Focus on the Road. Focus on the Future. End Distracted Driving.

Focus on the Road. Focus on the Future. End Distracted Driving.

Focus on the Road. Focus on the Future. End Distracted Driving.

The time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day have been dubbed the “100 Deadliest Days” by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Historically, the average number of traffic fatalities involving teen drivers ages 16-19 increased by 16 percent per day during this time of year compared to other days of the year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2,333 teenagers were killed in car crashes in 2015, and another 221,000+ teens needed emergency medical treatment as the result of a car crash. Teens are more likely than elderly drivers to underestimate hazardous situations or not recognize dangerous driving conditions. Make no mistake, driving is a complex skill. A skill that must be practiced and modeled by more experienced, cautious drivers.
Teen driver’s lack of driving experiences, compounded by the natural risk-taking behavior of youth, puts all drivers at a heightened risk of injuries on the road. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 60 percent of teen crashes involve distracted drivers such as texting or using social media while driving.
Focus on the Road. Focus on the Future. End Distracted Driving. Parents, please set clear guidelines to keep your teens safe on the road. Complete a Parent – Teen Driver Contract. You can Download the Contract here!

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Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Motorcycle Safety Awareness

Motorcycle Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! The goal of this is to remind drivers behind the wheels of their cars and riders behind the handlebars of their motorcycles to always be cautious of everyone on the road. With warmer temperatures here and summer just around the corner, more and more motorcyclists will be taking to the road. It is vital that everyone on the road be mindful of their surroundings at all times.

Because motorcycles are so much smaller than cars and trucks, its easy for them to go unnoticed as they travel down the road. Unfortunately, this often leads to a large number of motorcycle accidents each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a crash than the occupants in a car and 5 times more likely to be hurt. In 2015 alone there were 163 motorcyclists fatalities.

The summer months are generally the most dangerous months for motorcyclists, so the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) asks that drivers of cars and trucks take extra precautions when driving during these months. The AMA launched the May motorcycle safety awareness initiative in the 1980s and its has since grown in popularity nation wide. The NHTSA stands behind the cause, as do a number of states and insurance companies. Some states have even launched their own programs and initiatives to support motorcycle safety awareness.

This summer, whether you are driving a car or riding a motorcycle, please take extra precautions to keep our roads in Cherokee County safe. For more information about motorcycle safety or if you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact us at (770) 744-5250!

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Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

According to both federal and state laws, it is illegal to produce, possess, distribute, or sell pornographic materials that exploit (or portray) a minor. A minor is someone who is under the age of 18. Child pornography laws are being implemented more and more to punish crimes that have occurred using the internet to obtain, share, and distribute pornographic material that involves minors or children. Pornographic material can refer to pictures or videos.

The following federal laws reference child pornography-

18 U.S.C. § 2251– Sexual Exploitation of Children (production of child pornography)
18 U.S.C. § 2251A– Selling and Buying of Children
18 U.S.C. § 2252– Certain activities relating to material involving the sexual exploitation of minors (Possession, distribution and receipt of child pornography)
18 U.S.C. § 2252A– Certain activities relating to material constituting or containing child pornography
18 U.S.C. § 2260– Production of sexually explicit depictions of a minor for importation into the United States
State laws vary.

Even if you are a first time offender who is being charged with producing child pornography, you may still be sentenced to hefty fines and between 15 and 20 years in prison. You also may be prosecuted under federal law, state law, or both for any offense related to child pornography.

Because penalties for child pornography related offenses are so stiff- much more so than for other criminal offenses- if you are facing these charges you need an experienced child pornography defense lawyer. A guilty conviction may land you in prison for up to 20 years and you may be registered as a sex offender for life. These consequences will follow you for the rest of your life and could affect your relationships with family and friends and may affect your ability to get a job.

As an experienced child pornography defense lawyer, Kyle understands the severe consequences you are facing and what is at stake. Kyle relies on his knowledge, experience, and tried and true defense strategies to get acquittals, to negotiate for lesser charges and sentences, and to have convictions overturned on appeal. Once you have contacted Kyle, he will go to work right away to begin building your custom defense strategy.

Kyle can help defend you if you are facing any of the following charges:

  • Manufacturing child pornography
  • Possession of child pornography
  • Distributing of child pornography
  • Downloading or uploading child pornography
  • Having child pornography on your computer
If you are facing any of the aforementioned charges, it is especially important that you contact a child pornography defense lawyer immediately! However, it is also important to contact a child pornography defense lawyer if you believe you may be facing these charges in the future. Many times, if you are the subject of a child pornography investigation, you will be aware of it before formal charges are brought against you. Having a child pornography defense lawyer before formal charges are brought against you can be extremely helpful. In some cases, it may even be possible for you to avoid having charges brought against you at all if you have a lawyer early enough in the process.

If you believe you are the subject of a child pornography investigation or if you are facing child pornography charges, call Kyle immediately at (770) 744-5250 so he can begin working for you!

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

Get Legal Help Now!

Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle Helmet Safety

Motorcycle Helmet Safety

Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle Helmet Safety

Motorcycle Helmet Safety

Motorcycle riding and motorcycle racing are activities that provide excitement and joy to riders all over the United States and the rest of the world. Motorcycle riding is particularly popular in Georgia, where temperatures are temperate enough to ride motorcycles nearly all year long. While motorcycle riding is a popular, enjoyable activity, it can also be dangerous as motorcycle accidents can occur.

The most effective measure against motorcycle related fatalities is wearing a helmet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets saved approximately 1600 lives in 2011, but approximately 700 more could have been saved if motorcyclists had been wearing helmets. Nearly half of all motorcycle fatalities could be prevented by wearing a helmet.

Here are some motorcycle helmet safety tips to keep in mind when purchasing a helmet-

Every helmet needs a DOT seal of approval. If your helmet does not have a DOT seal of approval sticker on it, it may not be of the best quality. Make sure every helmet you buy comes with a DOT seal of approval sticker for maximum effectiveness.

Your helmet should fit snugly. If you can easily lift your helmet off from the back of your head, its probably not a proper fit. You should be able to feel padding at the front and top of your head at minimum. A full face or open face helmet will give you additional padding on the cheeks and chin.
Helmets come in three styles- full coverage, open face, and shorty. A full coverage helmet will give you maximum protection.

Motorcycle accidents injure and kill many people each year. By following the aforementioned motorcycle helmet safety tips, hopefully you can prevent future injuries or deaths. If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle related accident, contact Woodstock personal injury lawyer Kyle Koester today at (770) 744-5250.

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Tips From A Car Accident Lawyer: Emergency Supplies

Car Accident Tips

Tips From A Car Accident Lawyer: Emergency Supplies

Car Accident Tips

Cars are a crucial part of everyday life for most of us. They take us to and from work, school, church, doctor appoints, etc. Unfortunately, its impossible to predict when or where your car is going to break down, not start, or get a flat tire. These little headaches are next to impossible to avoid, and most of us have probably dealt with one or more of these issues in the not so distant past.

Driving a car or riding in one also brings with it the risk of being in an accident. According to car insurance averages, you will probably get in 3-4 accidents over the course of your life. Fortunately, these accidents will more than likely not be deadly, but they can still cause a major headache for you.

As an experienced car accident lawyer, I’ve heard many stories from clients who have gotten into sticky situations involving their cars. While I can’t help you avoid car troubles or accidents, I can help you be more prepared should you find yourself in one of these situations.

Here’s a list of emergency supplies you should always have in your car:

First-aid kit- A first-aid kit will come in handy more than you expect! If you have kids, its always a good idea to have one in case of any accidents. Also, if you get into a car accident, you will be able to begin treating any minor injuries while you wait on paramedics.

Flashlight- If you have car troubles early in the morning before the sun has risen or late at night after it has set, you’ll need a flashlight to see what’s going on. A flashlight will be helpful if you need to look under your car’s hood, change a tire, or walk to the nearest gas station. Make sure your flashlight has working batteries in it and that you have a spare set in your car.

Cash- Its so easy for us to go weeks at a time without needing cash since most of us use our debit or credit cards. Keeping some cash hidden in a safe compartment is always a good idea in case you lose your wallet or find yourself using a vendor or retailer who doesn’t accept debit cards or has a debit card system that isn’t working.

Food and water- Having water and non perishable snacks in your car at all times may seem like overkill, but if you find yourself stranded and in need of food and water you’ll thank yourself. In a worst case scenario, having food and water in your car could save your life. Remember Atlanta’s “snowmageddon” in 2014? Food and water were definitely coveted items for many stranded motorists.

Jumper cables or a self-charging auto jumper- I’m sure most of you have, at some point, experienced a dead car battery. It happens to most of us more than once! Having a dead battery in an isolated area or when you’re on vacation can be a huge hassle. Keeping jumper cables or a self-charging auto jumper can help you easily take care of a dead battery situation.

Car cell phone charger- We all know the headache that comes with a dead cell phone battery. Generally, a dead cell phone battery is just a minor annoyance. However, if you are stranded due to a broken down car or have been in a car accident, a dead cell phone can pose a real problem. Keeping a charger for your cell phone in the car is always a good idea.

Keeping the aforementioned items in your car in case of an emergency can help bring you peace of mind and help you feel better prepared. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident and you are in need of a car accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer, call me today at (770) 744-5250 for your free consultation.

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Driver Fatigue: Lessons From A Personal Injury Attorney

Driver Fatigue: Lessons From A Personal Injury Attorney

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Driver fatigue is a serious problem that is becoming bigger by the day. There are thousands of accidents every year, and the fast paced, technological world we live in today is certainly not helping to lower the accident rate in our country. Sleep deprivation is becoming increasingly more common among people of all ages. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000+ police reported crashes are the result of driver fatigue.  These crashes result in approximately 1,550 deaths each year. That’s 1,550 lives that could be saved by getting more rest or not driving when drowsy! Unfortunately, there is no test (like a breathalyzer) to determine if a driver is too sleepy to drive.

The National Sleep Foundation also reminds us of the high personal and economic costs that are risked by driving while fatigued. If you cause a car accident due to driver fatigue you can face jail time as well as steep fines and high automobile insurance costs. Multi-million dollar settlements have been won by families of crash victims against the at fault driver.

As a personal injury attorney, I am all too familiar with the results of crashes due to driver fatigue. Here are some tips that you can follow in order to avoid being a fatigued, at fault driver in a crash:

  • Be mindful of early morning driving. Most crashes caused by tired drivers occur between 2am and 6am.
  • Be mindful of afternoon driving, too. Afternoon naps are great, but not while you’re driving! The second most popular time of day for crashes caused by tired drivers is between 2pm and 4pm.
  • Know if you’re at risk. Male drivers between the ages of 18-29, truck drivers, adults with children, and shift workers are more likely to suffer from driver fatigue. You’re also more likely to fall asleep while driving on a high speed, long, boring highway.
  • Take a nap and have a coffee. Seriously! Pulling off the road for a short nap (20 minutes or so) and having a caffeinated beverage can help keep you awake long enough for you to get where you’re going.
  • Avoid alcohol and over the counter drugs that cause drowsiness. This should go without saying, but if you know you’ve got a drive ahead of you, avoid alcohol and sleep inducing drugs.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a car crash, you deserve compensation. Call me today for your free consultation at (770) 744-5250. I’ll gather all the facts and evidence in your case to make sure that you are fairly compensated for any loss suffered.

Get Legal Help Now!

Tips From A Car Accident Lawyer: Emergency Supplies

Tips From A Car Accident Lawyer: Emergency Supplies

Cars are a crucial part of everyday life for most of us. They take us to and from work, school, church, doctor appoints, etc. Unfortunately, its impossible to predict when or where your car is going to break down, not start, or get a flat tire. These little headaches are next to impossible to avoid, and most of us have probably dealt with one or more of these issues in the not so distant past. Driving a car or riding in one also brings with it the risk of being in an accident. According to car insurance averages, you will probably get in 3-4 accidents over the course of your life. Fortunately, these accidents will more than likely not be deadly, but they can still cause a major headache for you.

As an experienced car accident lawyer, I’ve heard many stories from clients who have gotten into sticky situations involving their cars. While I can’t help you avoid car troubles or accidents, I can help you be more prepared should you find yourself in one of these situations.

Here’s a list of emergency supplies you should always have in your car:

  1. First-aid kit- A first-aid kit will come in handy more than you expect! If you have kids, its always a good idea to have one in case of any accidents. Also, if you get into a car accident, you will be able to begin treating any minor injuries while you wait on paramedics.
  2. Flashlight- If you have car troubles early in the morning before the sun has risen or late at night after it has set, you’ll need a flashlight to see what’s going on. A flashlight will be helpful if you need to look under your car’s hood, change a tire, or walk to the nearest gas station. Make sure your flashlight has working batteries in it and that you have a spare set in your car.
  3. Cash- Its so easy for us to go weeks at a time without needing cash since most of us use our debit or credit cards. Keeping some cash hidden in a safe compartment is always a good idea in case you lose your wallet or find yourself using a vendor or retailer who doesn’t accept debit cards or has a debit card system that isn’t working.
  4. Food and water- Having water and non perishable snacks in your car at all times may seem like overkill, but if you find yourself stranded and in need of food and water you’ll thank yourself. In a worst case scenario, having food and water in your car could save your life. Remember Atlanta’s “snowmageddon” in 2014? Food and water were definitely coveted items for many stranded motorists.
  5. Jumper cables or a self-charging auto jumper- I’m sure most of you have, at some point, experienced a dead car battery. It happens to most of us more than once! Having a dead battery in an isolated area or when you’re on vacation can be a huge hassle. Keeping jumper cables or a self-charging auto jumper can help you easily take care of a dead battery situation.
  6. Car cell phone charger- We all know the headache that comes with a dead cell phone battery. Generally, a dead cell phone battery is just a minor annoyance. However, if you are stranded due to a broken down car or have been in a car accident, a dead cell phone can pose a real problem. Keeping a charger for your cell phone in the car is always a good idea.

Keeping the aforementioned items in your car in case of an emergency can help bring you peace of mind and help you feel better prepared. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident and you are in need of a personal injury lawyer, call me today at (770) 744-5250 for your free consultation.

 

 

Safety & Trucking Accidents

Safety & Trucking Accidents

18 wheelers and other large trucks play a vital role in our society. They transport good to our communities that keep things running smoothly, but they also pose certain safety risks on the roads. Trucking accidents are all too common, and in Georgia, 5 college students were killed in a tractor trailer crash this past April. 

Because trucks are an integral part of our society and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, its important that all drivers follow certain safety tips to help minimize the risk of having trucking accidents.

Safety tips for car drivers:

• Be mindful of the blind spots trucks have– Remember, if you can’t see the truck’s rearview or side mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.

• Give plenty of warning when merging in front of a truck- Because trucks cannot brake as easily and as quickly as passenger cars,  it is important to never cut in front of a truck. If you are getting over into a lane in front of a truck, remember to put plenty of space between you and the truck and use your blinker appropriately.

• Never pass a truck while it is making a turn- Trucks need much more space to turn than passenger cars do. Even though it may be frustrating to wait behind a truck for it to slowly take a turn and it may be tempting to pass them, you may be putting yourself in danger by doing so.

Safety tips for truck drivers:

• Be mindful of your own blind spots– Adjust your mirrors as necessary so that you can get the most complete view of your surroundings, but also remember that you have major blind spots while driving your truck.

• Make sure you’re feeling well enough to drive before doing so- If you are experiencing any amount of driver fatigue, pull over and rest. Your chance of having an accident increases considerably if you’re not feeling well or rested.

• Follow all safety precautions when driving through construction zones- Abide by all lowered construction zone speed limits, and make sure you are extra aware as you pass through these zones.

If you are involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler or another large truck, your health and safety and the health and safety of others involved should be your main concern. Make sure everyone who needs medical treatment gets it immediately, and be aware of any hazardous material the truck may be carrying.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident, contact me today at (770) 744-5250 for your free consultation.

ID Cards For Autism

ID Cards For Autism

Positive and fair interactions between the police and the public has long been a common goal between the two and has been a hot button issue in the media for years. The police and the public can and should work together to promote positive interactions, and it looks like the state of Alabama is leading the way! 

Drivers in Alabama who have been diagnosed with Autism are now carrying ID cards they can present to police during a police encounter. You can read the full story over at Autism Speaks.

criminal defense lawyer marietta ga

Way to go, Alabama!

School Sports Safety

School Sports Safety

Now that school is back in session here in metro Atlanta, its time for school sports activities to start back up as well! School sports teams provide great exercise for kids and teens, and are a great way for kids to make new friends. Participating in school sports is also helpful in teaching kids how to contribute toward a team effort and valuable leadership skills.

Of course, as parents, we always worry about our children and team sports do come with certain risks. Although school sports are generally safe activities, any kind of physical activity can pose certain risks.

Here are some school sports safety tips to ensure that your children stay safe!

  • Warm-up! Warming up the muscles and getting them loosened up can help prevent injuries. Some light cardio and stretching is great for warming up! This tip isn’t just for school sports- its generally a good idea for a person of any age to warm up before doing any kind of physical activity.
  • Drink water! Hydration is key in preventing injuries and illness due to over exertion and heat related illness. Not only will encouraging hydration during school sports help your school athletes to stay safe, it will also help promote healthy life long behaviors.
  • Wear proper equipment! Although protective equipment can be cumbersome and be deemed “uncool” by your kids, its vital to keeping your kids safe during sporting activities! Helmets, goggles, mouth guards, etc. are all designed to help protect your kids from serious injuries. Its important that you check all protective gear to make sure its in good condition. If not, it can seriously compromise the effectiveness of the equipment and it should be replaced immediately.

For more information about school sports safety, you can visit the National Center for Sports Safety website.

If you have a child who has been injured in a sports related accident, call Kyle today at (770) 744-5250 for your free consultation. There are many things that can cause a sports related accident, and Kyle has the experience necessary to help you and your child.