Stephen Hasner | Car Accidents | February 7, 2020
A devastating three-car accident in Atlanta may have ended the basketball career of Hawks forward Chandler Parsons.
The accident occurred last week as a drunk driver struck Parsons’ vehicle shortly after a Hawks practice session.
Even though he had played in just five games for the Hawks and was described to be in “peak physical condition” before the crash, Parsons has reportedly returned to his California home to recover from his injuries and consider a future without basketball.
The Extent of Chandler Parson’s Injuries
Reports tell us that injuries sustained by Parsons during the car accident include a concussion and whiplash. Both are commonly reported injuries associated with car accidents and have the potential to be long-lasting or even permanent.
The Long Lasting Effects of Concussions
Concussions, usually caused by a severe blow to the head or upper body, can be unbearable at times. In some cases, the effects can last for months or even years. Some of those effects include:
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Intense headaches
- Problems with balance
- Blurred vision
- Personality changes
- Dizziness and vertigo.
According to physicians with University of Utah Health, the severity of the effects is likely to increase if you’ve had more than one concussion in your life.
Whiplash at a Glance
Considered a soft tissue injury stemming from the violent shaking of the head and neck, whiplash can occur even in relatively small fender benders.
Although whiplash symptoms may be noticed immediately after the incident, they might not be felt until much later.
The effects of whiplash are often severe, and can include:
- Mild to severe pain along your spine and in your neck and shoulders
- Jaw pain and stiffness
- Numbness in your limbs
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Constant fatigue.
In whiplash cases that last longer than six months, ongoing or constant medical treatment is often necessary.
Parsons’ Options
While Parsons is working with a team of doctors in an effort to regain his health, he is also reportedly considering taking legal action against the at-fault driver.
It sounds like he may have a pretty good case on his hands.
The at-fault driver – who had passed out after causing the crash – later admitted to drinking alcohol in the car and was charged with driving under the influence (DUI). He was said to have “created utter chaos on the roadway” before eventually crashing.
If Parsons’ NBA career is indeed over, he would have the option of suing the driver for a host of damages, including:
- Reduced earning capacity, as well as wages that have already been lost
- Medical bills for treatment already provided, in addition to those expected throughout the recovery
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress.
Although each state has its own time limits for taking legal action in a personal injury claim, the statute of limitations for bringing legal action in Georgia is two years from the date of the accident or when symptoms began to appear.
The Problems Caused by Drunk Drivers
The data is staggering when the topic is drunk driving.
According to reports from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), someone in the U.S. is injured by a drunk driver every two minutes. Nearly every hour, someone loses their life because of an impaired driver.
Even more perplexing is the problem of repeat DUI offenders. Of the estimated 1.2 million drivers arrested each year for driving drunk, roughly one-third have another DUI conviction on their record.
Why It Makes Sense to Take Legal Action After a Car Accident
Some experts say you should expect to be involved in a car accident once every 17.9 years. There’s no guarantee it’ll happen to you, but a car accident is likely at some point.
When it does happen, you can be assured that an adjustor of the at-fault person’s insurance provider will be among the first to contact you.
Do not talk with them. They are professional negotiators whose only interest is to convince you to settle for as little as possible as quickly as possible.
Instead, here’s the course of action you should take.
- If possible, photography the scene of the accident from a host of angles. Be sure to include photos of all involved vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, etc.
- Collect information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Be examined by a licensed doctor as soon as possible. This initiates a documentation trail of your injuries.
- Secure the services of a skilled personal injury lawyer with a reputation for successfully handling cases similar to yours.
Again, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Georgia is two years from the date of the accident. Because the gathering of evidence and information in such cases takes time, the sooner you take action, the sooner you’ll have the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact the Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers at Hasner Law PC For Help
For more information, please contact the Atlanta car accident law firm of Hasner Law P.C. at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
