IN THIS ISSUE

• AFTER AN ACCIDENT: Steps to Take After an Automobile Accident in Georgia for a Strong Legal Case.
• DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT AUTO ACCIDENT INSURANCE?: Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
• TIP OF THE MONTH: Considering swimming lessons for your kids? New Izzy's Law will help keep them safe.
• MEET THE FIRM: Learn about Managing Partner Matt Hennesy.
• WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING: "No stone unturned!"
• GIVING BACK: Coffee County Food Bank

Among the new Georgia laws fully in effect as of New Year’s Day is Izzy’s Law, designed to make swimming instruction programs safer. Named for Israel Scott, a 4-year-old boy who drowned during a swim lesson in Augusta in 2022, and signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in May, the new law set a January 1 deadline for the Georgia Department of Public Health to develop a model aquatic safety plan for swim instructors and to make that plan downloadable from its website. 

All private swim instructors working in the state have until April 1 to put their own safety plans in place. Mandated elements of any program’s plan include a ratio of at least one instructor for every four students, secondary supervision during lessons, participation of parents during lessons and a certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The department must review its model plan at least every five years to ensure they remain aligned with national standards for private swim instructors. 

More children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death and it’s the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If your family suffers such a loss, Farrar, Hennesy & Tanner’s personal injury attorneys stand ready to help assure justice. 

Download the Georgia Department of Health’s model plan here and make sure that the swim instructor you choose follows all requirements.  

Driving in icy conditions requires extra caution, especially in areas where year-round mild temperatures are the norm. Here in Coffee County, the absence of resources like salt trucks common in northern Georgia makes it crucial for drivers to be well-prepared for icy roads. Ice can form around 32°F, and with occasional drops in temperature during winter - like the 20°F weather expected this weekend - residents should stay vigilant.

Most crucial is to be aware of black ice. Most likely to form at night or early in the morning, and after a light rain, black ice is a thin, clear glaze that takes its name from the fact it visually blends into the road, making it difficult see. It's common on parts of the road that don't get much sunshine, such as along tree-lined routes and roadways beneath bridges and overpasses. The tops of bridges and overpasses also are prone to black ice because they lose heat from both the upper and lower surface. Quicker cooling can lead to ice formation before surrounding paved surfaces.

To help keep you and your family safe on the potentially icy roads...

• Reduce speed: Slowing down is the most important tip to remember when driving on wet, cold roads that could turn icy. High speeds make it easier to lose control and more difficult to stop quickly. Never drive faster than 45 miles per hour in any vehicle when roads are icy, even on highways. And in many cases, much slower speeds are necessary.

• Maintain a safe following distance: It takes far longer for brakes to work on ice. That means you can more easily rear-end someone at a traffic stop. Or your car could slide out of its lane. Therefore, you should increase the recommended following distance (three to four seconds) to eight to 10 seconds.

• Avoid sudden maneuvers: Accelerate and decelerate gradually, and maintain a consistent speed to avoid loss of traction.

If you do find yourself sliding on black ice, though this may seem counterintuitive, don't hit the brakes. Instead, ease off the accelerator and try to keep the steering wheel straight. If you feel the back end of your car sliding left or right, gently turn the steering wheel in the same direction. If you try to struggle against it by steering in the opposite direction, you risk skidding or spinning out. If possible, steer the car toward an area of traction, like a grassy area alongside the road.

Nationwide statistics show that icy roads are to blame for more than 136,300 injuries and 1,800 fatalities each year. Fortunately, South Georgia's rates are relatively low. But that can foster a false sense of safety, as area residents may be less accustomed to icy conditions. It's crucial for drivers to stay informed, be cautious and adapt their driving habits when roads ice over, contributing to safer roads for everyone in our community.

MEET MATT HENNESY

Today, his practice is dedicated solely to representing automobile accident victims and injured workers. Among the most challenging but worthwhile elements of his work is helping clients effectively deal with insurance companies.

“I often meet with clients that who have been ignored or lied to in regard to their insurance claims,” he says. “It is very rewarding to give them a voice and help them see their claims through to a resolution.”

He points to a particularly memorable case in which he represented a family whose father was killed in collision when a commercial truck crossed the center line and struck the victim’s vehicle head on.

“The insurance company completely denied liability and offered no settlement when given a chance to reasonably close the claim,” Matt said. “We filed suit on behalf of the family and fought with the insurance company for over two years. As we approached trial, the claim was finally settled for $2 million. It was a record recovery in the family’s county and the largest recovery for a 91-year-old in a wrongful death claim in Georgia at the time.”

Matt also is committed to supporting the Childhood Cancer Awareness Group of Coffee County. “It’s a cause that is near and dear to our hearts since one of our former employees had grandchildren diagnosed,” he says, noting that his wife, Lori, currently serves as the organization’s chairman of the board of directors. Matt also has served on the boards of the Community Foundation of Coffee County, Coffee Regional Hospital Foundation and Douglas Golf and Country Club.

Involvement in professional organizations includes serving as President of the Douglas Bar Association and as the representative for the Waycross Judicial Circuit on the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Georgia. He’s a member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the Coffee County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network and First Presbyterian Church of Douglas, GA.

A “rabid Georgia Bulldog fan,” Matt, Lori and their daughter are avid travelers with love for seeing the sights throughout the American South.

WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING

"Drew Tanner is the absolute best. He is very dedicated to his clients, acts swiftly and will leave no stone unturned. I have had the opportunity of trusting him with legal problems since 2000. I have sent numerous people to him and they were very pleased as well."

-Patricia K.

"Mr. Kirk Farrar has fought hard for two of my injury cases and got me the absolute most money. I could not be happier! If you find yourself in any kind of car accident, I highly recommend Mr. Farrar! He will fight for you WITHOUT A DOUBT!

-Savanah A.

"Mr. Matt Hennesy, I have to say, is one of the best lawyers you will ever have. Mr. Hennesy went above and beyond to make sure I and my wife were taken care of. I could never be grateful enough for what he did for us. And their office staff is just as caring. Thank you so much. God bless."

-Buddy R.

GIVING BACK

COFFEE COUNTY FOOD BANK

KIRK FARRAR

DREW TANNER, JR.