in an Augusta pedestrian accident, seniors and children are the most common victims of pedestrian accidents. Approximately 40 percent of those injured in pedestrian accidents nationally are children under the age of 15. Children may lack the experience or mature judgment to avoid errors that put them in the path of unsafe drivers. Numerous studies indicate that children have less ability to estimate time and distance so they are less able to make sound judgments about whether it is safe to cross the street at intersections. The elderly are also more likely to be injured in an Augusta pedestrian accident because physical limitations related to age may mean it takes longer for seniors to cross the street. This common physical limitation that impacts many seniors often is neglected by public entities when designing intersections which do not include center islands and longer traffic signals.

If you suffer the kind of debilitating injuries that result from pedestrian accidents, you may face massive medical expenses and face prolonged periods of disability from employment. Our Augusta pedestrian accident attorneys have worked diligently to build a reputation that lets insurance companies know that we are prepared to seek substantial verdicts in a trial. This often allows us to negotiate a favorable settlement for Augusta pedestrian accident victims on favorable terms. If you or a loved one suffers severe injury in a pedestrian accident or a loved one dies, we may be able to obtain the following forms of compensation:

• Lost income including future lost earnings due to disability
• Hospital and medical bills and other treatment related costs
• Impairment of quality of life and marital relationship
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages (expenses related to death such as funeral or burial expenses)
• Punitive damages (egregious cases like those involve impaired drivers)

If you or someone close to you has been involved in an Augusta pedestrian accident, we recognize that you may be feeling enormous stress, confusion and uncertainty about the future. Our dedicated and compassionate Augusta pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to seeking the best possible results on behalf of pedestrian accident victims.

Know your legal rights! If you or someone close to you has been injured by the negligence of a third party in an Augusta pedestrian accident, our experienced Augusta pedestrian accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your Augusta pedestrian accident claim. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

An Augusta wrongful death legal claim involves two separate and distinct claims: (1) wrongful death action and (2) survival action. The damages in a wrongful death action are not part of the decedent’s personal estate but instead damages paid to compensate the family members because a loved one has been taken from them. The damages recoverable are measured by the full value of the decedent’s life from his or her perspective. This includes both economic loss and other intangible forms of loss including lost future income based on typical life expectancy, loss of enjoyment of life experiences and pain and suffering between the time of the incident that caused injury and the time of death.

The surviving spouse has the first priority in bringing a wrongful death claim in Georgia but any recovery must be shared with children of the decedent. If the person who dies is unmarried, then the children of the decedent may pursue a wrongful death claim. Where the decedent has neither a surviving spouse nor children, the parents of the decedent may bring the wrongful death action. If a decedent has no surviving family members with any of these family relationships, then the executor of the estate may bring the wrongful death action on behalf of the next of kin.

The other legal claim that is typically brought in conjunction with a wrongful death claim is a survival action. The administrator of a decedent’s estate may also bring a claim for the damages suffered directly by the decedent. The action is called a survival claim because the purpose of the action is to have someone step into the shoes of the decedent. The damages recoverable in a survival action include medical expenses, funeral/burial costs and pain and suffering if the decedent did not die instantly. Punitive damages may also be recoverable by the estate of the decedent if the facts support such damages.

Because our Georgia wrongful death lawyers have been representing the families of those whose death has been caused by a third party since we were founded in 1984, we are qualified to handle a wide variety of wrongful death claims including:

• Auto accident cases
• Trucking accidents
• Falls from elevations
• Rollover accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Violent crimes
• Pedestrian accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Negligent security
• Construction accidents
• Industrial accidents
• Occupational illnesses (Mesothelioma)

Our Georgia wrongful death attorneys understand the grief and financial hardship faced by family members who die because of intentional criminal or negligent conduct by a third party. The Georgia wrongful death lawyers at Montlick and Associates recognize the challenge associated with coping with the loss of a loved one so we believe in providing legal services based on compassion, commitment and personalized attention. We know that the emotional challenges faced by families of wrongful death victims are compounded if phone calls are not returned and reasonable updates are not provided to clients so we give our best efforts to keeping our clients reasonably informed about the progress of their wrongful death claims.

Know your legal rights! If you or someone you love has suffered wrongful death, our experienced Augusta wrongful death attorneys at Montlick and Associates are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your Augusta wrongful death claim. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Although tractor-trailers represent a small fraction of the total number of motor vehicles on roadways, they are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal motor vehicle accidents. Approximately a third of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involve tractor-trailers, and hundreds of thousands of additional people are injured in trucking accidents annually. In tractor-trailer accidents involving serious injury or wrongful death, the party that suffers injury or death is an occupant of the passenger vehicle more than 95 percent of the time. There is an average of a half a million commercial trucking accidents throughout the U.S. per year according to the Department of Transportation.

Our experienced Augusta trucking accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates have been providing effective trucking accident legal representation since our law firm was founded. Our Augusta tractor-trailer law firm understands the complex issues that are relatively unique to commercial trucking accident claims. Trucking accidents involve a number of litigation challenges that require specific knowledge and experience including:

• Access of trucking companies to massive litigation resources
• Understanding the massive federal and state regulatory structure that governs the trucking industry
• Trucking industry practices of manipulating potential evidence, such as altering driver logbooks or erasing critical evidence stored on tractor-trailer data recorders

These are just a few of the complexities involved in Augusta trucking accidents that make it important to seek the legal advice and representation of an experienced Augusta tractor-trailer accident law firm. Our law firm combines familiarity with trucking regulations enacted by the Federal Motor Carrier Transportation Administration as well as other federal and state regulations with knowledge of the tactics used by trucking companies to evade liability in Augusta trucking accident cases. Trucking company practices that may be used by trucking companies to minimize or avoid liability include the following:

• Manipulation of driver logbooks that track critical issues like fatigue based on hours of service and maintenance issues
• Repairing and placing commercial trucks back in service so that evidence of vehicle damage and onboard data recorder information is lost
• Characterizing the driver and trucking company relationship as an independent contractor relationship rather than employment relationship in an attempt to avoid trucking company liability
• Attempting to shift responsibility to accident victims for Augusta trucking collisions

These types of issues make Augusta tractor-trailer accident litigation complicated. Our dedicated and committed tractor-trailer accident lawyers have been providing legal representation to Augusta trucking accident victims since 1984. If you are involved in a trucking accident you may suffer serious life-altering injuries including:

• Spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Closed head injuries
• Severe disfigurement
• Compound fractures and broken bones
• Damage to internal organs
• Amputation injuries
• Joint injuries including knee injuries

This type of severe injury can be debilitating and adversely impact your ability to engage in your occupation and impair mental and physical functioning. Severe injuries suffered in Mississippi tractor-trailer accidents can rob an accident victim of one’s ability to engage in even the simple pleasures of a walk on the beach with one’s significant other or the ability to carry one’s child. These types of severe injuries may also cause debilitating pain, significant emotional distress and staggering financial challenges.

If you or a close family member has suffered severe injuries or a loved one has died, the compassionate and dedicated Augusta 18 wheeler accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates may be able to obtain a broad spectrum of damages including the following:

• Expenses related to medical care
• Lost earnings
• Partial and total disability
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Wrongful death – funeral and burial expenses
• Punitive damages in certain cases

Know your legal rights! If you or someone you love has been injured in an Augusta trucking accident, our experienced Augusta tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your Augusta trucking accident claim. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

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Augusta Auto Accidents May Be Caused by Many Types of Unsafe Behavior

Although automobiles, pickup trucks, SUVs, tractor-trailers, and all other types of motor vehicles play a fundamental role in our everyday lives, they remain a dangerous cause of severe injury and even wrongful death. A motor vehicle may become a dangerous weapon in the hands of inexperienced, indifferent or careless drivers. While there have been impressive advancements in auto safety in recent years, auto accidents still account for two hundred thousand injuries and more than thirty thousand deaths per year. Many Augusta auto accidents are caused by drivers who are negligent, which is a legal term that essentially describes careless or unreasonably unsafe behavior.

There are many types of negligent conduct that may contribute to an Augusta auto accident, but some of the most common types of unreasonably unsafe conduct that may cause an Augusta car accident include the following:

• Distracted drivers who are texting, using their cell phones, putting on makeup, eating, drinking or otherwise not paying attention
• Fatigued or drowsy drivers
• Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for traffic and weather conditions
• Aggressive driving like tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic
• Violations of the Georgia Rules of the Road
• Defective vehicles or vehicle components (e.g. tire blowouts and tread separation)
• Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Running stop signs or stoplights
• Improper road design or maintenance

Our Augusta auto accident attorneys are committed to providing the exemplary legal services that you should expect from a large law firm with a reputation built on almost three decades of obtaining tens of millions of dollars for our clients. However, we provide the type of personalized attention and commitment typically associated with a small firm mentality. Our Augusta auto accident attorneys understand that our clients are more than "personal injury plaintiffs," they are beloved family members, friends, neighbors and valued members of our community. Our Augusta personal injury law firm is founded on a commitment to representing our clients with dignity, compassion and diligence. When we represent clients with Augusta auto accident claims, we strive to provide comprehensive investigation of the facts, current legal research, carefully drafted documenyts, pleadings and motions, proven settlement and strategies and persuasive advocacy.

Dedicated and Proven Legal Representation for All Types of Augusta Auto Accidents

Because we have been representing injury victims in Augusta car accident claims since 1984, we have handled the full spectrum of motor vehicle accidents involving cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, bikes, bicycles, trains and tractor-trailers, including the following:

• Passenger vehicle accidents
• Multi-car chain reaction collisions
• T-bone collisions
• Hit and run collisions
• Deadly head on collisions
• Sideswipe accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Accidents while backing up
• Rollover accidents
• Rear-ender collisions
• Distracted driving accidents

Seeking Maximum Damages for All Types of Augusta Auto Accident Injuries

The massive impact associated with an Augusta auto collision can result in permanent life-altering injuries. Our firm handles cases involving all levels of injury. Examples of some of the most common serious injuries for which our Augusta auto accident lawyers may be able to help you seek financial compensation include:

• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Compound fractures and broken bones
• Loss of limbs
• Third degree burn injuries
• Paraplegia
• Quadriplegia
• Wrongful death

If you suffer injuries in an Augusta auto accident, you may suffer the inability to work and overwhelming medical costs as well as extensive rehabilitative and nursing care. If you experience serious injuries caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of another, you also may face substantial financial pressure. An experienced Augusta auto accident attorney at our law firm will provide you with a free consultation to discuss your entitlement to various types of damages, including:

• Medical bills and expenses
• Loss of earnings past, present and future
• Pain and suffering
  Loss of consortium (services and affection of a spouse)
• Funeral/burial expenses (wrongful death actions)
• Punitive damages (certain cases)
• Other damages

Know your legal rights! If you or someone you love has been injured in an Augusta auto accident, our experienced Augusta auto accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your Augusta auto accident claim. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Our team of attorneys and staff treat our clients with respect, dignity and a firm commitment to the best possible outcome in their Augusta personal injury claim or lawsuit. We have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for personal injury victims. Our experienced Augusta personal injury attorneys have successfully represented clients injured in the full spectrum of injury cases including:

Augusta Auto Accidents: Our experienced team of Augusta auto accident lawyers has successfully represented those injured in all types of motor vehicle accidents including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, bicycle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, SUV rollover accidents and pedestrian accidents.; Auto accidents frequently result in debilitating injuries that impose enormous physical and financial obstacles.; We work diligently to investigate our client’s auto accident and develop an effective strategy.; Our Augusta auto accident team is prepared for the tactics and defenses used by insurance carriers; we combine decades of experience with the resources necessary to obtain the compensation our clients deserve.

Augusta Dog Bite Cases (Animal Attacks): When a person is mauled by a dog or attacked by any animal that has not been properly restrained or that has a reputation for being vicious, our Augusta dog bite lawyers pursue financial compensation for reconstructive surgery, psychological counseling and other damages.; Our Augusta dog attack lawyers may use a variety of legal strategies based on leash law violations, prior knowledge of the viciousness of a dog and the unreasonable carelessness of a dog owner as a basis for liability.

Augusta Premises Liability: Our Augusta personal injury law firm handles a wide range of premises liability cases including slip and falls, dog bites, negligent security, swimming pool accidents and other accidents caused by a property owner’s failure to keep the premises safe or warn of hazards.; We are committed to holding property owners accountable who through indifference or negligence fail to take reasonable precautions to make their property safe.

Augusta Truck Accidents: When a motorist is involved in an Augusta truck accident, the massive size of a commercial truck or tractor- trailer can mean devastating injuries and massive carnage.; Despite substantial federal and state regulations aimed at making commercial trucking safer, truck drivers and trucking companies may violate regulations and safety standards to increase profits.; Our Augusta trucking accident lawyers possess extensive knowledge of trucking regulations and industry practices that include doctoring logbooks and destroying evidence.; We work to preserve critical evidence in Augusta trucking accident cases that may be used to establish the fault of a trucking company and driver in an Augusta trucking accident claim or lawsuit.

August Wrongful Death Lawsuits: Any loss of a loved one is emotionally painful and may be financially difficult, but the loss of a loved one because of the intentional or unreasonably careless conduct of a third party makes the loss even more devastating.; Whether your loved one is the victim of an intentional violent crime, a job injury, or negligent driving, our Augusta wrongful death legal team carefully investigates our clients’ wrongful death claims so that we can help punish wrongdoers and provide financial support for surviving family members.

Augusta Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly susceptible to careless or inattentive drivers because there is a very small margin for error and virtually no protection when riding a motorcycle.; Motorcycle accidents frequently result in permanent devastating injuries and far too often fatalities.; Our Augusta motorcycle accident attorneys understand the importance of providing our best efforts to obtain the substantial compensation that is necessary when accident victims suffer severe injuries in Augusta motorcycle accidents.

Augusta Nursing Home Abuse (Nursing Home Neglect): The average age of our population is increasing which imposes more strain on the financial resources available to provide adequate care for our elderly loved ones.; This increased need for elder care amid dwindling resources often results in nursing homes with substandard care and inadequate staffing.; Mistreatment of vulnerable seniors may be the result of intentional physical assault or abuse, financial exploitation or the failure to provide for basic needs like nutrition or hydration.; If your elderly loved one has been injured, abused or neglected, we invite you to contact us to see how we can help.

Augusta Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to severe injury and even wrongful death when struck by a car, truck, SUV or motorcycle.; Children and seniors are often among the most common victims of Augusta pedestrian accidents.; Many times drivers that run down pedestrians are drunk or distracted.; Insurance companies will often try to shift the blame for pedestrian accidents to injury victims, but our Augusta pedestrian accident attorneys are prepared to aggressively challenge such tactics for our clients.

Augusta Slip and Fall Accidents: Some business owners fail to provide adequate maintenance to protect patrons from falls on wet or slippery surfaces.; If you have been the victim of a slip and fall in a grocery store, restaurant, or other business, our Augusta slip and fall attorneys for a free consultation about your right to compensation.; We are committed to providing the best possible outcome for our clients who are involved in a slip and fall accident.

Augusta Construction Accidents: The typical construction project in Augusta is filled with potential hazards, including heavy machinery, trenches or excavations, scaffoldings, electrical power lines and a multitude of other potential dangers.; If you suffer injury on a construction site, our experienced Augusta construction attorneys carefully analyze construction accident cases so that they can any identify third parties against whom to bring a personal injury lawsuit which may supplement a worker’s compensation claim against an injury victim’s employer.

Augusta Worker’s Compensation Claims: When you are injured on the job or in the scope of your employment, a on the job injury can mean medical bills and disability from employment.; Our Augusta worker’s compensation attorneys provide effective representation and help our clients through the complexities of the worker’s compensation claim process.; Many clients who do not have a worker’s compensation attorney fall into critical traps including having their claim undervalued by industrial clinics that may provide an unrealistic prognosis and underestimate a injury victim’s degree of long-term disability.; Our Augusta worker’s compensation attorneys direct our clients through the claims process so that our clients can obtain income replacement benefits, medical costs and other compensation.

Augusta Product Liability (Defective Products): If you are injured by a dangerous or defective product, you may have a right to pursue a product liability claim. Companies that design, manufacture and market products to consumers have a legal duty not to place defective products on the market that might cause injury to consumers. Thousands of people are injured by dangerous products each year including defective motor vehicles, home electronics, bad drugs, toys with lead paint, asbestos and many other unsafe products. If a defective product injures a consumer, an injury victim may be able to pursue compensation against anyone in the production chain. Our Augusta product liability attorneys may be able to seek compensation from the companies that manufactured, designed or marketed the unsafe product, which may even be strictly liable for injuries to consumers.

Know your legal rights! Whether you are injured by the negligent, reckless or intentional misconduct of a third party, speak to an experienced Augusta personal injury attorney at Montlick and Associates.; Call us today for your Free Consultation.

No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

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While many families consider the family dog a vital part of the family and beloved pet, dogs like other animals sometimes exhibit unpredictable behavior that can result in dog bites, dog attacks and even fatal dog maulings.  If you are the victim of an injury in an Augusta dog attack, you may suffer severe physical injuries that require reconstructive surgery and lifelong emotional trauma.  The experienced Augusta dog bite attorneys at Montlick and Associates are committed to shifting the risk associated with owning animals back to those who make the choice to own a dog and to seeking the compensation Augusta dog attack victims need to promote their recovery from the physical and emotional scars of a dog attack.

Dog attacks that result in serious injury are far more common than most people realize.  Each year 5 million people suffer some form of dog bite injury ranging from minor bites that do not break the skin to fatal mauling incidents.  Dog attacks send an estimated hundred thousand people per year to U.S. emergency rooms annually.  Tragically, small children are the most susceptible victims both in terms of the frequency that they are attacked and the severity of the dog attack.

Understanding the “One Bite Rule” in Augusta Dog Bite Litigation

Our Augusta dog bite attorneys typically explore a number of legal theories when analyzing the basis for liability of a dog owner in an Augusta dog attack.  Georgia follows the common law One Bite Rule that has been repealed as unfairly harsh in many states.  The rule is to some degree a misnomer because despite the rules name there is no requirement that a dog need to have bitten someone before liability may be imposed on a dog owner.  This misconception is very commonly misunderstood and leads some to believe that they get “one free bite.”

While there is no requirement that an Augusta dog attack victim prove that the dog has bitten someone on a previous occasion, this approach to imposing liability on a dog owner does require evidence that the dog owner “knew or should have known” that the dog had vicious tendencies.  This is sometimes referred to as the “scienter” requirement.  While a prior dog bite incident is one way that a dog’s prior vicious behavior may be shown, it may also be established by other evidence.  The breed and training of the dog may also be relevant as certain breeds of dogs have a greater propensity for viciousness including pit bulls and Rottweilers.

The case of Supan v. Griffin, 238 Ga. App. 404 (1999) provides a clear direction on how the One Bite Rule works in Georgia.  The plaintiff was injured when a dog on the owner’s property attacked the dog bite victim.  The court held that the true test of liability is the owner's "superior knowledge of his dog's temperament."  Supan's dog had previously attacked another dog while threatening its owner with "bared fangs, vicious growls and attack behavior."  Although the dog did not bite, this evidence of an aggressive temperament was sufficient to impose liability on the dog owner.

 Other Theories for Imposing Liability in Augusta Dog Bite Lawsuits

Our experienced Augusta dog bite lawyers thoroughly investigate our clients’ dog bite cases to identify evidence that a dog owner should have known of a dog’s vicious tendencies.  Even when the scienter requirement cannot be established because there is no evidence of past viciousness by a dog, we may still pursue an Augusta dog bite lawsuit based on an owner’s negligence or violation of a leash law ordinance.  If an owner’s negligence can be shown to have caused injury in the form of a dog attack resulting in a bite or even knocking someone to the ground on a bike, this may be the basis for imposing liability on a dog owner.  Similarly, if you suffer a dog attack in a city or county that has a leash law, an owner may be liable for injuries caused because the dog was allowed to run at large rather than being confined by a fence or on a leash.

 Augusta Dog Attacks May Result in Serious Injuries

If you or someone you love is the victim of a dog attack or dog mauling, you may suffer serious injuries including:

• Nerve damage
• Severe disfigurement
• Damage to vital organs
• Scars
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Wrongful death

If you suffer injuries caused by a dog bite, dog mauling or dog attack in Augusta, our dedicated team of Augusta dog bite lawyers may seek a broad spectrum of damages.  We have helped victims of Augusta dog attacks seek compensation for the following:

• Lost income
• Medical expenses including reconstructive surgery
• Psychological counseling or therapy
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Impairment of quality of life and marital relationship
• Funeral/burial expenses (wrongful death)

We know that many times serious dog maulings can result in injuries that require extensive reconstructive surgery, which can be painful, expensive and emotionally devastating.  We are prepared to stand behind you and fight for the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life after a serious Augusta dog bite incident.  If you or someone you love has been injured in an Augusta dog attack, our experienced Augusta dog attack lawyers at Montlick and Associates are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for our clients.  We encourage you to schedule a free consultation because there is absolutely no obligation for us to evaluate your Augusta auto accident claim.  No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

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Even when extreme care is taken, there is still a serious danger for pedestrians who must share the roadways of Atlanta with motor vehicles. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) makes the scope of the danger clear. Approximately 64,000 people per year are injured in pedestrian accidents with motor vehicles and another 5,000 people are killed.

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