Author: MIke Robertson

  • Vehicle Safety: Which Vehicles Are More Likely to Keep You Safe in an Accident

    Vehicle Safety: Which Vehicles Are More Likely to Keep You Safe in an Accident

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    Vehicle Safety: Which Vehicles Are More Likely to Keep You Safe in an Accident

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    Which Vehicles Perform Best in Side, Head-On and Rear Impact Collisions?

    [/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1677597121840{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the world. In the United States alone, more than 38,000 people lost their lives in car accidents in 2019. The good news is that advances in car safety technology have resulted in cars that are safer than ever before. But with so many car makes and models on the market, it can be challenging to determine which ones are the safest. In this article, we will explore which vehicles perform better in side impact collisions, head-on collisions, and rear impact collisions, and provide you with the safest and worst-performing car makes and models.

    Understanding Car Safety Ratings:

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are two organizations that provide car safety ratings. The NHTSA provides a five-star safety rating system, with five stars being the highest safety rating. The IIHS provides a safety rating system that ranges from poor to good, with good being the highest safety rating.

    Safest Cars in Side Impact Collisions:

    In side impact collisions, the car’s side is hit by another car or object. The safest cars in side impact collisions include:

    1. Volvo XC90
    2. Toyota Camry
    3. Honda Accord
    4. Subaru Legacy
    5. Mazda 6

    Worst-Performing Cars in Side Impact Collisions:

    The worst-performing cars in side impact collisions include:

    1. Mitsubishi Mirage
    2. Hyundai Accent
    3. Kia Rio
    4. Chevrolet Spark
    5. Nissan Versa

    Safest Cars in Head-On Collisions:

    In head-on collisions, the front of one car hits the front of another car. The safest cars in head-on collisions include:

    1. Subaru Impreza
    2. Honda Civic
    3. Toyota Corolla
    4. Mazda 3
    5. Kia Forte

    Worst-Performing Cars in Head-On Collisions:

    The worst-performing cars in head-on collisions include:

    1. Chevrolet Spark
    2. Mitsubishi Mirage
    3. Kia Rio
    4. Nissan Versa
    5. Hyundai Accent

    Safest Cars in Rear Impact Collisions:

    In rear impact collisions, one car hits the back of another car. The safest cars in rear impact collisions include:

    1. Subaru Ascent
    2. Toyota Camry
    3. Mazda CX-5
    4. Honda Insight
    5. Mazda 6

    Worst-Performing Cars in Rear Impact Collisions:

    The worst-performing cars in rear impact collisions include:

    1. Kia Rio
    2. Hyundai Accent
    3. Chevrolet Spark
    4. Mitsubishi Mirage
    5. Nissan Versa

    Severe Injury Data for Car Makes and Models:

    The IIHS also provides data on the likelihood of severe injury in a car accident. The cars with the lowest likelihood of severe injury in a car accident include:

    1. Audi A4
    2. Volvo XC90
    3. BMW 5 Series
    4. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    5. Toyota Highlander

    Fatality Data for Car Makes and Models:

    The NHTSA provides data on the number of fatalities per billion vehicle miles traveled. The cars with the lowest fatality rates include:

    1. Tesla Model 3
    2. Audi E-Tron
    3. Subaru Legacy
    4. Lexus UX
    5. Mazda MX-5 Miata

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    1. How do car safety ratings work? Car safety ratings are provided by organizations such as the NHTSA and the IIHS. The ratings are based on crash tests and other safety-related factors, and are intended to help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing a car.
    2. What are the safest cars in side impact collisions? The safest cars in side impact collisions include the Volvo XC90, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Subaru Legacy, and Mazda 6.
    3. What are the worst-performing cars in head-on collisions? The worst-performing cars in head-on collisions include the Chevrolet Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa, and Hyundai Accent.
    4. What are the cars with the lowest likelihood of severe injury in a car accident? According to the IIHS, the cars with the lowest likelihood of severe injury in a car accident include the Audi A4, Volvo XC90, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Toyota Highlander.

    Car safety is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a car. In this article, we have explored which vehicles perform better in side impact collisions, head-on collisions, and rear impact collisions. We have also provided information on the safest and worst-performing car makes and models, as well as severe injury and fatality data. By considering this information, you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next car, and help to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers on the road.

    Sources:

    1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2021). Crash Test Ratings. https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings
    2. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (2021). Top Safety Picks. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks
    3. U.S. News & World Report. (2021). 21 Safest Cars and SUVs for 2021. https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/safest-cars-and-suvs
    4. Consumer Reports. (2021). Best Cars for Safety. https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/best-cars-for-safety/
    5. National Safety Council. (2021). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/introduction/
    6. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2021). Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data/fatality-analysis-reporting-system-fars

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  • Local Hospital Fined $1 Million Over Price Transparency

    Local Hospital Fined $1 Million Over Price Transparency

    Local Hospital Fined $1 Million Over Price Transparency

    A federal agency has issued notices to Northside Hospital that they are being fined one million dollars. This includes a fine of $214,320 to Northside Hospital Cherokee. The federal agency says the healthcare system failed to make pricing information publicly available online. This is a violation of federal law.

    Northside Hospital Atlanta and Northside Hospital Cherokee are the first hospitals to be fined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for violations of a price transparency law. This new law went into effect at the beginning of last year. It requires hospitals to provide clear and accessible pricing information to the public.

    The agency has said that Northside Hospital has failed to make a public list of all charges for all items and services provided by the hospital. According to the letter received by the hospital system, the agency asked Northside Hospital twice for an action plan to correct the violation and did not receive one. In the notice to Northside Hospital Cherokee dated June 7, the agency charges that the hospital has been in violation of the law since April 15, 2021.

    The CMS stated that on a phone call with Northside Hospital Cherokee that took place in January, the representative for the hospital confirmed that the violations had not been corrected and that the hospital had removed all previously posted prices.

    When the agency asked Northside Hospital Atlanta for a corrective action plan in November, a hospital representative said that potential patients would have to call the hospital for an estimate. The CMS says that price estimations do not comply with regulations.

    The hospital system has 60 days from the date of the notices to pay the fines. They can submit a request for an appeal within 30 days

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  • Car Crash Kills Child – State Trooper May Be At Fault

    Car Crash Kills Child – State Trooper May Be At Fault

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    Car Crash Kills Child – State Trooper May Be At Fault

    [/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][vc_single_image image=”7408″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1655230736428{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]A driver who was speeding away from state troopers crashed and is now accused of killing a 12 year old boy who was in his car. The boy’s family has hired a civil rights attorney.

    Leden Boykins died when a car crashed after state troopers performed a PIT maneuver. The PIT maneuver has become known as a controversial maneuver.

    A local news outlet spoke with the boy’s family. The family believes officers should be held accountable for the boy’s death. They are asking that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation open a new investigation into the accident.

    The incident started with a traffic stop. Investigators say Charlie Moore was speeding with two kids in the car. They said Moore refused to comply and wouldn’t roll down his window or show officers his drivers license. A trooper then called for backup, and the deputy who responded busted out the car window. Moore then drove off, driving over a trooper’s foot as he left.

    This all occurred nearly one year ago and Leden’s family feels as though they aren’t any closer to getting justice. The civil rights attorney retained by the family has requested that the Paulding County prosecutor recuse himself and allow a special prosecutor to come in and take over the case.

    Moore has been accused of driving drunk and leading troopers on a chase. When troopers used the PIT maneuver to stop him, the car flipped multiple times. According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, many factors should be considered before using the PIT maneuver. These factors include whether or not children are in the car. Leden’s family and their attorney maintain that if policy had been followed, Leden would still be alive today.

    Georgia State Patrol has said they are unable to comment on ongoing litigation. The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office has said that Moore could have prevented what happened. They maintain that if Moore had followed lawful commands by the trooper and deputies that Leden would still be alive.

    A 911 call revealed that Moore told Paulding County Dispatchers that children were in the car and that that message didn’t make it to troopers until after the PIT maneuver was performed.

    If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of police negligence please contact the Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester, LLC at 770-744-5250 or contact us online.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1488984969615{background-color: #29639e !important;}”][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”24″ font_weight=”bold” font_family=”Roboto” font_type=”google” align=”center”]

     GET LEGAL HELP NOW

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    FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL
    770-744-5250
    OR FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW. 

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  • Georgia High Court Ruling Targets Retailers

    Georgia High Court Ruling Targets Retailers

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    Georgia Supreme Court Decision May Impact Retailers

    [/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][vc_single_image image=”7324″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1647437075560{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Shoppers in Georgia who are unable to load and secure bulky purchases onto their vehicles by themselves may notice some changes soon. They may find store employees less willing to help load and secure the items, and the employees who do help may be more cautious and vigilant.

    The Georgia Supreme Court ruled that anyone who assists in loading something onto a vehicle has a duty to ensure that the load is securely fastened. The Supreme Court rejected an argument by the mega retailer Sam’s Club that only the operator of a vehicle should be held liable for damage sustained by an unsecured load.

    The U.S. District Court in Albany, GA asked for the Supreme Court’s guidance as it considers a lawsuit filed against Sam’s by a woman who was injured when her vehicle hit a mattress that had come off a pickup truck. Amanda K. McEntyre is arguing that two Sam’s Club employees failed to properly secure the mattress to the pickup truck.

    Sam’s and a business group called Georgians for Lawsuit Reform had previously argued that the statute that requires loads to be securely fastened (OGCA Section 40-6-248.1 (b) (1)) should only be applied to motor vehicle operators. If the statute is applied to store employees or others willing to help as a courtesy, they could be considered criminals if something happened along the way.

    However, the ruling wasn’t a complete loss for Sam’s. The court also found that the statute doesn’t create “strict liability”. This means that the person who violates the law doesn’t automatically become liable for damages caused by an unsecured load. Plaintiffs must show that the violator’s negligence was a proximate cause of the harm.

    McEntyre sued McCall after the February 2016 incident occurred and accepted a settlement. She also sued Sam’, claiming that the store was negligent because two of its employees tied the mattresses and box springs down to McCall’s truck. The complaint says that McEntyre had to undergo multiples surgeries after her shoulder and neck were injured in the accident with the loose mattress. She lost $5,542.49 in wages and had medical bills that totaled $119,151.15. After Sam’s filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, District Court Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner sent certified questions asking the Georgia Supreme Court to resolve the following unsettled questions of law:

    .
    1. Does Section 40-6-248.1 require a person assisting a motor vehicle operator to load merchandise on a vehicle to securely fasten the load?
    2. Under the statute, can a person who assisted in loading but did not operate the vehicle be held liable to a third party who was injured as a result of the manner in which the load was secured?
    3. Does the statute impose strict liability on a person who did not securely fasten a load that caused damage to another?
    The Supreme Court replied yes to questions 1 and 2 and no to question 3. The court’s unanimous opinion says the plain language of the statute imposes a duty on anyone who loads items on a vehicle a duty to others on the public roads. Nothing in the statute limits that duty to only the driver of the vehicle. Additionally, any person who violates the statute can be held liable for any resulting damages. However, that doesn’t mean that strict liability applies to violators of the statute. The Supreme Court said that strict liability is generally only imposed when the circumstances involved abnormally dangerous activities. Nothing in the statute provides for strict liability in the context of a civil tort action.

    “When a person is allegedly injured by such a load or covering falling on a public road, ordinary principles of negligence apply, meaning that the plaintiff must establish a breach of this statutory duty, proximate causation, and damages in order to establish liability,” the opinion says.
    The court went on to clarify that its findings should mitigate the tort reform group’s concerns about any practical consequences of its ruling. “A trial court cannot presume that in every instance where a load has become loose, detached, or in any manner a hazard to other users of the public road that the load was not securely fastened and that any person who assisted in loading or securing the load is liable,” the opinion says.

    The case will now return to the District Court in Albany to proceed. Sam’s has also filed a lawsuit against McCall seeking reimbursement for any damages it may be required to pay as a result of the lawsuit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1488984969615{background-color: #29639e !important;}”][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”24″ font_weight=”bold” font_family=”Roboto” font_type=”google” align=”center”]

     GET LEGAL HELP NOW

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  • Dekalb Police Investigate a Deadly Motorcycle Crash Along I-20

    Dekalb Police Investigate a Deadly Motorcycle Crash Along I-20

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    Dekalb Police Investigate a Deadly Motorcycle Crash Along I-20

    [/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][vc_single_image image=”7381″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1644858474120{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]DeKalb County Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred Friday night. The crash happened around 7:00 pm along Interstate 20 near Wesley Chapel Road. A car was also involved in the accident. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and the names of those involved have not been released.

    If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident please contact the Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester at (770) 744-5250. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased.

     

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  • Suspected DUI Driver Kills Woman, Unborn Child in Morrow Car Crash

    Suspected DUI Driver Kills Woman, Unborn Child in Morrow Car Crash

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    Suspected DUI Driver Kills Woman, Unborn Child in Morrow Car Crash

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    Suspected DUI Driver Kills Woman, Unborn Child in Morrow Car Crash

    Tragically, a pregnant 19 year old woman and her unborn child have died in a suspected DUI car crash in Morrow, Georgia.

    The Morrow Police Department reported that 19 year old Ashley Acosta, a resident of Forest Park, was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by a Ford F-150. The F-150 was driven by a 32 year old male named Jeffrey Fulks.

    Acosta’s unborn child died in the accident. She remained in the hospital in critical condition until Wednesday night when she succumbed to her injuries.

    Police said they were initially called to the scene of the accident at 1:55 am. The accident occurred near the intersection of Morrow Road and Jonesboro Road. The Morrow Police Department reported that Fulks was driving under the influence of alcohol headed south on Jonesboro Road when he ran a red light. Fulks then crashed into a 2015 Chevrolet Cruise driven by Emanuel Cortes Acoltzi. Acosta was a passenger in the Cruise. After the impact, the Cruise went across the intersection, over the sidewalk, and into a pole. The F-150 went over a sidewalk and through some bushes before coming to rest in a gas station parking lot.

    Georgia State Patrol assisted at the scene and arrested Fulks. Fulks faces charges of DUI, vehicular feticide, first-degree homicide by vehicle, serious injury by vehicle, and failure to obey a traffic control device.

    Morrow Police Chief Renan Lopez said “These cases are reminders of the tragic consequences of a decision to drive impaired. Death, injuries, damage, and life-long memories of these horrific events are terrible scars that will be carried by the individuals involved and by our community. Our thoughts are with the families of those touched by these completely preventable acts.”

    If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident please contact The Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester at (770) 744-5250. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured party.

     

     

     

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  • Hospital Liens After a Crash: How to Keep More Money After a Settlement

    Hospital Liens After a Crash: How to Keep More Money After a Settlement

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    Hospital Liens After a Crash: How to Keep More Money After a Settlement

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    Hospital Liens After a Crash: How to Keep More Money After a Settlement

    If you have been involved in a serious motor vehicle collision or suffered a traumatic brain injury because of a catastrophic accident, the world can seem like it is falling apart. Not only are you dealing with numerous questions and worries, but on top of it all, you now have to worry about your extensive medical bills that keep piling up. Luckily, you have a lawsuit pending that you hope will cover these astronomical bills; but, what if it doesn’t? What if, instead, the hospital ends up with a windfall at your expense, and you are left with virtually nothing?

     

    This may seem like an unimaginable situation, but it does occur. Fortunately, we are here to tell you that this does not have to happen to you. In this blog post, we will dive into hospital liens, discussing what they are, what types of problems they can cause, and what you can do to protect the compensation you deserve.

     

    Georgia’s Hospital Lien Statute

    Under Georgia law, when an individual is injured in an accident and the hospital provides them with medical care, the hospital can file a lien against any cause of action that is related to the injury. A hospital lien is a legal claim that the hospital is entitled to a portion of the money recovered by the patient in any settlement or lawsuit. One important aspect to note about these liens is that they are not a lien on the person but rather a lien on the personal injury action for the expenses related to the patient’s care.

     

    A medical lien is allowed for treatment that is rendered to a patient by:

     

    • Hospitals
    • A Physician’s Practice
    • A Licensed Physician
    • Nursing Home Facilities
    • Intensive Care Clinics or Facilities
    • Any individual, authority, firm, or corporation operating as such an entity

     

    This medical lien “attaches” when the hospital or the medical provider starts a patient’s treatment and can be filed 75 days after the patient is discharged or 90 days after the patient seeks medical care.

     

    Why is a Hospital Lien a Problem For Victims?

    Yes, hospitals deserve to get paid for the care they provide. However, these medical care facilities also should provide these services for a reasonable amount. This is where the problem lies. Hospitals usually list prices for every single supply or service that they offer in their chargemaster. Generally, these rates are incredibly high. But most hospitals do not collect these rates, as they give health insurance companies much lower prices. That is why when an individual with insurance is treated at a hospital, the facility does not collect as much money as one might expect.

     

    For these reasons, when a lawsuit is involved, the hospital takes it as an opportunity to make up for the funds they have lost out on, and they file a lien for the high chargemaster rates. Even if a victim has health insurance, the hospital may not bill this insurance. Rather, they will file a lien to go after the lawsuit or settlement compensation. Worse yet, hospitals often get away with this practice because patients do not know they can challenge them.

     

    Attack The Lien

    Whether you endured debilitating injuries in a catastrophic accident, suffered life-long harm in a car accident, or now have permanent damage because of a traumatic brain injury, you need funds to help you get through this challenging time in your life. Do not let this money slip away because the hospital has filed an unreasonable lien. Instead, let an experienced personal injury attorney attack these unfair lien practices.

     

    • Verify Enforceability: When you work with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, these lawyers know the tricks hospitals play and how they try to get more money from you than they should. That is why one of the first things your lawyer can do is inspect their lien. If a hospital does not strictly comply with the statutory law when they filed their lien, your attorney can attack to strike it down because adherence to the statute is required for the hospital to have an enforceable lien.
    • Reasonable Charges: Your lawyer can also check whether your hospital bill is reasonable. Everyone knows that if an uninsured patient is treated in a hospital or emergency room, they will be left with a hospital bill that is incredibly inflated. That is why your attorney can quickly verify if the services you were charged for are reasonable. They will examine if you were charged for diagnostic testing or actual triage treatment, and whether the services you were charged for match your injuries. If they do not, your attorney can fight these outrageous charges.
    • Negotiations:It is also possible to have your lawyer contact the lien holder and try to negotiate a compromise agreement. Meaning that your lawyer can try to get the lien holder to agree to resolve the lien issue for less than the full amount that was requested.

    Dealing with Hospital Liens

    If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you should be able to get the medical care you need without agonizing about how you will pay for your medical bills. More importantly, you should get charged a fair price for the services you receive and not worry these prices will be inflated because the hospital wants to receive more money from a lawsuit. Luckily, you do not have to go through this stressful ordeal on your own. With the help of an experienced Woodstock Georgia personal injury attorney, you can get the help you need. These lawyers are well-versed in these hospital lien practices and can help verify that the medical bills you received are reasonable, and if a lien is filed, that it strictly complies with Georgia’s statutes.

     

     

     

     

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1488984969615{background-color: #29639e !important;}”][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”24″ font_weight=”bold” font_family=”Roboto” font_type=”google” align=”center”]

     GET LEGAL HELP NOW

    [/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text align=”center”]

    FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL
    770-744-5250
    OR FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW. 

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  • Woodstock Car Accident Kills One and Blocks Traffic on 575 Southbound

    Woodstock Car Accident Kills One and Blocks Traffic on 575 Southbound

    [vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1488988860505{background-image: url(https://www.koesterlegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sex-crimes-lawyer-woodstock-ga.jpg?id=6471) !important;}”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”70″][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”20″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”16″ size_phone=”16″ font_weight=”bold” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Libre+Baskerville” font_type=”google” align=”center”]575 Car Crash Kills One and Closes All Lanes in Woodstock Car Crash[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][vc_single_image image=”7130″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1639353237627{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]A crash on I-575 southbound in Woodstock on Sunday, December 12, 2021, left one dead according to authorities.

    While few details regarding the accident have been released, police spokesperson Brittany Page did confirm that the accident was a single vehicle accident and that the accident was fatal. The southbound lanes of I-575 in Woodstock were blocked for nearly two hours while police worked on the accident, causing massive back ups and delays.
    Woodstock Police confirmed that the lanes were clear and open just south of Highway 92 at 3:40pm.

     

    If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident please contact The Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester at (770) 744-5250. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim of this accident, as well as the victim’s family and friends.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1488984969615{background-color: #29639e !important;}”][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”24″ font_weight=”bold” font_family=”Roboto” font_type=”google” align=”center”]

     GET LEGAL HELP NOW

    [/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text align=”center”]

    FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL
    770-744-5250
    OR FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW. 

    [/vc_column_text][mk_contact_form style=”modern” skin=”light” button_text=”Free Case Evaluation” email=”koester.kyle@gmail.com” phone=”true”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]

  • Marietta Car Crash Fatally Injures Pedestrian – Marietta GA

    Marietta Car Crash Fatally Injures Pedestrian – Marietta GA

    [vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1488988860505{background-image: url(https://www.koesterlegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sex-crimes-lawyer-woodstock-ga.jpg?id=6471) !important;}”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”70″][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”20″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”16″ size_phone=”16″ font_weight=”bold” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Libre+Baskerville” font_type=”google” align=”center”]Marietta Car Crash Fatally Injures Pedestrian – Marietta GA [/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][vc_single_image image=”7098″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1636132814433{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]According to the Marietta Police Department, a fatal accident involving a pedestrian occurred on October 25, 2021, at approximately 8:30 pm. The accident occurred on Cobb Parkway South near the intersection of Trade Center Parkway.

    Investigators with the Marietta Police Department have said the accident involved a 70-year-old Marietta resident. The pedestrian was attempting to cross the road outside of a crosswalk and darted out into the roadway directly into the path of oncoming traffic. The pedestrian was hit by a 2010 Dodge Journey. Emergency services were requested, and the pedestrian was rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital by medics. Once at the hospital, the pedestrian passed away as a result of his injuries.

    As of October 26, 2021, the crash remains under investigation. Anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information regarding the crash is asked to call the Marietta Police Department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) investigators at (770) 794-5344.

    Everyone at Koester Legal sends their deepest sympathies and condolences to all those impacted by this tragedy.

    If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian in car crash please contact the Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester, LLC.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1488984969615{background-color: #29639e !important;}”][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”24″ font_weight=”bold” font_family=”Roboto” font_type=”google” align=”center”]

     GET LEGAL HELP NOW

    [/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text align=”center”]

    FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL
    770-744-5250
    OR FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW. 

    [/vc_column_text][mk_contact_form style=”modern” skin=”light” button_text=”Free Case Evaluation” email=”koester.kyle@gmail.com” phone=”true”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]

  • Several Injured in a 11 Car Collision on I-575 in Cherokee County this Morning

    Several Injured in a 11 Car Collision on I-575 in Cherokee County this Morning

    [vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1488988860505{background-image: url(https://www.koesterlegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sex-crimes-lawyer-woodstock-ga.jpg?id=6471) !important;}”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=”70″][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”20″ force_font_size=”true” size_smallscreen=”16″ size_tablet=”16″ size_phone=”16″ font_weight=”bold” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Libre+Baskerville” font_type=”google” align=”center”]Several Injured In 11 Car Pile Up on I575 [/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column width=”2/3″][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][vc_single_image image=”7098″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1634946675097{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

    The New Interstate 575 Peach Pass is Convenient for Some, Dangerous for Others.

    Early Friday morning, an 11 car pile up occurred in Cherokee County on I575 near Holly Springs causing long delays. Several injuries have been reported, but there are no known fatalities at this time.

    The car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Kyle E. Koester have already received several calls from parties injured in this accident and have opened an investigation into the incident. If you or a loved one were injured in this accident please contact our office immediately at koesterlegal.com or (770) 744-5250.

    Please continue to follow our Facebook page for updates on this accident. Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their families and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1488984969615{background-color: #29639e !important;}”][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][mk_fancy_title color=”#ffffff” size=”24″ font_weight=”bold” font_family=”Roboto” font_type=”google” align=”center”]

     GET LEGAL HELP NOW

    [/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text align=”center”]

    FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL
    770-744-5250
    OR FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW. 

    [/vc_column_text][mk_contact_form style=”modern” skin=”light” button_text=”Free Case Evaluation” email=”koester.kyle@gmail.com” phone=”true”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]