Author: MIke Robertson

The Importance of Seeing a Doctor Immediately After an Accident
[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”]The Importance of Seeing a Doctor Immediately After an Accident [/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_raw_html]JTVCd3BzZW9fYnJlYWRjcnVtYiU1RA==[/vc_raw_html][vc_single_image image=”7030″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1661274355972{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]In the immediate aftermath of an auto accident, it can prove difficult to know just how badly you got hurt. Sometimes, you may think that you came out just fine. You have no obvious signs of injury, and no more than usual pain. Surely you can save yourself a trip to the emergency room, right?
Unfortunately, that line of thinking can lead to severe complications following any type of accident. Auto accidents are terrifying, and the mental effects of being involved in an accident may make it difficult to recognize when you have sustained injury.
The Role of Adrenaline After an Accident
Many accidents result in an influx of adrenaline and other hormones throughout your body. In the immediate aftermath of an auto accident, you may feel shaky and unsteady, or brash and over-confident, depending on your usual response to adrenaline. Those hormones, however, also serve one dangerous function: they help suppress pain.
In the immediate aftermath of extreme trauma, this lack of pain can prove vital to your body’s survival. Failing to feel the pain of serious injuries can make it possible for you to get the help you need before the pain sets in with a vengeance. 
Unfortunately, it also means that you may miss even serious injuries in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Slip and fall victims, for example, may stand up and walk away, only to realize later that they suffered severe back or neck injuries that should have received prompt medical attention. Worse, their symptoms may worsen over the following days, especially if they continue to ignore the need for medical attention. 
Car accident victims may leave the scene of a car accident with traumatic brain injury, but fail to realize its severity. You may have broken bones concealed by the adrenaline coursing through your body. You may have suffered severe internal damage, including internal bruising or bleeding, but not realize the severity of your injuries until much later. The most effective means of diagnosing these injuries is visiting a doctor before more serious symptoms show up. 
Going to the Doctor Ensures Prompt Treatment and Evaluation
Going to the doctor to treat your injuries helps ensure that you will receive prompt, full evaluation of all your injuries and provides you with much-needed treatment. A doctor can ensure that you get the emergency surgery you need, that broken bones get set promptly, or that you have the right care instructions to help you get better quickly.
Failure to visit the doctor, on the other hand, could also mean failure to treat those injuries. As a result, you could lengthen your recovery or worsen the severity of your injuries, which could cause you unnecessary suffering. Many people walk around with severe injuries because they chose not to seek treatment, increasing the pain they face because they chose not to see a doctor. 
A Doctor’s Report Provides Vital Evidence for a Personal Injury Claim
Following many types of severe injuries in an accident, you may need to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for financial losses related to the accident. Suppose, for example, that you suffered injuries in a car accident. As part of your accident claim, you may need to seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages related to your injuries. Car insurance policies contain separate sections for property damage and bodily injury protection, which means that you can expect some compensation for financial losses related directly to your injuries.
The insurance company, however, may try to fight your claim–and failing to promptly seek medical treatment can make it more difficult for you to provide the evidence you need. 
Suppose, for example, that you suffered traumatic brain injury during the accident, but did not go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately. Days later, you realized that the brain fog had not lifted and that you struggled to complete normal tasks or bring forward critical memories. You ended up missing months at work while recovering, in addition to suffering serious medical expenses. 
Unfortunately, since you did not go to the doctor for several days after the accident, you may not have evidence that directly links your injuries to the accident. The insurance company may try to argue that you may have suffered those injuries at another time, which would mean that the company is not liable for paying for any of your expenses. 
You May Inadvertently Worsen Your Injuries If You Do Not Visit the Doctor
In many cases, accident victims who do not recognize the severity of their injuries inadvertently make them worse by failing to treat them immediately after the accident. Walking on a broken bone, for example, could cause you to worsen the break, turning it from a minor break that would heal with casting and rest to a severe injury that might require surgery to treat properly. Failure to treat internal bleeding could lead to severe injury and, in some cases, even death. 
Not only does worsening your injuries mean more pain and a longer recovery, it could mean that you cannot receive compensation for the additional trauma you faced. If the insurance company that covers the liable party can prove that your actions made your injuries worse, you may not receive any compensation for that percentage of your injuries. 
Virtual Visits: One Option for Medical Treatment
In the case of severe injuries, you may need to visit the emergency room directly for treatment. Severe injuries may require direct, immediate intervention from a doctor: surgery, setting broken bones, or conducting scans and evaluations that can only be performed in a medical setting. In other cases, however, you may be able to use a virtual or telehealth visit to connect with a doctor and receive a basic evaluation of your injuries and information about how to treat them. Sometimes, a doctor can offer diagnostic information or advise you about your next steps without needing you to come in personally. 
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April 16, 2021
Marta Bus Crash Kill’s Pedestrian
[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”]Marta Bus 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=”7023″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1644247704442{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Riders on a MARTA bus had a scary experience Monday evening around 10 pm. The incident happened at the intersection of Garden Walk Boulevard and Highway 85 in Clayton County.
A passenger reported seeing a flash of a guy and then a smashed bus windshield on the right side. After the bus stopped, several passengers got off to look for the man who was hit. One passenger reported seeing a wallet and then hearing another girl crying who had found the man.
Police reported that the man did succumb to his injuries. Passengers on the MARTA bus reported that the driver was not speeding at the time of the incident. No other injuries were sustained in the accident. The bus driver was reportedly devastated, but all passengers maintained it was not his fault. Law enforcement officials have yet to say if the man ran out in front of the bus or if the driver will face any charges.
The original article can be found here.
If you’ve been involved in any kind of motor vehicle accident in the metro Atlanta area and are looking for an accident attorney, call The Law Offices of Kyle Koester today at (770) 744-5250.[/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”]
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April 7, 2021
Winter Driving: Tips For Staying Safe in Wet and Icy Conditions
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Winter Driving: Tips For Staying Safe in Wet and Icy Conditions
[/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=”7438″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1644247799052{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Driving in severe weather can be scary and hazardous. Winter storms and dangerous road conditions contribute to nearly half a million crashes and 2,000 each winter according to research done by AAA. Even in north Georgia, drivers aren’t exempt from dangerous traveling conditions throughout the winter. If you’ve been through a Georgia winter, chances are that you’re already familiar with icy road conditions during the cold winter months. Its important for all Georgia drivers to be aware of some basic winter safety driving tips.
Check your tires at the beginning of winter. Its important for your tires to be properly inflated and have the proper amount of tread.
Stay alert and don’t use cruise control. Using cruise control can be extremely dangerous in icy road conditions.
Drive slowly. Even though you may be very familiar with the roads you’re traveling, its important to drive more slowly than normal.
Leave extra space between you and the cars in front of you. Its much more difficult for your car to come to a complete stop in wet and icy road conditions, making it more likely for you to rear end the car in front of you without proper distancing.
Don’t accelerate up hills. Accelerating up hills will only make your tires spin. If you see a hill coming up try to speed up and gain some inertia before and let your inertia carry you up the hill.
Don’t leave home if you don’t have to! Our most important tip is to stay home if you don’t absolutely have to go out on wet and icy roads.
If you have questions about a vehicle accident and would like to speak to an experienced auto accident attorney, you can call Kyle today to schedule your free consultation![/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”]
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February 19, 2021
6 Common Causes of Truck Accidents
[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”]6 Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents[/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=”7441″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1661277300313{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) National Center for Statistics and Analysis report issued for the year ending 2018, there were more than 500 fatal roadway accidents involving semi-trucks in the United States. The report does not provide data on truck accidents involving injury, but further research indicates approximately 17,000 victims suffered an injury in the roughly 140,000 truck accidents recorded nationwide.

Truck drivers in Georgia and across the county must adhere to the same rules of the road as every other motor vehicle operator, but they also have other restrictions, including the number of hours they are allowed to drive before taking a break. These rules are supposed to help protect not only the truck driver, but also others with whom they share the road. That said, truck drivers are like every other driver on the road: they are humCasues of Semian, and prone to making the same mistakes we all do. However, when an accident occurs involving a semi-truck, the outcomes can be far more devastating.
Six of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents:
- Distracted driving – despite warnings and laws pertaining to hands free driving which was implemented in Georgia in 2018, there is still an issue with some truck drivers. Keep in mind, these drivers are often away from family members for extended periods of time while delivering goods. Phone calls to family, text messages to loved ones, and even adjusting their radio station in remote areas mean they are not watching the road — a fraction of a second is all it takes to lose control of a truck, or be unable to stop in an urgent situation.
- Driver fatigue – we have all had times when we are driving home from work and find we are groggy or sleepy. Truck drivers often drive for hours on end and in some cases, they get very little time to take a rest between stops. Even when a driver follows the rules set down by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) they may still suffer ongoing fatigue. Drivers who ignore these regulations pose a serious danger to everyone on the road.
- Lack of proper training – while truckers must undergo rigorous training, one thing that has become increasingly clear is there are a shortage of trained drivers. Sadly, this does not always mean a trucking company remains unwilling to hire unsuitable drivers, putting others on the road at risk.
- Poor vehicle maintenance – one of the most important parts of owning any motor vehicle is maintenance. When the lives of others depend on your vehicle being properly maintained, semi-trucks should be the best maintained vehicles on the road. This is not always the case however, for a couple of reasons. If a truck is down for maintenance, it is not being used to make deliveries, which costs the company money. Trucking companies who are working on tight budgets may also be tempted to skimp on proper maintenance, which puts everyone on roadways at risk.
- Alcohol and drugs – drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol pose a unique danger on the roadway. Substances slow reaction times. and because of the size of a semi-truck, a driver who is under the influence of any substance can cause an accident. Prescription drugs and over the counter medications can also impact a driver’s reaction time. Truck drivers who abuse prescription drugs such as Adderall or over the counter medications to stay awake can be subject to additional charges should they be involved in a crash.
- Speed related accidents – it sounds like a cliché to say that speed kills, but it is a fact. Since truckers need more time to stop than a car, semi-truck operators must be aware of speed limits, sensible driving speeds due to bad weather, and the speed of other vehicles on the roadway. Semi-truck operators who are traveling at unsafe speeds put everyone on the road in jeopardy.
Consequences of Semi-Truck Accidents
Car accidents can be disastrous for everyone involved. Thousands of people annually lose their lives in crashes involving other cars, and thousands more are injured in car accidents. However, when an accident involves a car and a semi-truck, the outcomes can be devastating. Remember, a fully loaded truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, while the average car weighs a mere 6,000. Passengers and drivers in cars are more likely to suffer serious injuries when the other vehicle in a crash is a semi-truck.

The force of a truck hitting a car from the rear often results in traumatic brain injuries to drivers and passengers in a car. This is because the jolt can create enough force to push your head back and forth at least once, and in some cases, multiple times, particularly if you hit another vehicle or an obstacle.

Some victims, despite the fact they are using the proper restraints, may strike their head on the steering wheel or windshield, which will cause further injury to the head. Victims often are forced to live with the consequences of a traumatic brain injury following a truck accident. These injuries can impact their ability to think clearly, prevent them from returning to work, and require them to seek long-term medical care.

A Woodstock GA Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
When you are involved in a semi-truck accident in Woodstock, Georgia, Cherokee County, or the surrounding areas, you may not know where to turn for help if you have been injured. Your health and recovery from your injuries should be your first concern. Once you have sought the proper medical attention, you should seek the assistance of an attorney with experience handling semi-truck accidents. In fact, you should speak with a lawyer before you speak with an insurance adjuster, to make sure they do not try to trick you into admitting you were entirely, or partially, at fault for the accident.

Remember, truck crashes are complicated because in addition to the driver’s liability, there may be other parties who are partially responsible, including the trucking company. If you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident, an experienced Georgia truck accident lawyer can evaluate your case and help you form an effective plan for moving forward.

When a Georgia based truck rig or other commercial vehicle is involved in a crash, Georgia law allows the injured party to go directly after the insurance company insures the truck. There several other law specific issues related to crashes with tractor trailers unique to Georgia. Don’t let a big insurance company or corporate owned truck deter you from full compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced Georgia truck wreck lawyer at Koester Legal if you have any questions.[/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”]
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February 12, 2021
WHAT IS A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION?
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WHAT IS A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION?
[/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_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1644248517526{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Cherokee County sees about 5,000 traffic accidents per year. Of these, roughly one in five will result in injuries. While side impact collisions are certainly not the most common type of crash to have in Cherokee County or elsewhere, they are one of the more common types of accidents to occur at an intersection; and, they are one of the most dangerous types to have. Read on for more information about side impact collisions. If you have been injured in this type of accident, an experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options.

What Is a Side Impact Collision?
A side impact collision — also known as a T-bone or broadside crash — occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nearly a quarter of all passenger vehicle fatalities are a result of this type of accident. The reason that broadside collisions are so dangerous is because there is very little protection between the occupant sitting on the side of the vehicle that is struck and the striking vehicle, relative to the crumple protection and bumper zones offered in both rear-end and frontal impact crashes.

What Causes This Type of Accident?
Side impact collisions most often occur due to one driver’s failure to yield the right-of-way to another. Failure to yield accounts for more than 3,500 fatal accidents in the U.S. each year. These accidents generally occur in intersections, where one driver has failed to stop for a red light or a stop sign. Other places where a broadside collision can happen include:
- Parking lots
- Where a driveway pulls out onto a roadway
- Areas where a driver is making a legal or illegal U-turn
While most side impact collisions are the result of failure to yield, there are some examples of this type of accident occurring for other reasons, such as when a driver loses control of his or her vehicle and it travels perpendicular into a travel lane and is struck by another vehicle traveling in that lane. Often, this is the result of a previous accident or a driver losing control while swerving to avoid a collision.

A number of behaviors may result in a driver failing to yield the right-of-way, such as:
- Distracted driving. Failing to pay attention to a changing light or rolling through a stop sign while distracted by something else occurring inside or outside of the vehicle.
- Alcohol impairment. Alcohol impairment impacts one’s concentration as well as his or her ability to brake effectively.
- Aggressive driving. Aggressive driving behaviors are often exhibited by those who are running late. Some of these behaviors include tailgating, running red lights, and speeding.
- Vehicle defect. Defective or malfunctioning brakes may result in a driver being unable to yield at the intersection.
- Ignorance of traffic laws. Many individuals are unclear or unaware of the yield laws at stop signs.
- Turning onto a road or making a U-turn when there is not an ample gap in traffic in which to do so.
Who Is at Fault in a Side Impact Collision?
Generally, the individual who failed to yield the right-of-way is at fault for a side impact collision. This can be either the driver whose car was impacted on the side, or the driver whose car caused the side impact, depending on the details of the case. In broadside accidents that did not involve failure to yield, liability depends on who caused the accident that resulted in the vehicle traveling perpendicular in the lane.

What Types of Injuries Does a Side Impact Collision Cause?
As stated above, broadside collisions are among the most dangerous types of collisions, particularly for the occupants sitting on the side of the vehicle that was struck. This is especially true when the accident involves two vehicles of vastly different sizes or types. For example, the injuries suffered to occupants of two passenger cars will generally be less severe than the occupants of a passenger car that was struck broadside by a semi-truck. Some of the injuries that are associated with side impact collisions include:
- Head injuries. Head injuries in side impact collisions are often a result of the passenger’s head making contact with the window or simply being jolted violently back and forth from the impact of the crash. Head injuries are one of the main causes of death in car accidents. Those who survive may be left with permanent brain damage that can impair their ability to communicate, reason, walk properly, see, hear, or control their emotions.
- Spinal cord injuries. Like head injuries, spinal cord injuries occurring in a side impact collision may be caused by the violent back and forth motion of the body due to the accident’s force. They may also result in permanent, life-altering damage, such as loss of sensation and function — also called paralysis. Paralysis occurs beneath the part of the cord that was damaged, meaning that the higher up on the spine the injury occurs, the more parts of the body are affected.
- Broken bones. Due to the relatively low amount of protection provided by door panels, it is not unusual for an occupant’s bones to be broken in the crash, including hip, arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs.
- Back injuries. In addition to spinal cord injuries, individuals who are in side impact collisions may also suffer injuries to the spinal discs, vertebrae, or the soft tissues located in the back. While some of these injuries may heal within days or weeks, others may require surgery and result in complications such as chronic pain in the injured area.
Have You Been Injured in a Side Impact Collision?
If you’ve been injured in a side impact collision in Woodstock or other parts of Cherokee County that was caused by the negligence or recklessness of someone else, recovering from your injuries should be your primary concern. When you are able, consider speaking with an experienced car accident attorney; an attorney can serve as an advocate throughout your recovery, and ensure your best chance at securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries.[/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”]
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December 21, 2020
BEST GROUPS AND SERVICES FOR CIVIL SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS
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Groups and Services For Civil Sexual Assault Survivors
[/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_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1644248975912{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Survivors of sexual assault in Georgia face daily challenges in confronting the trauma they have endured. According to the anti-sexual violence organization RAINN, survivors frequently struggle with depression, substance abuse, self-harming thoughts and behaviors, eating disorders, sleep disruptions, and health complications, as a result of their assault.

Help for these and other challenges associated with surviving sexual assault is available in Georgia. Below we have compiled a list of resources for survivors of sexual assault in Georgia. If you have questions about your legal rights as a survivor of sexual assault, contact an experienced attorney today.

RAINN and The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673)
RAINN, a national anti-sexual violence organization, operates a 24/7/365 confidential hotline as a resource for those affected by sexual assault. The hotline automatically connects callers with a trained professional in their local area who can offer confidential support, direct the caller to a local health facility trained in caring for survivors of sexual assault, help the caller talk through what happened and answer basic questions about medical considers, and provide referrals for long-term support in the caller’s area. RAINN counsels survivors of sexual assault that connecting with a trained professional who can provide guidance and answer questions is perhaps the most helpful action a survivor can take when confronting the trauma of an assault.

Not only does RAINN operate a hotline, it also hosts a website (linked above) that provides invaluable information for sexual assault survivors, from contact information for advocates to tips on navigating day-to-day life after a sexual assault. As a supplement to speaking with a trained professional via the hotline or at one of the resources below, survivors can find important information on RAINN’s website to help them navigate the issues and challenges they face.

Local Rape Crisis Centers
A rape crisis center is an organization that provides essential services to survivors of sexual assault. Many of the services a rape crisis center provides address the needs of survivors in the immediate aftermath of sexual violence. These services may include providing a hotline to report sexual assault or to seek help; accompanying survivors to forensic examinations and advocating for them in that process; connecting survivors with resources; and providing mental health counseling specific to survivors. Click here to see a list of rape crisis centers throughout Georgia, with contact information, compiled by the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault. Here is a similar list compiled by the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.

Sexual Assault Survivor Support Groups
Sexual assault survivors may find support, understanding, and strength in meeting with others like them who have also survived sexual violence. Many of the rape crisis centers above facilitate support groups, which are usually presided-over by a trained professional. Psychotherapists, health care providers, and churches also frequently organize and manage such groups. To find a support group near you, contact a local rape crisis center or ask your doctor.

Campus Health Sexual Assault Crisis Centers
College students in Georgia represent a population particularly vulnerable to sexual assault. Many Georgia colleges and universities operate their own on-campus rape crisis centers focusing on sexual assault prevention, support, and advocacy for members of the campus community. These rape crisis centers typically operate as an extension of on-campus student health services.

Individual Therapy & Counseling
One-on-one therapy with a mental health professional trained in supporting sexual assault survivors can help those survivors process and deal with the day-to-day and longer-term challenges they face. Therapists provide a safe, caring environment for survivors. This article from RAINN provides useful information and links to directors for locating a therapist who has the experience, training, and therapeutic approach to suit a particular survivor’s needs.

Civil Sexual Assault Attorneys
Many survivors of sexual assault have rights to seek compensation for the injuries inflicted on them by sexual violence. An attorney experienced in representing sexual assault survivors can evaluate their rights to compensation and develop a legal strategy for them to pursue justice and accountability through the Georgia legal system. Survivors may have the ability to seek compensation for sexual assault-related injuries and harm from:
- Perpetrators of sexual assault;
- Individuals or organizations that facilitated, enabled, or fostered conditions that promoted sexual assault;
- The Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program, which provides up to $25,000 in benefits to sexual assault survivors in certain circumstances; and
- If applicable, workers’ compensation insurance.
Georgia law permits survivors of sexual assault to seek compensation both for assault that occurred in childhood and adulthood. Survivors of childhood sexual assault have until the later of their 23rd birthday, or two years from the date when the survivor knew or had reason to know of such abuse and that such abuse resulted in injury to the survivor as established by competent medical or psychological evidence. Speaking with an experienced attorney is the best way for survivors to determine their eligibility for compensation and the best way to pursue it to suit their needs.

Civil sexual assault attorneys can also help survivors navigate the at-times complicated and overwhelming process of participating in a criminal prosecution of a perpetrator of sexual assault. Not all survivors choose to participate in prosecutions, however. Also, sometimes a district attorney will determine that a prosecution is not feasible for one reason or another. It is important for sexual assault survivors to understand that they may have rights to seek compensation through the civil legal process even if a prosecutor has declined to pursue criminal charges against a perpetrator.

Sexual assault survivors face trauma unimaginable to those who have not experienced it. They need not face that trauma alone, however. The resources above can help survivors confront the physical, emotional, and practical challenges of life after sexual violence. If you have suffered harm in a sexual assault, and have questions about your legal rights to seek compensation from a perpetrator or enabler of the assault, an experienced Georgia civil sexual assault lawyer can help you understand your options.[/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”]
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December 21, 2020
A GUIDE TO TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SYMPTOMS
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A Guide to Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
[/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_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1644249073113{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur all too frequently. These injuries are often described as an injury which occurs when the normal function of the brain is interrupted due to trauma which causes the brain to move around the inside of the skull. A common TBI which most people are familiar with is a concussion, typically the least severe of these types of injuries, and perhaps one of the easiest to recover from.

However, just because concussion recovery times are faster than other forms of TBI, does not make them less dangerous. Concussions are generally found among those who are active in contact sports, such as football, but can also be found in car accident victims, children who fall in the playground from a piece of equipment, and those who fall in their homes and strike their heads on a counter or the floor. One of the challenges associated with concussion is once someone has suffered concussion, they are more susceptible to suffering one in the future.

Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
When someone suffers a mild traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, one of the most common symptoms is fatigue. However, there are other symptoms which victims of mild TBI should be aware of including problems with vision, dizziness, nausea, issues with smelling, short term memory loss, depression, and irritability or other mood-related feelings.

These symptoms should never be ignored, especially if the victim has been involved in a serious car accident, suffered a sports-related injury, or took a fall. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to further complications.

Symptoms of Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
The more serious the injury, the more pronounced the symptoms. When a victim has suffered a more serious brain injury in a car accident or a truck accident, they can suffer a variety of symptoms, some of which include:
- Nausea and vomiting – unlike a mild TBI, those who are suffering from a moderate or severe injury may have difficulty holding anything down and can suffer from dehydration due to ongoing vomiting. Any victim who continues to have symptoms should be evaluated by a physician.
- Loss of consciousness — when a victim suffers a TBI they may lose consciousness for several minutes to several hours. Once the victim has regained consciousness, they may struggle to stay awake, or you may have trouble waking them from sleep. Should you determine a head trauma victim is not aware of their surroundings, having difficulty remaining awake, or you have trouble waking them from sleep, it is imperative you seek immediate medical advice.
- Personality changes — when the brain is disrupted in any manner, there are chemical reactions in the brain which can cause several problems for victims. One of those which may impact those around the victim include aggressive behavior, depression, confusion, and other behavior which may not be within their normal range of behavior. Should any of these symptoms manifest themselves, seek medical advice.
- Coordination and other motor skill issues — victims of TBI often suffer from dizziness, loss of coordination, and numbness or pins and needles in the fingers, toes, or other extremities. If these symptoms persist, the victim should see a doctor to determine if the victim suffered any additional neurological damage. In some cases, you may need to see a neurologist who has the skills necessary to diagnose specific damage.
Victims may also display signs of slurred speech, have unusual clear fluid discharge from their nose or ears, and may show other symptoms. Whenever someone has suffered a head injury, it is important to monitor their physical and mental health until they make a full recovery, which can take three months or more.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) no longer maintains a current set of statistics pertaining to brain injuries. Research maintained by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons provides a sobering reminder of the high cost and most common causes of TBI:
- Every year there are 1.7 million new cases of TBI
- An estimated 5.3 million people are living with a TBI-related disability in the US alone
- $48-56 billion annually is the estimated economic costs and losses associated with TBI
- The estimates for car accident related TBIs are 50-70 percent of all TBIs in the US
- Annually, it is estimated we lose 50,000 to TBI-related deaths
Victims and Families Have Rights
One of the challenges of a TBI is the costs associated with treatment. Whether you are a family member who needs to provide care to a victim, or you are a victim who is recovering from a TBI, you may find the financial strain is as challenging as the physical recovery. Because of the trauma, many victims cannot return to work for several months, and depending on the severity of the TBI, may never be returning to work. Therefore, many families turn to a personal injury attorney for assistance after a car accident involving a victim who suffered a TBI.

Financial Costs Associated with TBI
Victims may be out of work for extended periods of time. For those who suffer a serious traumatic brain injury, they may require full-time nursing care, special equipment, and physical therapy. Victims who suffer an altered personality may also require psychological counseling to understand how to deal with their emotional and trauma issues. These costs can quickly spiral out of control and cause the victim, and their families, to be placed under additional stress.

Your primary focus, whether as a family member or a victim of a car accident involving a TBI, should be physical recovery. Unfortunately, most people can’t afford to withdraw from the workplace and family responsibilities for months at a time. That is why you should consider contacting an attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. An experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer can help develop a plan for recovery, and pursue the compensation you deserve while you and your loved ones can focus on the most important thing: getting better, and getting back to a normal life.[/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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December 21, 2020
Five Tips for Motorcyclists to Stay Safe on I-575/I-75
Five Tips for Motorcyclists to Stay Safe on I-575/I-75

While motorcycles can be fun and exhilarating, they are also dangerous. When a motorcycle is involved in an accident, a fatality is six times more likely than in a car crash. In fact, Georgia has been noted as one of the states with the highest number of motorcyclists killed in accidents.
The I-575 and I-75 highways are major thoroughfares in Georgia, including through Cherokee County. Unfortunately, they are also common scenes for motorcycle accidents. Read on for some important tips on staying safe on your motorcycle on these highways.
1. Wear Proper Protection
Motorcycle riders are much more susceptible to injury without the protection of the sturdy frame, seatbelts, and airbags that protect drivers of passenger vehicles. Given this, motorcyclists need to be sure to wear proper protection to have the best chances of surviving a crash. Georgia law requires that any person operating a motorcycle wear a helmet. Eye protection is also required if the motorcycle doesn’t have a windshield or windscreen.
In addition to this required protective wear, make sure your arms and legs are covered, preferably with clothing made of leather or heavy denim. You should also make sure to wear boots or shoes that cover your ankles. Consider clothing in bright colors or with reflective material to help make you visible to other drivers. Increasing your visibility will help reduce the risk associated with the smaller footprint of the motorcycle.
2. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
This tip might seem to go without saying, but it is worth a reminder. Consuming alcohol in an amount that exceeds the legal limit or taking illegal drugs are obvious issues for any person operating a motor vehicle. If you plan on taking your motorcycle out, you should consider avoiding any alcohol consumption and also pay attention to potential side effects associated with prescription medication. To safely ride a motorcycle, the driver needs to have full grasp on all their faculties in order to appropriately balance, control the throttle, and shift gears. They must also be alert and able to react quickly. Any consumption of alcohol or certain medications will reduce your ability to focus on the road and stay safe.
3. Prioritize Education
Even if you wear protection and avoid alcohol and drugs before a ride, you are still at a high risk for a crash if you haven’t secured the necessary education and licensing for riding a motorcycle. Approximately 1/3 of motorcyclists who are killed in crashes are not licensed, or are improperly licensed.
In Georgia, motorcycle drivers are required to secure a Class M license or instructional permit to operate a motorcycle. The state provides two paths for securing the appropriate licensing. First, you can take a Motorcycle Safety Program Course that provides professional training on handling a motorcycle and a 90-day License Test Waiver for successful completion of the course. The second option is to apply and pass a knowledge test and a skills test on the motorcycle.
While Georgia requirements have a skills component, more comprehensive training is always a good option. Many motorcyclists have not received any formal training for riding a motorcycle. It is much more common for motorcyclists to have learned to ride their bike from friends or family. Formal training arms a motorcycle driver with defensive driving techniques and the skills needed to stay safe on the road.
In addition to focused motorcycle training, make sure you are familiar with the local traffic laws.
4. Make Maintenance a Priority
While a focused and skilled driver is an important component to a safe motorcycle ride, the motorcycle must also be well maintained. You should pay special attention to the tires, brakes, and drive chain. A poorly maintained drive chain can create inconsistencies for the back wheel of the bike. Incorrect tire pressure can cause blowouts or an unpredictable grip. Malfunctioning brakes can mean the difference between life and death.
Make sure you prioritize regular maintenance for your motorcycle, and also give it a thorough once-over before you hit the road. Before any ride, consider checking:
- That all lights and horns are working;
- Fluid levels;
- Tire pressure and tread depth;
- Chain adjustment and lubrication;
- Adjustment and operation of the clutch, brake levers, mirrors, gear shift, and switches; and
- That all racks and storage solutions are secured and not rubbing on any functioning parts of the motorcycle.
5. Monitor the Road Conditions
Road conditions can have a significant impact on motorcycle drivers, including the quality of the road and inclement weather. Make sure you are familiar with the maintenance and quality of the areas of I-575 and I-75 you will be traversing. Advanced knowledge of any rough road patches or construction can help keep you safe.
Inclement weather makes the road more dangerous for all drivers, but especially for motorcyclists. Motorcycles are particularly susceptible to changes in road conditions, including slippery roads from rain or snow. Bad weather can reduce visibility and also affects the ability of motorcycle tires to grip the road. Rain and snow aren’t the only dangerous road conditions. Wind can easily push the motorcycle, so the driver must be able to anticipate the push and adjust their driving accordingly. If you are unsure of your ability to handle non-ideal weather conditions, consider staying off the road.
Contact an Attorney For Assistance
Even with all the tips above, you may find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have suffered from a variety of injuries, ranging from cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injury. Even if your motorcycle didn’t come into contact with another motor vehicle, you still may be able to seek recovery for your damages. A Woodstock GA Accident Attorney can help you understand what evidence may be required in order to pursue recovery for your damages.
Among the variety of stressors resulting from the accident and injuries, you are likely concerned about the financial impact of the accident. Your attorney can work with you to understand the details of your case, and to help create a strategy for success.
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May 21, 2020
Covid-19 in Georgia
How Our Office is Handling Covid-19
Dear Clients and Potential Clients,
On behalf of Koester Legal, I am writing to inform our community that the Supreme Court of Georgia has issued an Order Declaring a Statewide Judicial Emergency. Essentially, this Order cancels all regularly scheduled court appearances through April 13, 2020. Our Firm is closely monitoring and responding to the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as well.
Without a doubt, the well-being and safety of our clients and employees is our top priority. Koester Legal is fully equipped to serve our current clients and any potential new client during this difficult time. The vast majority of our daily workflow is cloud based which allows our employees to work remotely if needed.
What Koester Legal is doing:
• Our Woodstock Personal Injury office will remain open to see current clients and potential new clients BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
• We are happy to conduct new client intake meetings, free consultations, and client update meetings via telephone or video conference.
• All documents that requiring signatures can be easily signed electronically via are alliance with vinesign.com.
• Under certain circumstances we can make arrangements to meet you in your home.
• We will continue to closely monitor guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Every effort is being made to contact current clients that may have a court date or deposition scheduled within the next 30 days. If think you have an upcoming court date, contact us right away at 770-744-5250 or reception@koesterlegal.com for further instructions.
We sincerely hope that you, your family, friends, and loved ones are safe and healthy during this time.
I firmly believe that through this adversity our community will grow stronger. Remember to always be kind, clean, and courteous in all that you do.
All the best,
Kyle E. Koester, Esq.
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March 17, 2020
Drivers and Pedestrians – Share Georgia’s Roads
Drivers and Pedestrians – Share Georgia’s Roads
The weather is warming up and it’s time to dust off those running shoes. At Koester Legal, we want you to enjoy everything that the great outdoors in Georgia have to offer while being safe. Few roads in Cherokee County and the surrounding suburban areas have sidewalks. If you plan on jogging along a street or walking your children to school, there are a few safety guidelines you should follow.
1. Tell Someone Where You are Going. Always let someone know the route you plan to take and when you will be back.
1. Do Not Run with Earphones. Staying alert includes being able to hear. Enjoying that perfect playlist and tuning out your daily distractions are why runners run. But don’t be so “in the zone” you can’t hear that big truck or Tesla behind you.
1. Run Against Traffic. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain. It makes you more visible to drivers. But more importantly, it allows you a better opportunity to avoid a deadly encounter with car or truck.
1. Wear Bright or Reflective Clothing. Wearing reflective running gear or a runner’s light makes you more visible to traffic. If you run with a light on your head, drivers may confuse you with a Martian or a miner, but at least they will see you.
Georgia has specific laws regarding sharing the road.
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-96 requires pedestrians to yield to all cars on the road. Careless drivers beware! This law does not give drivers the automatic right way. However, if there is a sidewalk, you must use it. If there is no sidewalk available, you should walk or run on the shoulder of the road as far away from cars as possible. If there isn’t a shoulder, you should walk or run on the outside edge of the road. Use your best judgment and recognize that drivers don’t often seen pedestrians until its too late.
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-93 requires drivers in Georgia to exercise due care. The law goes on to state that “every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway, shall give warning by sounding his horn when necessary, and shall exercise proper precautions upon observing any child or any obviously confused, incapacitated, or intoxicated person.”
Folks often ask, “what does due care mean?” Due care refers to the level of judgment, care, prudence, purpose, or mindfulness that a person would reasonably be expected to use under similar circumstances. For example, if you are driving near a school, park, or intersection, the level of judgment, care, and prudence that a driver would reasonably be expected to use would be different than out on a rural highway.
As it relates to Georgia Drivers sharing the road with pedestrians such as kids walking to school and joggers, due care refers to the effort made by an ordinarily prudent or reasonable person to avoid harm to another, taking the circumstances into account. In other words, drivers are responsible for exercising caution and sharing the road with everyone, not just other cars.
Drivers should use their car horn to give a warning, and of course, drive with your headlights on. Again, drivers are required to use precaution if they see a child or a person who appears to be incapacitated, intoxicated, or otherwise confused along a road.
Pedestrians should also use crosswalks to cross the road whenever possible. If you are in a crosswalk, Georgia law requires approaching cars to stop for you and allow you to cross safely. Of course, before crossing the road you should always stop and check for oncoming traffic. If you have already entered the road under safe conditions and are in the process of crossing, then vehicles must yield to you.
Pedestrian laws in the state of Georgia place responsibility on the pedestrian and the driver to avoid a collision. Both parties are required to use precaution.
Drivers must maintain a safe distance from pedestrians. Due care also means not driving while distracted by a cell phone or GPS device. We are all aware of recent tragedies involving texting while driving. But equally distracting is attempting to use “google maps” or GPS navigation equipment. –Remember “Be Late, Don’t Navigate.”
If you have been in a crash or hit by a careless driver, call us today. 770-744-5250.
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March 22, 2019