Georgia's Move Over Law Designed to Make Roads Safer
Georgia has joined a growing number of states (44 states) in enacting a Move-Over Law designed to protect police, paramedics, firemen, DOT employees and other emergency responders from serious Georgia auto accidents. While this law is an important measure to protect those who are often exposed to passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and other vehicles zooming by at speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour, one recent poll indicates that over 71% of the population is unaware of move-over laws.
The Georgia Move-Over Law is designed to prevent collisions with emergency vehicles and highway construction vehicles parked on the side of the road as well as police, fire, paramedic and DOT road construction personnel that may be in the roadway and particularly vulnerable to pedestrian accidents.
If you have been seriously injured or a family member has suffered wrongful death in a Georgia auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, represents those who suffer serious injuries or wrongful death in Atlanta auto accidents and elsewhere throughout Georgia and the Southeast. Our experienced Atlanta auto accident lawyers will work in your best interests so that you can recover the compensation you deserve. The Atlanta auto accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates are committed to providing exceptional legal representation as part of our goal to be the best Atlanta auto accident law firm in Georgia.
Law enforcement is a dangerous job and most people assume that the greatest risk is posed by suspects with firearms or other weapons, but police face a far greater risk from inattentive passing motorists who do not observe the officer or the police car parked on the side of the road. Data from FBI sources indicate that auto accidents constitute the leading cause of death for police officers in the line of duty. More than 150 police officers have been killed since 1999 after being hit by passing motorists. Additionally, over two hundred roadside workers are killed in similar crashes annually.
Sometimes these accidents are caused because drivers are too busy "rubbernecking", distracted by cell phones or other electronic devices, speeding or driving too fast for road conditions and otherwise failing to take appropriate driving precautions when approaching an emergency vehicle parked on the side of the roadway. A police officer, paramedic, DOT worker or other person who is out of their vehicle is particularly vulnerable and more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries if struck by a motor vehicle.
The Georgia Move-Over Law requires drivers to move-over one lane away from the side of the road where an emergency vehicle is stopped as long as it is safe to do so. If it is not safe to move-over, the law requires drivers to slow down and be prepared to stop. Georgia's Move-Over Law was meant to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities to police officers, paramedics, firefighters and DOT employees caused by Georgia auto accidents. The law also makes the roads safer for those who are stopped or being administered to by police, paramedics and other emergency responders.
If you have suffered serious injuries in an Atlanta auto accident or a car crash anywhere in Georgia, Montlick and Associates will fight for your best interests. Our Georgia personal injury lawyers will work hard to help you obtain the best possible results in your Georgia auto accident lawsuit. Our Atlanta auto accident lawyers have been representing the best interests of Georgia auto accident victims for over a quarter of a century. Our experienced Georgia auto accident lawyers are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. 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.