Check out our May newsletter!
MAY 2026
Legally Brief W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | Wrongful death
Confessions of a Fishing Lawyer The Only Time I Don’t Mind a Tall Tale (About Fish)
When people ask me what I do to unwind, I admit there was a time when I didn’t have a great answer. Like many attorneys, my days are filled with deadlines, client calls, and the weight of helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. It is, without a doubt, meaningful work, but it can also be heavy work. At some point, I realized I needed something to help me step away from all of that, even if only for a little while. For me, that place turned out
to be the Chattahoochee River, along with other rivers, streams, and lakes in Georgia.
while my daughter, who is the lucky one and always seems to catch a fish, is still deciding how she feels about standing by a river for an afternoon, but she’s a good sport about it. Those moments together, away from screens and schedules, have a way of bringing us back to what really matters. And I will admit, there’s a bit of humor in it, too. As a lawyer, credibility is everything . I spend my days making sure the facts are clear, accurate, and grounded in truth. But when it comes to the fish I’ve caught, well, let’s just say the size of them seems to grow a little bit each time I tell the story. I do my best to stay honest, but my hands tend to spread a bit wider with every retelling. All jokes aside, I think we all need something that helps us reset. It doesn’t have to be fishing. It might be a walk, a hobby, time with family, or simply a quiet place where you can breathe and reflect. For me, it just happens to be the stretches of water here in Georgia.
I didn’t grow up fishing. In fact, I stumbled into it almost by accident. I remember being out by the river one day, noticing someone standing by the water, casting their line with this calm, almost rhythmic motion. There was something about it … the sound of the water moving, the stillness, the simplicity that stuck with me. It felt different from the pace of everything else in my life. So, I gave it a try. Now, I’m not going to pretend I’m some expert fisherman. But what I found out was something I didn’t realize I needed. When I’m standing in the river, there’s no phone in my pocket, no emails coming through, no distractions pulling me in five different directions. It’s just the sound of the current, the feel of the water, and a rare chance to be fully present. In my line of work, being present matters. My clients are often going through difficult, sometimes life-altering situations. They need someone who can listen, think clearly, and guide them with care. I’ve found that taking time to step away and to truly disconnect actually makes me better at what I do when I come back.
Because at the end of the day, taking care of others starts with taking a moment to take care of yourself.
It’s also become something I can share with my family. My son has taken to it more naturally,
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880 • 1
Published by Newsletter Pro || NewsletterPro.com
More People Walking and More Questions After Collisions Who’s Really to Blame in a Crosswalk Accident? As the weather warms up across Georgia, we see more people out walking: exercising, running errands, or enjoying the sunshine. Unfortunately, that also means we tend to see an increase in pedestrian accidents. And when those collisions happen, many injured people are quickly told some version of: “You didn’t have the walk signal, so you don’t have a case.” However, that’s not always how the law works. IT’S RARELY EVER THAT SIMPLE While traffic signals do matter, they’re only one piece of a much bigger picture. Liability in a crosswalk accident often comes down to what both the pedestrian and the driver were doing in the moments leading up to the crash. Drivers still have a responsibility to stay alert, watch for people in the roadway, and operate their vehicles safely. We regularly see cases where a driver was distracted, turned without checking, or simply did not pay enough attention to avoid a collision, even when they had the opportunity to do so. Pedestrians also have responsibilities, of course. But even if someone made a mistake, that doesn’t automatically mean the driver is off the hook. HOW FAULT WORKS IN GEORGIA In Georgia, fault can be shared. This means an injured pedestrian may still recover compensation as long as they are not primarily responsible for what happened. Any recovery may be adjusted based on their level of responsibility. So, instead of asking, “Who’s completely at fault?” the better question is: “What does the evidence show about each person’s actions?” WHY EVIDENCE MATTERS SO MUCH Crosswalk cases often hinge on details that aren’t obvious at first glance. Video footage, witness accounts, and even the timing of traffic lights can all help determine what really happened. In many situations, critical evidence (especially video) can disappear quickly if it isn’t preserved. That’s why acting early can make a meaningful difference in protecting a claim. IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED, YOU HAVE OPTIONS If you or someone you love has been injured in a crosswalk accident, it’s important to understand your rights before accepting an insurance company’s version of events. These cases are often more nuanced than they first appear. Our team is here to listen, evaluate the facts, and help you understand your next steps. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you move forward.
Giving Mom Rest, Fun, and Keepsakes A Simple Plan for Mother’s Day Mother’s Day is one of those holidays that can sneak up on you. Many of us have had to Google Mother’s Day ideas the night before and hope brunch will be enough. While you don’t want to wait until the last minute to plan, you don’t need to stress over the holiday. If asked, many moms would probably say the same thing about what they want: a little rest, some help, and to feel like someone sees how much they do. One simple way to give Mom what she wants this year is to think about the day in three parts. Start with a gentle beginning, then pick one shared thing to do together, and finish with a small keepsake she can hold onto later. The “soft landing” in the morning sets the tone. Some moms want to sleep in for an hour with zero kid noise. Others like a slow breakfast with everyone at the table. You don’t need a perfect spread. Just some toast, fruit, and coffee (that she didn’t have to make!) can go a long way. If she’s tired, give her time to read, take a bath, or sit with a face mask while someone else handles dishes, pets, and doorbells. Next comes the part you do together. For that, choose something she would enjoy doing, not just an activity that keeps the kids busy. If the weather is good, head outside for a picnic, hike, or family bike ride. Indoor activities can include a simple family game day, a movie marathon, or a family cooking class. Just be sure she’s not the one left to clean up the mess! For the keepsake, keep it personal. A handwritten note from the kids will mean much more than a scented candle. You can even turn it into a creative activity. Everyone could sit down together for a family scrapbooking session or a painting party. Another fun idea is to create a “reason why I love mom” jar filled with handwritten notes from family members. With a little planning and a focus on appreciation, you can make the day feel special without adding more work to her plate.
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
2 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
Packing Hope, One Meal at a Time OUR TEAM GIVES BACK AT OPEN HAND ATLANTA
Earlier this spring, our team had the chance to step away from our usual work and spend an afternoon giving back, and we couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding experience volunteering at Open Hand Atlanta. For those who aren’t familiar, Open Hand delivers freshly prepared meals to people across Georgia living with chronic health challenges. The organization has been serving the community since 1988, starting with a small group of friends cooking
for neighbors affected by HIV/AIDS, and growing into a vital resource that touches thousands of lives every year. During our time there, we jumped into the heart of the action. Working together on an assembly line, we scooped, packaged, and loaded meals ready for delivery. It was fast-paced, hands-on work, almost like a factory, but every step felt meaningful because we knew each meal was going to someone who truly needed it. The staff and volunteers at Open Hand welcomed us warmly, making it easy to feel like part of the team. We also want to give a shoutout to our Kevin Patrick Law team members, Yanet and Imani, for organizing this experience for us! What made the afternoon special was the energy and purpose in the room. Working side by side, we laughed, supported each other, and experienced firsthand the impact of our efforts. For us, it was a chance to connect outside the office while contributing to something meaningful in the community.
Volunteering at Open Hand reminded us how much even a few hours of collective effort can matter. It’s a chance to give back, make a difference, and step away from the daily grind, all while being part of something bigger than ourselves. For any team or group looking for a way to engage with the community, we highly recommend it. The gratitude, the energy, and the shared sense of purpose are unforgettable, leaving us all inspired to keep making a positive impact wherever we can.
TAKE A BREAK
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions
Ingredients Steak •
• • •
1 large onion, sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp oyster sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste Steamed rice or noodles
• • • • • •
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce •
2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp hoisin sauce 2 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame oil
• • •
1 lb beef strips (sirloin or rib eye) 3 tbsp vegetable oil, separated
Directions 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. 2. Toss beef strips in marinade; let sit 10–15 minutes. 3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then add sliced onions. 4. Sauté until soft, slightly caramelized; season with salt and pepper, remove from pan, and set aside. 5. In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat. 6. Add marinated beef strips; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. 7. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. 8. Pour sauce over beef and simmer until thickened. 9. Add sautéed onions back into pan; stir to combine. 10. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Inspired by CookTune.com
Solution
KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880 • 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
529 Pharr Road N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Looking for past newsletters, helpful resources, FAQs, and easy ways to get in touch? Scan the QR code to visit our website! While you’re there, you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram for tips, testimonials, and behind- the-scenes updates. It’s the quickest way to stay informed, get support, and see how we stand with clients through the whole process.
Follow Us @KPatricklaw
Your Brain Isn’t Indecisive
It’s Exhausted!
You just got home from work and exchanged greetings with your spouse or significant other. Before long, the dreaded question is going to come up: “What do you want for dinner?” You hem and haw, pondering your choices before asking them if there is anything they want. They respond similarly. Is it indifference, or is your brain too worn out from making decisions all day?
Every day, we make countless decisions. Some are conscious, such as choosing what to have for lunch or deciding which work tasks to do first. However, we also make subconscious decisions while driving, talking with coworkers, and progressing through our day. As we make more and more choices, our brains get worn out, leading to decision fatigue. From that point until we go to bed at night, it becomes almost impossible to provide clear answers to direct questions or make any other decisions. Decision fatigue feels similar to brain fog. You’ve used your brain to the point of exhaustion, and now, it’s going to look for any shortcut when you try to make another decision. Your mind may encourage you to put off the decision until later, act impulsively against your better judgment, or avoid the thought altogether. When none of those options present themselves, you’re left with indecision. It may seem impossible to limit our choices throughout any given day, but it’s necessary if we want to avoid decision fatigue. Some beneficial strategies include setting strong daily routines, delegating decision-making to coworkers or family, and stopping any thoughts that lead you to second-guess a choice you’ve already made. If the simple questions your spouse, kids, or friends ask you create stress for you after a long day of work, you’re likely experiencing decision fatigue. Awareness of this issue is the first step toward finding a reprieve from it!
4 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
Published by Newsletter Pro || NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator