Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP 2026-05-30T14:20:41Z https://www.crawfordandbrown.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1604783/2022/09/cropped-favicon-dark-32x32.png On Behalf of Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP <![CDATA[Why passing out after a crash is an injury red flag]]> https://www.crawfordandbrown.com/?p=47767 2026-05-30T14:20:41Z 2026-05-30T14:20:41Z Brain injuries often cause a loss of consciousness People don't just faint without reason, even in highly-stressful situations. There is typically a medical issue that causes the loss of consciousness. In a car crash scenario, anyone who passes out or faints may have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). People could injure their brains through blunt-force trauma if they hit the steering wheel or any other part of the vehicle during the crash. Even the violent motions of a vehicle that rolls over or spins during a crash could cause inflammation inside the skull. Swelling of brain tissue or bleeding inside the skull can cause permanent structural changes to the brain that could have devastating consequences for an individual. TBIs sometimes take days to produce additional symptoms, making it difficult for people to self-diagnose a car crash brain injury. Seeing a doctor can help people get care promptly after sustaining a TBI. People who black out may want to see a physician even if they don't notice any other immediate symptoms of a potential brain injury. Prompt treatment can also help to safeguard one’s health and protect one’s right to seek compensation after a car crash.]]> On Behalf of Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP <![CDATA[The risk of inattentional blindness]]> https://www.crawfordandbrown.com/?p=47765 2026-05-22T16:30:31Z 2026-05-22T16:30:31Z When someone quickly looks at the scene around them, such as when they pull up to a main road to make a left-hand turn, they may think that they have genuinely seen everything in their immediate surroundings. Even if they do not take time to really focus on what is happening around them, a quick glance may seem like enough. In reality, however, it is difficult for the human brain to process large amounts of information. To do so, it usually tries to prioritize things that seem most important. This means that it often prioritizes things that drivers are used to seeing or the things that they expect to see.

Why does this cause car accidents?

This causes car accidents simply because drivers are not paying enough attention to really take in all of the important details. They glance at the scene and then mentally fill in the gaps. For instance, the driver waiting to make a left turn may primarily be looking for pickup trucks, SUVs, passenger cars and semi-trucks. These are the vehicles they are used to sharing the road with and the ones they expect to see. However, this means that a smaller vehicle, like a motorcycle, may be a much lower priority. In some cases, the brain essentially filters it out. A driver could look directly at an oncoming motorcycle, never see the bike at all and make their left turn dangerously in front of the rider. This can lead to a catastrophic accident, and the driver who was turning may be just as shocked as the motorcyclist, because they never realized the bike was there.

Seeking financial compensation

Have you been injured in an accident caused by an inattentive driver? If so, you may deserve compensation for medical bills and more.  ]]> On Behalf of Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP <![CDATA[What happens when crash damages exceed insurance limits? ]]> https://www.crawfordandbrown.com/?p=47763 2026-05-18T07:13:16Z 2026-05-18T07:12:37Z Serious car wrecks often cause severe injuries that bring massive medical bills. In Georgia, drivers must carry mandatory minimum limits for bodily injury liability. However, a major crash can easily exhaust these baseline policy caps.  When your losses surpass the at-fault driver’s policy limits, their insurer stops paying and leaves you with unpaid bills. Fortunately, you can still pursue other legal paths to secure the full financial payout you need.

1. Use your own underinsured policy

Your own auto insurance policy provides an essential safety net. Underinsured motorist coverage helps when the liable driver lacks enough insurance to pay for your long-term medical care. Georgia insurance companies offer extra coverage options that stack on top of the other driver's limits.

2. Pursue the driver’s personal assets

You can file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver to collect the remaining balance. If the court rules for you, you win a judgment against them. You can then seize their personal assets, take a share of their wages or put liens on their property to satisfy the debt.

3. Identify additional liable parties

Sometimes, more than one party shares fault for a crash. If the driver drove a company truck during work, their employer shares the legal liability. Bad car parts or broken roads can also bring company or government fault, which opens up larger insurance policies.

Secure your financial future

Handling a massive crash claim requires deep research and assertive negotiation. Insurance adjusters focus on saving money and they often downplay serious injuries. A skilled advocate finds secret policies, checks asset records and builds a strong case so you do not suffer for someone else’s negligence.  ]]> On Behalf of Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP <![CDATA[What senior motorcyclists should know  ]]> https://www.crawfordandbrown.com/?p=47756 2026-05-09T21:25:13Z 2026-05-09T21:25:13Z If you’re still an active motorcyclist in your 50s, 60s or older, you may have more company than you realize. The median age of U.S. motorcyclists is 50, which means there are as many riders over 50 as there are under that age Whether you’ve been a regular rider your entire adult life or it’s something you took up after the kids were out of the house or you retired, it’s important to know that you can potentially continue riding for years longer if you pass the required renewal exams and can continue to operate your bike safely.

Riding is a physical activity

While operating a motorcycle requires the same acute senses and ability to react quickly as driving does, it also requires physical strength that isn’t typically needed when sitting behind the wheel of a car. That’s why older bikers need to recognize their limitations and adjust accordingly.  For example, some may need to give up riding at night, limit the length and distance of their trips and avoid busy roads or those with uneven terrain. It’s generally wise to invest in added safety gear. Regular strength training and stretching are recommended for most seniors, but they can be especially important for motorcyclists. Let’s look at a couple of other things to help senior bikers stay safer.

Choosing the appropriate size bike

While some motorcyclists don’t want to give up the big, heavy bike they’re used to, it’s often necessary to trade it in for a smaller, lighter bike. These are easier to operate and to pick up if they fall over.

Taking safety refresher courses

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers a variety of courses from beginning to advanced for all skill levels. Those who don’t ride year-round or who just want to improve their skills in a safe environment can benefit from these or other safety courses.

Senior motorcyclists can be unfairly blamed for a crash

As a senior motorcyclist, you may ride just as safely – if not more so – than many of your younger counterparts. However, if you’re involved in a collision, you may find yourself being wrongly blamed because of ageist stereotypes.  That’s why if you’ve been injured in a crash, it’s crucial to make sure that you protect your rights and get the compensation to which you’re entitled. Getting sound legal guidance is a good first step.]]> On Behalf of Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP <![CDATA[What evidence do people forget to collect after a crash?]]> https://www.crawfordandbrown.com/?p=47755 2026-04-25T02:16:25Z 2026-04-25T02:16:25Z How to help remember important details Photos of vehicle damage are common, but the surrounding environment is often missed. Skid marks, debris patterns and even weather conditions can help reconstruct what really happened, yet they can be gone within hours. Taking a few extra moments to document the full scene, not just the cars, can make a meaningful difference. Another commonly overlooked detail is witness information beyond a name and phone number. People who saw the crash may remember details that fade quickly, and a brief note about what they observed can preserve valuable context. If possible, capturing a short statement or even a voice memo at the scene can help ensure those details are not lost over time. It can also help to create a personal record of the incident while it is still fresh in your mind. Writing down or making a voice memo of what you remember about how the crash occurred, along with how you felt physically and emotionally afterward, can capture details that might otherwise fade. Even simple notes about pain levels, missed work or changes to your routine can provide a clearer picture of the impact over time. Finally, many people forget to document how they feel in the hours and days after the crash. Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries may not fully appear until later. Keeping a simple record of symptoms, limitations and changes in daily life can provide a clearer picture of how the incident has affected you, especially if questions arise down the line. Getting a medical evaluation immediately or soon after can also give you important documentation linking your injuries to the crash. If you have been involved in a crash and are unsure whether you gathered everything you needed, you do not have to sort it out alone. Speaking with a legal professional experienced in handling these situations can help you understand your options and protect what matters most moving forward.]]> On Behalf of Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP <![CDATA[How trucking companies can prevent underride crashes]]> https://www.crawfordandbrown.com/?p=47751 2026-04-05T23:44:25Z 2026-04-05T23:44:25Z Underride collisions are among the most devastating types of crashes. They occur when a smaller vehicle strikes the rear or side of a semi-truck and ends up underneath the trailer of the truck. Trucking companies could prevent almost all underride collisions with proactive investments in safety equipment.

Why quality underride guards are critical to safety

Underride guards may be costly, but they are devices that save lives when a crash occurs. Trucking companies may not invest in the best rear underride crash guards but instead in the cheapest ones that meet all federal standards. Many companies completely forego side underride guards between the axles on a trailer because federal law does not yet mandate them. To save money in fuel costs and equipment expenses, transportation companies gamble with the safety of others in traffic. In scenarios where better underride guards could have reduced the severity of a devastating collision, a transportation company may be partially liable for ignoring the risk presented by its vehicles. When trucking companies put profit ahead of safety, they may be liable for the losses generated by commercial truck crashes involving their fleet vehicles. When someone is injured in one of these crashes, reviewing crash circumstances, including vehicle maintenance records, can help them or their surviving loved ones pursue justice.]]> On Behalf of Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP <![CDATA[Even low-speed pedestrian crashes can cause severe injuries]]> https://www.crawfordandbrown.com/?p=47749 2026-03-21T01:19:23Z 2026-03-21T01:19:23Z Catastrophic injuries could occur even at low speeds Some low-speed pedestrian crashes might not even knock the pedestrian down. Those incidents may not cause any injuries beyond bruising. Other times, broken bones, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are possible. Several factors influence the severity of low-speed pedestrian collision injuries. The age of the person struck is a concern, as children are especially vulnerable to low-speed frontover collisions that can prove deadly. Older adults, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to severe fractures. Underlying medical conditions are another factor. Finally, the design of the vehicle can influence the severity of injuries. When a vehicle has a more vertical front end, it may knock a person abruptly backward. They may then hit their head when they fall. Vehicles with vertical front ends can potentially cause devastating brain injuries, even at low speeds. Even if a person can react to their fall, they may end up fracturing an arm or their collarbone because of the force of impact. Pedestrians with serious injuries caused by preventable collisions may have grounds to request compensation from the driver who hit them. Reviewing the circumstances of a pedestrian crash and the injuries it generated with a skilled legal team can help people explore their options for justice after a wreck.]]> On Behalf of Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP <![CDATA[Can I recover damages if I share fault for the crash?]]> https://www.crawfordandbrown.com/?p=47736 2026-03-11T11:55:41Z 2026-03-11T11:55:41Z Serious car accidents are rarely the result of one isolated action. Still, the law in Georgia and Alabama treats shared fault with starkly different levels of severity. If you are seeking compensation for your injuries, the specific percentage of your fault is the most critical factor in your case. In Georgia, your check is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. In Alabama, proving the other driver was 100% responsible is often the only option to a successful settlement.

The 50% rule in Georgia

Georgia uses a system that looks at the big picture of a crash. Under modified comparative negligence rules, you can still collect a check even if you made a small mistake, provided your blame stays under 50%. The law simply subtracts your portion of fault from your final award. This system recognizes that most wrecks involve multiple contributing factors. For instance, you might be traveling five miles over the speed limit when a distracted driver swerves into their lane. Rather than barring you from any help, Georgia law allows for a fair recovery based on who caused the most harm.

Alabama’s strict standard

Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, which is one of the strictest doctrines in the nation. If you contributed to the accident in any way, you cannot recover damages at all. Even 1% of fault destroys your entire claim. Insurance companies in Alabama know this rule works in their favor, which means they will likely aggressively search for any proof that you contributed to the crash. You could be following traffic laws to the letter, but if you failed to honk your horn or take some other evasive action, courts may deny you compensation. 

Proving you deserve compensation

To protect your right to a settlement, you need to present a solid case that minimizes your role in the wreck. Consider taking these steps:
  • Request all official police reports and medical records immediately.
  • Secure dashcam footage or traffic camera video if it is available.
  • Identify and record statements from witnesses who saw the other driver’s reckless behavior.
  • Keep a detailed journal of your daily pain levels and physical limitations.
  • Take high-quality photographs of the accident scene from multiple angles.
  • Save all receipts and invoices for out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash.
Insurance adjusters often use your own words against you to shift the blame and save their company money. Detailed documentation and professional guidance often serve as your strongest defense against accusations of shared fault. Without clear proof, you leave your financial future up to the interpretation of an insurance company that wants to pay you as little as possible.]]> On Behalf of Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP <![CDATA[Job accommodations for traumatic brain injuries]]> https://www.crawfordandbrown.com/?p=47734 2026-03-06T11:42:23Z 2026-03-06T11:42:23Z People who suffer from a traumatic brain injury will often wonder how they’re going to be able to continue working so they can support themselves. There isn’t one answer that will apply to everyone in this position. Instead, the needs of the individual have to be considered so they can determine what types of reasonable accommodations can help them to do their job duties.  Traumatic brain injuries often qualify as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act if the injury substantially limits at least one major life activity. This law requires that employers provide reasonable accommodations to those in this position. 

What types of difficulties might a person experience with a brain injury?

The exact difficulties a person faces depend on the type and location of the injury. Many of these have to do with short-term memory and decision-making. It’s possible to have physical limitations, including sensitivity to light and sound. In some cases, the effects of a traumatic brain injury make it difficult to impossible to multitask, which is often required to function at work. In order to determine the exact accommodations that a person needs, their functional abilities must be evaluated at least once. The reasonable accommodations that a worker with a brain injury asks for at work should directly improve their ability to do their job duties. Some possible accommodations include having written instructions, a quieter work environment, flexible work scheduling, more frequent breaks or extended time to complete tasks.  The effects a traumatic brain injury has on a person’s ability to work are only part of the challenges they have to face. Victims may choose to seek compensation from the negligent party that contributed to the incident that led to the injury. ]]> On Behalf of Crawford & Brown Law Firm LLP <![CDATA[Most car accidents happen close to home]]> https://www.crawfordandbrown.com/?p=47733 2026-02-19T16:24:28Z 2026-02-19T16:24:28Z When many people get injured, it happens close to home. Studies have looked at accidental injuries in general, and it makes sense that many people would suffer such injuries at home. It is where they spend most of their time, so someone who experiences a slip-and-fall accident is likely to be in their house, for example. But interestingly enough, the same trend holds true for motor vehicle crashes. In one study, a full 77% of them happened within 10 miles of a person’s house. People are often concerned about an accident when they are driving in a new place and on unfamiliar roads, but these statistics show that the greatest risk they face is actually when they are close to home.

3 potential reasons

There are a variety of reasons why this occurs, starting with the fact that most people drive frequently near their house. If someone has to commute 15 miles to work, for instance, the  majority of that commute is still within 10 miles of their house. Additionally, drivers on roads they are familiar with may be complacent or distracted. They are so used to driving in those areas that they are not fully alert or paying attention. It can also be helpful to look at drunk driving accidents. Many people would never drive a substantial distance while intoxicated, but they will risk it and try to drive a short distance, especially if they are going home. Some studies have found that the average trip taken by a drunk driver is 9.7 miles.

Have you suffered injuries?

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver or anyone else close to your home, you may deserve substantial financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and related costs.]]>