Surprisingly, this deadly combination occurs more often than you would think. In fact, a recent case in Paris, Maine involved several teenagers who were killed due to drinking, driving, and texting.

The Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Link & Smith P.C. want to show you exactly how dangerous drinking, driving, and texting can be.

The Dangers of Drinking and Driving

Drinking and driving is undoubtedly the most preventable cause of traffic accident deaths. Drinking and driving accidents kill thousands of people each year in the U.S., simply due to carelessness and poor choices.

When you drink, your ability to focus on the road is drastically impaired. Your judgement is impaired as well, increasing the likelihood that you will drive recklessly.

It is imperative that when you go out to drink, you always need a designated driver!

The Dangers of Texting and Driving

You may not equate texting and driving as having the same severity as drinking and driving, however when you text and drive, your attention is off of the road, and a texting and driving accident can cause deadly accidents.

Lets face it, responding to a text can wait until after you get out of your car. In addition, Georgia has now prohibited texting and driving, and if caught, you could face a fine of over $150.

Texting, Drinking, and Driving: The Deadliest Combination

When you text, drink, and drive, there are several reasons why your attention is off of the road, and you could get into a deadly accident with catastrophic consequences.

Drinking and texting impairs your driving abilities in the following ways:

• Your motor coordination is impaired by alcohol
• Your judgement is impaired by alcohol
• You are distracted by texting and driving

These factors combined drastically increase the possibility that you will have a serious accident with a deadly outcome.

Injury Lawyers for Texting, Driving, and Drinking Accidents

On the opposite end of the spectrum, safe drivers are at risk for accidents caused by drivers who drink and text. No matter how safe of a driver you are, there is still a chance that you could get in an accident involving these factors.

If so, you need an Atlanta injury lawyer for texting, drinking, and driving accidents. The attorneys at Link & Smith P.C. have the experience needed to assist persons who have been injured in such accidents.

Mark Link and Houston Smith have over 40 years of combined experience in personal injury law, and have won cases worth upwards of $40 million. These lawyers work strictly on a contingency basis, meaning that you will never pay any up-front fees.

In addition, Mark Link and Houston Smith will offer you all of the legal benefits which include:

• Investigating your case
• Drafting legal documents
• Giving you legal advice
• Representing your case in court

If you’ve suffered a personal injury in a drinking, driving, and texting accident, call the Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Link & Smith P.C. at 888-315-8840.

Well, there is a fantastic new way to avoid drunk driving when you don’t have a D.D.

The Best Way to Avoid Drunk Driving on New Year’s

The Georgia Office of Highway Safety has developed a new app for iPhone and Android that will allow you to get a free ride home on New Year’s Eve and Superbowl Sunday! The app is very simple to use, and could save your life or another motorist’s life. This new app will allow you to instantly contact one of many taxi services around the city that will give you a free ride home if you are intoxicated.

Therefore, you have absolutely no excuse for driving drunk on New Year’s! At Link & Smith P.C., we hope your 2012 New Year will be safe and rewarding, and the last thing you need is an accident related to drunk driving.

Link & Smith P.C.: Atlanta’s DUI Victim Lawyers

If you do become the victim of a DUI accident, choose the personal injury lawyers Atlanta can trust. Choose Link & Smith P.C. Drunk driving is THE most avoidable cause of traffic accidents in the U.S., and we promise to help you get the justice you deserve if you become the victim of a drunk driver.

Our Atlanta DUI victim attorneys at Link & Smith P.C. are accessible, focused, and they work exclusively on a contingency basis, meaning that you will never pay up-front fees.

Call Link & Smith P.C. today for a complimentary consultation at 888-315-8840.

Christmas Road Safety from Link & Smith P.C.

The last thing you want this holiday season is to have your Christmas ruined by a personal injury. There are several safety precautions that you can take in order to avoid such catastrophes.

Here are a few holiday safety precautions:

• Don’t drink and drive! Surprisingly, drunk driving accidents are extremely prevalent during the holiday season. That’s why if you’re going to a Christmas party where guests are served alcohol, make sure to have a designated driver.
• Buckle up! Most automobile accident deaths are caused by persons not wearing seat-belts. Wearing a seat-belt is an easy and effective way to prevent serious injuries if you happen to be in an accident.
• Avoid driving on the highways late at night. Make sure you are aware of the road, and avoid driving during the time of day when drunk drivers are most likely to be on the road.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers

If you do have the misfortune of being injured in an accident, our personal injury lawyers can help! Call Link & Smith P.C. today for a complimentary consultation about your injury claim at 888-315-8840.

The most common type of severe head injuries

The most common type of severe head injury is a skull fracture. A skull fracture is defined as a fracture, break, or crack in the cranial bones. Most of the time, skull fractures result from blunt force trauma to the head, which can be caused by certain types of accidents.

• Basilar skull fractures occur as a result of blunt trauma, and are defined by a fracture at the base of the skull. These are often associated with bleeding around the eyes and behind the ears.
• Penetrating skull fractures are caused by objects breaking the cranial bones and entering the brain. These can result from gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and impaled objects through the head.
• A depressed skull fracture occurs when a piece of skull is pushed inwards towards the brain, putting pressure on the brain. Oftentimes, surgery is required to remedy depressed skull fractures.

The effects of severe head injuries

• Intracranial bleeding, which is the occurrence of bleeding within the skull.
• Intracerebral bleeding, which is the occurrence of bleeding within the brain itself.
• Subdural hematoma, is a tear of any vein that crosses the subdural space around the brain.
• Diffuse axonal injury or shear injury is a devastating brain injury that occurs to the axons of the brain. Axons are the part of the neurons or brain cell that allows those cells to send messages to each other. This type of injury damages the electrical flow between cells. The mechanism of such an injury  is usually associated with the nerve ending, which connects the brain cells being ripped apart.

The top Atlanta head injury lawyers

Needless to say, brain injuries can result in disability, coma, and even death. These injuries can be a result of incidents as major as a tractor-trailer accident, or as minor as a slip and fall accident. Severe head injuries can become catastrophic brain injuries, and if you or your loved one has suffered such an injury, you need compensation that can cover your medical expenses, personal damages, and lost wages incurred from the injury.

In order to receive the most comprehensive case results, you need the top Atlanta head injury lawyers at Link & Smith, P.C. At Link & Smith, P.C., we realize how devastating this kind of an injury can be, and we are here to ease the pain as much as we can. Although no case result can erase the trauma, a monetary settlement can make your life a little easier after an injury. Monetary compensation for a head injury can cover extremely expensive medical procedures associated with brain injuries, in addition to any lifestyle changes associated with your accident.

At Link & Smith, P.C., we exclusively handle personal injury law, focusing on claims involving auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, boating and jet-ski accidents, in addition to DUI victim representation.

We work on a contingency basis, and we always offer complimentary consultations. If you’ve suffered a severe brain injury, call our top-notch Atlanta head injury lawyers today at 888-315-8840.

You’ll find that other injury lawyers offer “consultations,” but we pride ourselves on being the accessible injury lawyers. A complimentary consultation means more than just a simple phone call; it means more than a conversation with a receptionist. A consultation means a face-to-face conversation with an attorney who is invested in your personal success.

At Link & Smith, P.C., you won’t have any trouble getting in touch with us. A “complimentary consultation” with many other injury firms does not imply a real fact-to-face evaluation of your claim.

“Consultations” with other personal injury firms can mean:

• Filling out extensive paperwork before you can even speak with a representative. Some Atlanta injury lawyers require you to submit online forms before you are able to have a conversation about your claim.
• Many injury lawyers charge a consultation fee. If your life has been turned upside down by a personal injury, naturally you do not have the time or money to spend on a consultation that may not even lead to substantial case results.
• “Consultations” with other lawyers could mean a long drive, or tediously trying to meet according to their schedule, not yours.
• “Consultations” with other injury attorneys do not always mean a face-to-face meeting. Other injury attorneys may not be invested in your individual success, and may view your case simply as a commodity to be used for profit.

The Link & Smith, P.C. difference

• A complimentary consultation with one of our lawyers just takes one simple phone call. When you call our offices, you will speak to a real person, not an automatic voice recording.
• At Link & Smith, P.C., there are no online forms to fill out. Our attorneys treat you as an individual, and we do not feel the need to screen your claim before we speak with you.
• An Atlanta injury lawyer consultation with a Link & Smith, P.C. attorney means that we will meet with you at your convenience. If you cannot come to our location, we will gladly meet you at your home, or another location convenient to you.
• A complimentary consultation with one of our lawyers means a face-to-face meeting. A face-to-face meeting implies that one of our attorneys will sit down with you and evaluate your claim, treating you as an individual, not just a means of profit.
• Finally, a complimentary consultation means a complimentary consultation! You will pay no up-front fees for a consultation with our lawyers, nor will you pay any up-front fees for your claim, because we work exclusively on a contingency basis.

At Link & Smith, P.C., we exclusively handle personal injury claims, helping persons who have been injured in auto accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, motorcycle accidents, boating and jet-ski accidents, in addition to DUI victim representation.

If you’ve suffered a personal injury, don’t hesitate to receive a complimentary consultation with the Atlanta injury lawyers who believe that serious injuries deserve superior results! To speak with one of our attorneys, call our offices at 888-315-8840.

Slip and fall injuries can occur in a variety of locations, especially in the workplace. In fact, slip and fall injuries are the second leading cause of workplace death. Students who are working part-time in labor-oriented jobs are at risk for these types of injuries. If you’re a hardworking UGA student, the last thing you need is to suffer a slip and fall injury at work. However, if you are the victim of such an injury, you need personal injury lawyers who are on your side!

The common causes of slip accidents

• Wet or oily surfaces
• Spills
• Mats that are not anchored
• Inherently slick flooring

The common causes of fall accidents

• Clutter
• Wrinkled carpeting
• Cables in a walkway
• Uneven walking surfaces
• Obstructed view
• Poor lighting

All of these hazards can be found in a variety of places. Although they are common in the workplace, any location can be a venue for these hazards, including parks, businesses, restaurants, and private property.

Slip and fall injuries are by no means mundane. These accidents have serious consequences.

Common injuries that result from slip and fall accidents

• Sprains
• Cuts
• Bruises
• Broken bones
• Tailbone or spinal injuries
• Brain injuries

It is important to remember that if you have been the victim of a slip and fall injury, the accident was most likely due to proprietor negligence. This means that the owner or caretaker of the property has been negligent in regard to property safety. In order for the proprietor to be liable for the accident, he or she must have known about the spill or other hazard before the injury took place. The proprietor or the employee must have directly caused the hazard, and must have knowingly done nothing to remedy the situation.

If injured, call us today!

If you are an Athens, GA resident who has fallen victim to a slip and fall accident, you need lawyers who are on your side! At Link & Smith, P.C., we have extensive experience in this type of claim. In fact, we have over 40 years of combined experience in the field of personal injury law. We exclusively handle personal injury cases, and work on a contingency basis, meaning that you will pay no up-front fees.

At Link & Smith, P.C., we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered a variety of personal injuries. We handle claims involving auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, boating and jet-ski accidents, in addition to DUI victim representation.

At Link & Smith, P.C., we give our clients the individual attention they need to reach a successful claim. We strongly believe that serious injuries deserve superior results, so if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Athens, GA, call our office at 888-315-8840.

Boating accident facts

• In 2010, there were 4,604 recreational boating accidents.
• These accidents resulted in $35.5 million in property damage.
• There were 3,153 injuries related to recreational boating accidents.
• There were 672 fatalities as the result of boating injuries.
• 366 of these accidents were caused by boat defects, or boating equipment failure.

Needless to say, any boater runs the risk of serious injury when taking to the water, and we, at Link & Smith P.C., want you to be safe! Here are some safety tips from our Georgia injury lawyers:

Boating safety tips

• Follow a pre-departure checklist. This includes everything from taking a life jacket inventory, to making sure you are complying with fire codes.
• Formulate a float plan. This means that you should let a friend, family member, or safety official know where you are going and how long you plan to be gone. In addition, provide contact information and information about your vessel.
• Always wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities result from drowning. If you are taking to the water, make sure that you and your passengers are wearing life jackets.
• Avoid alcohol. Drinking and boating bears the exact same consequences as drinking and driving. If you are operating any motor vehicle under the influence, you become a danger to yourself and others.

However, no matter how well you may prepare for an outing on the water, you are still at risk. In many boating accident cases, injuries are not the fault of the boater. Other boaters must also follow safety precautions. If their negligence has resulted in your injury, you may be entitled to monetary compensation from a personal injury claim.

Hire us as your boating injury lawyers

Our personal injury attorneys at Link & Smith P.C. are dedicated to helping injured persons receive the case results they deserve! We exclusively handle personal injury cases, and we have extensive experience with boating and jet-ski accident claims. In fact, we have over 40 years of combined experience in personal injury law. Our attorneys are veteran trial lawyers and they have helped our clients receive case results worth upwards of $40 million. We also work exclusively on a contingency basis, meaning that we get paid only when you receive the maximum monetary compensation for your injury.

In addition to boating and jet-ski accidents, we also represent persons involved in auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, and DUI victim representation.

At Link & Smith P.C., we strongly believe that serious injuries deserve superior results! For a complimentary consultation with one of our attorneys, call our office at 888-315-8840.

What will I have to do if I choose to represent myself in court?

There are several steps you will have to take in order to file your claim and get substantial case results. They are as follows:

• Collect evidence to determine exactly who caused the accident, and the extent of the damage done. Taking photographs and witness statements is essential to formulating a solid case.
• Document everything that has happened to you after the accident. This includes documenting medical bills, hospital visits, and any lost wages incurred by your injury.
• Tell anyone you may file suit against that you are planning to file a personal injury claim.
• All of this documentation is essential, because an insurance adjuster will be going over your accident documents with a fine-toothed-comb. Remember, the insurance agency is not on your side. If your damages are not documented, you will receive minimal compensation (if you receive any compensation at all).
• File your court documents. You will go through all of the paperwork associated with the claims process, and even if you fill out every form perfectly, your case may not even go to court.
• Represent your case in court. Essentially, you will be acting as your own lawyer; calling witnesses and learning legal jargon. Remember, you will be going up against trained insurance lawyers who know the ins and outs of the law. Having little or no legal experience will drastically reduce the chances that you will receive an adequate settlement.

Why hire a personal injury attorney?

Can you imagine going through all of this legal trouble while you are in pain? If you are planning on representing yourself in court, you will have little or no time to focus on your health. Your personal well-being is of the utmost importance, and unless you seek legal counsel, you may not receive any compensation.

How personal injury attorneys can help you

• An injury lawyer can draft legal documents.
• An injury lawyer can give you legal advice.
• An injury lawyer can investigate your case.
• An injury lawyer can represent your claim in court.

At Link & Smith P.C., we can save you the stress of the claims process. We will handle your claim, taking many of these steps for you. Most of all, we can help you receive comprehensive compensation, which can cover your medical expenses and personal damages.

At Link & Smith P.C., we have over 40 years of combined experience in personal injury law. We work strictly on a contingency basis, and we exclusively handle personal injury claims.

We represent persons involved in auto-accidents, motorcycle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, boating and jet-ski accidents, in addition to DUI victims.

At Link & Smith P.C., we believe that serious injuries deserve superior results! For a complementary consultation about your accident, call our office at 888-315-8840.

Buford, GA auto-accident statistics

• The fatal accident count in 2009: 7
• Vehicles involved in fatal accidents in 2009: 13
• Accident fatalities in 2009: 8
• Persons involved in fatal accidents in 2009: 21

These statistics simply represent fatal accidents in Buford, and do not include the amount of personal injuries sustained from various types of accidents which may involve a variety of factors, including motor-vehicles and premises liabilities. Clearly, no matter where you live, you are at risk for personal injuries. This is why it is so important to seek legal representation. Our attorneys at Link & Smith P.C. are fully prepared to give you the legal protection you deserve.

What can a Buford, GA injury attorney offer me?

Personal injury attorneys can offer a variety of services, all of which are essential to winning the best possible case results for your claim.

Personal injury attorneys can investigate your case, draft legal documents, give you legal advice, and represent your case in court. The benefits of hiring an injury attorney are incredible! Clearly, hiring an attorney is a much better option than self-representation, especially when you are undergoing medical treatment. An injury attorney can save you the hassle of the claims process, and help you receive compensation that can cover medical bills, personal damages, and lost wages incurred by your accident.

At Link & Smith P.C., we are dedicated to assisting personal injury victims in Buford. Although our firm serves clients from all around the Southeast, we give each of our clients the individual attention they need to receive the most comprehensive compensation for their claims. Whether you live in the big city, or the quiet suburbs, Link & Smith P.C. is here for you!

Our Buford, GA injury attorneys are qualified!

At Link & Smith P.C. we have the qualifications required to help you achieve success! We have over 40 years of combined experience in personal injury law. We exclusively handle personal injury claims, and we work strictly on a contingency basis, meaning that you will pay no up front fees! We also have an impressive track record, helping our clients receive monetary compensation worth upwards of $40 million.

Our practice handles claims involving auto-accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, boating and jet-ski accidents, motorcycle accidents, in addition to DUI victim representation. At Link & Smith P.C., we are invested in your success. Our injury lawyers will work tirelessly to help you receive the most comprehensive compensation possible. At Link & Smith P.C., we strongly believe that serious injuries deserve superior results!

If you are a Buford, GA resident who has suffered a personal injury, call our top-notch injury lawyers for a complementary consultation at 888-315-8840.

Acworth, GA Injuries

• In 2008, Acworth, GA saw 2 fatal car accidents, with 4 vehicles involved in fatal accidents, and 5 persons involved in fatal accidents.
• Lake Allatoona is the site of frequent boating and jet-ski accidents.
• Interstate 75 is a frequent location for tractor-trailer accidents, and the highway runs along side Acworth, GA.
• Most motorcycle injuries occur on smaller state-roads instead of interstates. Acworth has many scenic driving routes, however motorcyclists are always at risk for injuries when they take to the road.
• Drunk drivers are always a hazard to other motorists, and many injured persons involved in car accidents become DUI victims.

What can our Acworth, GA injury attorneys offer our clients?

• Legal Advice
• Drafting legal documents
• Investigating your case
• Representing your case in court

If you’ve suffered a personal injury, it is essential that you hire a personal injury lawyer. It might seem as if you can handle the claims process alone however, getting successful case results without a lawyer is an uphill battle. The legal process is complicated, especially when dealing with big insurance companies. These insurance companies want to pay as little as possible, and the likelihood that you will receive the compensation you deserve is drastically minimized if you do not seek legal council.

An injury attorney can guide you through the claims process, fighting for you rights as a victim. If you’ve been injured, you need monetary compensation that can cover medical bills, personal damages, and lifestyle changes caused by the accident. Unless you choose to hire a personal injury lawyer, you most likely will not receive adequate compensation.

What makes Link & Smith P.C. one of Atlanta’s top personal injury firms?

• We work strictly on a contingency basis. This means that you will pay no up front fees! You will not compensate our lawyers until we get you the case results you deserve!
• We have an impressive track record, with some case results worth upwards of $40 million.
• We have over 40 years of combined experience, so we know the intricacies of the legal process. We have handled numerous personal injury claims, so we have the expertise needed to help you receive successful case results.
• We exclusively handle personal injury claims, meaning that we have the focus needed to get you the justice you deserve!

If you’ve suffered a personal injury in Acworth, GA, trust us to handle your case. Call our office for a complementary consultation at 888-315-8840. Remember, at Link & Smith P.C., serious injuries deserve superior results!