Atlanta City Council Wants Lifetime License Suspensions for Drunk and Speeding Drivers

Speeding is a very common cause of car accidents in Atlanta and the surrounding region. When drivers operate their vehicles at a high rate of speed, there is an increased risk that the individual will lose control of their car and cause serious injuries. Fast-moving cars are also likely to create far more force when colliding with another, leading to serious injuries and even death.

The Atlanta City Council is working to change those statistics by imposing a lifetime license suspension for those who continue to violate both drunk driving and speeding laws. Removing the ability of repeat offenders to operate a vehicle could be beneficial to anyone on the road with them.

At Harris Lowry Manton, we work with many clients who have suffered untold injuries and losses due to the reckless driving of others. Whether it is intoxication or speeding, actions such as these, which could reduce the number of people suffering due to the mistakes of others, could be well worth pursuing. If you have been in such a car accident, we encourage you to allow our aggressive attorneys to help you pursue compensation for your losses.

Understanding the proposed law

As reported by Axios, the Atlanta City Council wants to limit the number of people who die or suffer serious injuries at the hands of repeat offenders. This action is a valid cause.

According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the number of people who were involved in crashes in the 11-county Atlanta metro area is up by about 20,000 incidents. Meaning, the number of people driving recklessly or distracted has massively increased. This directly leads to the number of people walking, riding bikes, or in other cars that are exposed to that behavior, and unfortunately, it often leads to serious injury and death.

There is currently no law on the books for this type of action. However, the council is encouraging the Georgia General Assembly to take up such action soon. The legislation, also known as “Erica’s Law,” creates significant penalties for first-time and repeat offenders. Here is what could happen if the law passes:

• A first-time offender would have their license suspended for 5 years;
• A second-time offender would lose their license for 10 years; and
• A third offense would result in license suspension for life.

The law’s namesake is Erica Pines, who suffered critical injuries as a result of a speeding driver. The driver was engaged in racing another driver on the road. After the accident, which required Pines to receive numerous surgeries and life-saving care, the driver received a ticket and nothing more.

Common, serious injuries caused by speeding and drunk drivers in Atlanta

Most people have gone a few miles over the speed limit to get to work on time or to beat a light that is changing to red. However,  some people  drive at very high speeds and travel intoxicated. These individuals put others at risk every time they get behind the wheel.

Some of the most tragic injuries that we have seen as car accident attorneys facing the consequences of speeding drivers include:

• Death;
• Traumatic brain injury that leaves a person unable to function normally;
• Spinal cord damage, which results in paralysis;
• Broken, shattered, and crushed bones;
• Burns and disfigurements;
• Amputations of limbs or fingers;
• Long-term back injuries and chronic pain development;
• Neck and shoulder injuries that do not improve; and
• Loss of vision or hearing.

These complications and injuries continue to impact people for years to come. Along with hefty medical bills (and long-term or chronic pain), these accidents can leave people unable to work, leading to a drop in earning capacity and long-term financial limitations.

Additionally, serious injuries from car accidents can impact mental and emotional health. Post-traumatic stress disorder is very much a high risk in these cases, as people battle the pain and emotional losses they felt at that moment.

What should you do if you are a victim of a speeding or drunk driver in Atlanta?

You could advocate for change. This law has a long way to go before it can be put into place. If you believe that drivers should be punished harsher if they are caught repeatedly speeding or driving intoxicated, we encourage you to be an advocate and speak up.

In the meantime, our dedicated team of Atlanta car accident attorneys is here to help. We have the resources necessary to prove what happened and why. We aim to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. To do that, we will:

• Gather all evidence in your case to pursue the best possible outcome;
• Provide you with guidance on evaluating all of your losses, including future losses in your case;
• Determine who is responsible, including in situations where there is more than one party responsible;
• Work to settle your case through a comprehensive, evidence-based claim; and
• Go to court to fight for the compensation you are owed.

When speeding or drunk driving is a factor in your car crash, note that you may also receive punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish people for their reckless behavior.

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, our experience works for you. Expect our car accident attorneys in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, to provide you with accurate, aggressive legal representation from our first meeting. Call us now or submit our contact form to set up a free consultation to discuss your case. Learn more about what we can do for you when you call us to get answers.