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Toll-Free (661) 859-1177 Se Habla Español www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com HARMAN CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEYS , APC BIGGER
THE DAILY DRIVER Attorneys Defending Your Right to the Road
MARCH 2024
On January 19, Paul was installed as the President of the Kern County Bar Association. The KCBA provides leadership in advancing the professional interests of the membership and serving the legal interests of the community. As president, Paul will oversee the organization in 2024 and will be responsible for the various programs and events run by the KCBA.
Part of Paul’s responsibilities include overseeing KCBA’s management of two panels of attorneys to serve our community. One panel represents criminal defendants who cannot afford an attorney on their own, but cannot be represented by the Public Defender’s Office for a variety of reasons. The second panel of attorneys represents children and their parents in juvenile dependency matters. Through these two programs, the KCBA helps thousands of people throughout Kern County each year. The KCBA also hosts a lot of events each year, including a Bench and Bar Award Dinner in April, social events in the summer, and a Bench and Bar social event in the fall. These events provide an opportunity for judges and attorneys to recognize exceptional leaders in the legal community and to facilitate civility and professionalism in the justice system. Finally, Paul will also serve on a host of committees, including the Court Liaison committee, which is a special committee of judges and attorneys to discuss important issues particularly those related to court procedures. These activities provide Bigger & Harman an opportunity to engage and influence our legal community and ensure our legal system protects the rights of our clients.
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A CAT’S NOSE KNOWS
JACK, TOGO, AND BANDIT WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND 3 FURRY HEROES
Sometimes, heroes come sans cape but with fur, paws, and a keen sense of smell. We’ve heard the stories of police dogs, bomb- sniffing dogs, and the German shepherd Trakr, who found the last survivor on 9/11. But even untrained pets and strays can be heroic. Meet Jack, a stray dog in New York City known for scavenging through dumpsters. One early morning, his routine search for food took a life-saving turn. Behind one of these dumpsters was a baby, wrapped in a blanket, vulnerable and alone. Instinctively and with remarkable gentleness, Jack picked up the baby in the blanket with his teeth. Whether guided by fate, an extraordinary sense of purpose, or just because it was the closest open business, Jack took the baby to the hospital. The
nurses tried to shoo him away when he first ran through the sliding doors. One nurse, noticing the bundle in the dog’s mouth, was able to get close enough to retrieve the baby. Thanks to Jack, the baby received life-saving medical attention. In the 1920s, the remote town of Nome, Alaska, grappled with a deadly diphtheria epidemic. Children were dying, and the icebound city was inaccessible by plane or boat in the winter. The only way to deliver the needed antitoxins was by dog sled on the Iditarod Trail. Balto, a Siberian husky, received most of the fame, but Togo, another husky, led the team across the most treacherous part of the journey. These dogs delivered life-saving medicine in time and saved many of Nome’s children.
Cats can be heroes, too, as proved by a calico cat who lived up to his name in the most unexpected way. One night in Mississippi, intruders were trying to break into a home. The house cat, Bandit, sensed the danger and sprang into action. The cat’s relentless scratching and tugging at its owner’s blanket finally woke him. Then Bandit led his human downstairs to discover the attempted break-in, which also scared away the intruders. Bandit proved that size and species don’t matter in heroism. In moments of crisis, these four-legged heroes rose to the occasion, not for glory or reward but out of pure love and loyalty. They are potent reminders of the courage and selflessness that animals are capable of.
Expert Tips for Handling the Most Common Traffic Violations STEERING CLEAR AND VIOLATION-FREE
Truck drivers play a pivotal role in our economy as they navigate the sprawling highways of California and beyond. However, with the responsibility of handling heavy vehicles weighing up to 40 tons comes a heightened risk of traffic violations, which can have severe repercussions for your career. We understand the unique challenges you face on the road and want to ensure you stay informed and prepared. Let’s look at the most common traffic violations truckers encounter and how to avoid them or handle their aftermath effectively. • Speeding: Given the size and momentum of commercial trucks, speeding is one of the most common violations and the most dangerous. To avoid this, always adhere to posted speed limits and be particularly mindful in zones with reduced limits, such as construction sites or school zones. • Logbook Violations: Accurate log keeping is crucial for truck drivers, as it records hours of service and rest periods to prevent fatigue. Ensure your logbook is up to date and accurately reflects your hours to avoid penalties. • Overloading or Improper Loading: While some trucking companies hope to cut corners and save time, money, or both,
such practices endanger not only the driver but also other drivers on the road. Adhering to weight limits and ensuring cargo is secured and balanced can prevent these violations. • Substance Abuse: Substance abuse is a critical concern within the trucking industry, leading to severe safety risks and legal repercussions. Avoiding the use of any substances that could impair your ability to drive safely is not only a legal obligation, but a moral one, keeping yourself and others safe on the road. If you’re facing a traffic violation, it’s essential to act swiftly. Document everything related to the violation, including the circumstances, time, and location. Then, you must consult a traffic defense attorney experienced in handling trucking violations. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the legal process, helping to mitigate penalties, reduce fines, or possibly have the violation dismissed. Remember, prevention is vital. However, should you encounter legal challenges, know that dedicated professionals are ready to defend your rights and support you through the process. If you ever face a traffic violation, our team can help. Call 661-349-9300 to schedule your free consultation.
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For truck drivers, being accused of reckless driving is not just a minor inconvenience — it’s a serious allegation that can have far-reaching consequences for your career and livelihood. Reckless driving charges can lead to hefty fines, license suspension, increased insurance rates, and even job loss. Given the gravity of these potential outcomes, you must know how to respond effectively if you find yourself in this predicament. MITIGATE RECKLESS DRIVING CHARGES
Your Referrals Make a Difference! Thanks to your 103 referrals in February, we were able to donate $1,560 to help fight human trafficking and lead medical missions. INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION To learn more about International Justice Mission and their mission to protect half a billion vulnerable people from exploitation, please go to IJM.org . MEDICAL MISSIONS OUTREACH To learn more about showing God’s love by providing quality medical treatment to some of the poorest people in the world, visit the Medical Missions Outreach home page at Medical-Outreach.com .
WHAT IS ‘RECKLESS DRIVING’? If a driver engages in any of the following on the road and by doing so endanger the lives of others, they could be cited for reckless driving:
• • • •
Extreme Speeding
Tailgating
Aggressively passing other cars Sharp, dangerous turns leaving no room for other vehicles Not yielding the right of way on a highway
•
While reckless driving doesn’t necessarily mean losing your license, you must tread carefully. If you are accused of reckless driving, you must know your next steps to protect your license and avoid charges and fines.
IF YOU’RE CITED … Stay calm and compliant.
The first and most crucial step is to remain calm and cooperative at the scene. Arguing with law enforcement or becoming defensive can only worsen the situation. Following the officer’s instructions and providing the necessary documentation, such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance, are essential. Remember, your behavior during the stop can be taken into account later. Gather evidence. If you believe the reckless driving accusation is unjust, gather evidence as soon as possible. This can include photos of the road conditions, weather reports, and witness statements. If your truck has a dashcam, ensure you save and secure footage that could help your case. Documentation from your Electronic Logging Device (ELD) can also provide critical information about your driving speed and behavior at the time of the alleged offense. Consult a traffic law attorney. Consulting with a traffic law attorney who specializes in cases involving commercial drivers is imperative. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, the possible defenses, and the potential impacts on your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and employment. They can also represent you in court, negotiate with prosecutors, and work to minimize the penalties or possibly get the charges dismissed. Facing a reckless driving accusation is a serious matter for any truck driver. If you or someone you know has been accused of reckless driving, call 661-349-9300 to schedule your free consultation.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
JEREMIAH 29:11
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, APC HARMAN CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEYS BIGGER
Toll-Free (661) 859-1177 Se Habla Español www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1701 Westwind Drive Suite 203 Bakersfield, CA 93301
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Congratuations, Paul!.......................................... PAGE 1
3 Pet Hero Stories................................................ PAGE 2
What Are the Most Common Traffic Violations Truckers Face?................................... PAGE 2
Essential Steps if You’ve Been Accused of Reckless Driving.............................................. PAGE 3
Skin Signals of Liver Disease You Can’t Ignore........................................................... PAGE 4
Have a ticket in California? Give us a call, and we’ll help you out! Regardless of the location, we can point you in the right direction free of charge!
What Your Skin Says About Your Liver Health
RED PALMS Rashy red palms — or palmar erythema — can point to many problems. Excess estrogen causes this symptom, so hormonal changes are often the culprit. Nonetheless, liver disease makes it difficult for the body to break down estrogen. EASY BRUISING Clotting proteins, which help the body repair injuries, are produced in the liver. If the liver is diseased or damaged, it may produce fewer proteins. In addition, liver disease lowers the amount of blood platelets. This also can cause easy bruising. No one can live without a functioning liver, so protect the health of your liver. Drinking in moderation, taking vitamin B, and getting regular exercise can promote a healthy liver.
You can’t live
help digest food. A healthy, functioning liver filters out most bilirubin.
without your liver. Livers help clean blood, ensuring
ITCHING Besides jaundice, a common symptom of bilirubin buildup is itchy skin. Bilirubin creates “bile salts” that are deposited into the skin. The result is intense itchiness. Note that itching can be from a variety of causes, including allergies. SPIDER ANGIOMA These superficial red marks appear as a mass of tendrils centering around one point and look like a spider. While they are relatively common, an excess of spider angioma can indicate liver problems. Having three or more at a time can be a sign of a more significant issue, including hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or cirrhosis.
your body is free from toxins. It also produces bile, an acid that digests waste. Unfortunately, livers can be damaged in a myriad of ways. Catching liver disease early allows doctors to treat it quickly, so it’s crucial to check for any symptoms of liver problems, especially if you are at risk. YELLOW SKIN Commonly called “jaundice,” a yellowing of the skin and eyes is a telltale sign of liver disease. The liver’s inability to filter out bilirubin causes this unseemly syndrome. This important yellow substance is made during the breakdown of blood cells and used by the body to
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