Langdale Vallotton, LLP - 1007 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta, Georgia, 31601

The Dangers of Driving Having Consumed Drugs

While the majority of Americans know all about the dangers and consequences of driving drunk, not all are aware of the dangers of driving having consumed drugs.

Drugs do not have to be illicit to cause problems when driving as many different medicines, both prescription and over the counter can also cause problems with judgment, motor skills, concentration and reaction times.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) when drivers who were on the road at the weekend and nighttime were questioned, nearly one in five tested positive for medications be they illegal, prescription or over the counter. And on average nearly one in five drivers who are killed in a crash test positive for at least one type of those drugs.

Those most likely to drive under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol are men rather than women and aged under 25.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our Thomasville accident attorneys are ready to stand up and fight for you. Please do not wait until time runs out to take legal action. Call Langdale Vallotton, LLP, at (229) 244-5400 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation right away.

Young Child Died in Single Vehicle Wreck

On Saturday morning, December 12, a young child died in a single vehicle wreck in Brooks County.

According to the Georgia State Patrol the accident happened at around 10 a.m. on Troupeville Highway near Crosbytown Road in Brooks County. A blue 1991 Dodge Dakota being driven by 32 year old Matthew Addison Brinson Sr. of Quitman was traveling south on Troupeville Highway. Also in the vehicle was his two year old son Matthew Brinson Jr. Brinson Sr. reportedly became distracted by his son and the vehicle traveled off the east shoulder of the roadway and overturned twice, striking a wooden fence. Both were unrestrained and both were partially ejected from the car.

The father was uninjured, but the child had critical injuries and was taken by air transport to Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville but was unable to be stabilized and he died in the hospital. He would have turned three on December 23.

No charges have yet been filed but the police will be conferring with the Southern District Attorney’s office regarding possible charges.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our Thomasville accident attorneys are ready to stand up and fight for you. Please do not wait until time runs out to take legal action. Call Langdale Vallotton, LLP, at (229) 244-5400 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation right away.

What Are The Symptoms Of Whiplash?

Whiplash can have many different symptoms and anyone who has been involved in a vehicle accident should always be checked out by a doctor as sometimes the symptoms do not appear for a few days.

They can include neck, arm, jaw, back or shoulder pain, headache, fatigue or dizziness, visual disturbance and ringing in the ears. Over time, if the whiplash is chronic there can be psychological effects such as depression, anger, anxiety, stress and dependency on pain killers.

After being examined by a doctor, patients may have to have x-rays taken, or an MRI scan. They may have to wear a collar on their neck to give additional support and be prescribed anti inflammatory medication.

If the pain continues, the doctor may ask the patient to continue wearing the collar but may take more x-rays or scans to compare to the first ones to see if there has been any change or improvement.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our Thomasville accident attorneys are ready to stand up and fight for you. Please do not wait until time runs out to take legal action. Call Langdale Vallotton, LLP, at (229) 244-5400 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation right away.

Motorcyclist was Seriously Injured

On Friday afternoon, October 9 there was an accident involving several vehicles on Interstate 75 and one motorcyclist was seriously injured.

According to authorities, the accident happened shortly before 5 p.m. on Interstate 75 near mile marker 25 in Lowndes County. Motorcyclist Eric Vanderwiede, of Tamarac, Florida, who was travelling in a group with six other motorcycles, clipped the rear tire of the motorcycle in front causing him to lose control and be thrown from his bike. Robert Brangan, of Orlando, attempted to avoid the accident, but was also thrown from his motorcycle which then crashed into a semi tractor trailer truck that was in the right hand lane.

Vanderwiede was airlifted to Archbold Hospital in Thomasville and was said to be suffering serious injuries. Brangan suffered road rash to his upper torso but refused treatment at the scene of the crash.

The Georgia State Patrol stated that Vanderwiede appears to have travelling too close to the motorcycle in front which caused the accident. The crash is still under investigation and it is not known, at this stage, if any charges are to be filed.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our Thomasville accident attorneys are ready to stand up and fight for you. Please do not wait until time runs out to take legal action. Call Langdale Vallotton, LLP, at (229) 244-5400 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation right away.

Valdosta Woman Died in Single Vehicle Crash

Early on Monday morning, September 14, a Valdosta woman died in a single vehicle crash.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, the accident happened at around 4 a.m. on GA 94. Angela Marie Hannah, aged 31 was driving alone in her Ford Taurus travelling westbound on GA 94 towards Valdosta when the vehicle suddenly travelled off the south shoulder of the road. The Ford then spun counter clockwise and struck a tree on the passenger side of the car. Hannah was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

No other vehicle was involved and it is not known what caused Hannah to lose control of her vehicle on a clear road with no obstructions. The crash is still under investigation and a toxicology report has been ordered to determine if alcohol or drugs was a determining factor in the accident. No charges will be filed.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our Thomasville accident attorneys are ready to stand up and fight for you. Please do not wait until time runs out to take legal action. Call Langdale Vallotton, LLP, at (229) 244-5400 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation right away.

Man Charged With Murder in Teen Death

A young man has been charged with murder in the death of 14 year old Chiles High student Ansley Rayborn of Tallahassee.

The State Attorney’s Office for the Third Judicial Circuit has now charged 16 year old Hunter Goodwin with third degree felony murder, vehicular homicide and grand theft of a motor vehicle. In addition, 16 year old Cody Elkins has been charged with manslaughter and tampering with evidence specifically concealing alcohol the morning after the crash. Both face up to 15 years in prison.

In February this year, Goodwin was driving Elkins’ Chevy Tahoe when it crashed at about 8:30 a.m. on Old Chemonie Road in far northeast Leon County. The vehicle was carrying seven teens including Elkins, after a night of partying and crashed into a ditch. Ansley, who was not restrained, was ejected when the vehicle crashed and died at the scene.

Deputies found liquor bottles and drug paraphernalia at the crash site. They also discovered that Goodwin was seen by witnesses drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana late into the night before the crash.

Another four occupants of the vehicle were injured in the crash and were transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Rayborn’s death has led to more discussion about the dangers of teen drinking and drug use in Tallahassee.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our Thomasville accident attorneys are ready to stand up and fight for you. Please do not wait until time runs out to take legal action. Call Langdale Vallotton, LLP, at (229) 244-5400 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation right away.

Georgia State Patrol Statistics for July in Valdosta

The month of July was a busy one for the Georgia State Patrol in Valdosta.

According to the statistics, during the month, troopers in Valdosta investigated 148 traffic accidents which resulted in 88 injuries and one fatal crash.

There were 780 citations in total which included 134 for Seatbelt Violations, 26 Child Restraint Violation citations and 377 Speeding citations. In addition there were 27 arrests for Driving under the Influence, five wanted persons were apprehended, two stolen vehicles were recovered and there were six drug arrests.

During the month of July 2015, there were 806 warnings issued and troopers spent a total of 45 hours conducting Road Checks during the month.

When issuing the report on the figures, the Georgia State Patrol reminded the public to always wear their seat belts, not to text and drive and to drive more slowly. These are the three elements which are most important in the state to reduce the number of fatalities on the roads.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our Thomasville accident attorneys are ready to stand up and fight for you. Please do not wait until time runs out to take legal action. Call Langdale Vallotton, LLP, at (229) 244-5400 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation right away.

Distracted Drivers

Distracted drivers have always posed a danger on our roads, but today the level of distraction has reached new heights as has the number of accidents and deaths it causes. If you are old enough to remember the drunk driver campaigns in the 80’s you have already seen the parallels between texting while driving drunk driving. And even as more bans on texting are passed, we only see the problem getting worse. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our Thomasville accident attorneys can help. In cases where the at-fault driver was texting, punitive damages may be available.

Common Distractions

We see so many terrifying examples of technology-based distractions. Device use of any kind while driving can quickly lead to a fatal accident. But there are still plenty of traditional distractions that cause accidents, too. Examples of distractions that commonly cause accidents include:

  • Texting, taking selfies, and using social media
  • GPS use
  • Talking on the phone, even hands-free
  • Watching videos
  • Eating and drinking
  • Adjusting the stereo
  • Adjusting vehicle settings such as seat position or climate control
  • Personal grooming
  • Reaching for objects in the floorboard or backseat
  • Tending to children
  • Talking to passengers
  • Rubbernecking
  • Daydreaming

If you have been injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our Thomasville accident attorneys are ready to stand up and fight for you. Please do not wait until time runs out to take legal action. Call Langdale Vallotton, LLP, at (229) 244-5400 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation right away.