Savannah Law Blog

When you were first divorced, the money you sent your ex every month for child support might have been hard to spare, but you always came up with it and paid it on time. But since then, you got caught up in corporate downsizing and went through your savings, and your new job just doesn't pay what the old one did. You aren't going to be able to pay the full amount this month. Or next, you fear.

If you're struggling to pay your child support, the Georgia courts could provide some relief through a child support modification.

Even though you do your best to avoid trouble on the road, you could still be part of an accident due to another driver's negligence. Knowing what to do after a crash will help you make decisions that enhance your safety and well-being.

Here are the five most important steps to take after a car accident:

• Check for injuries: Before you do anything, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. You may not feel any pain at first, so pay attention to your body as you begin to calm down. Don't be surprised if symptoms begin to set in after several minutes (or longer).
• Move to safety: It's not always possible, but if you can move your vehicle to a safe place you should do so. For example, if you're involved in a highway accident, drive to the shoulder of the road. In the city, you may be able to move to a parking lot.
• Call 911: Even if you think you have everything under control, you want to call 911 to explain what happened. This is also a good way to ensure that police and paramedics rush to the scene to provide assistance.
• Document the accident: In addition to exchanging information with the other driver, do the following: Take pictures of the scene and your injuries, talk to witnesses, make note of the police department that responded and find out how to obtain a copy of the police report.
• Receive medical treatment: You should accept care at the scene and transportation to a local hospital. It's better to be safe than sorry with your health. Hoping that you can treat your injuries at home is a mistake, as you never know exactly what's happening with your body until you receive a professional diagnosis.

Drunk driving is a serious charge. If you're a member of the military, though, the repercussions could be even more serious.

Military members who are accused of DUI on a military base could face a court martial or an Article 15, which means a commander can enforce discipline without a court-martial hearing. If you're charged with DUI off post, you also can face punishment. Whether an on-base or off-base arrest, a commander could require you to complete an alcohol treatment program or receive extra duty. Or, you even could have a reduction in grade or be barred from reenlisting.

One high school student in Cherokee County, Georgia, was killed and another seriously injured in a single-car crash recently. The driver of the car, their 17-year-old classmate, was arrested and faces a number of charges, including first-degree vehicular homicide.

The crash occurred when four teenagers, students at Creekview High School in Canton, Georgia, were in the car, which was traveling on Old Orange Mill Road. The car struck a tree after it went down an embankment; investigators preliminarily said speed could have been a reason for the wreck.