DECEMBER 2020
Legally Brief With Kevin Patrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
The Toy Car That Almost Ruined Christmas HOW 3-YEAR-OLD KEVIN RAN OVER THE CHRISTMAS TREE
When I was a little boy, I spent every night leading up to Christmas dreaming of my very own kid-sized, battery-powered 4x4 car. I imagined jumping into the driver's seat, hitting the gas, and zooming around the house just like the grown-ups on the street outside. Yes, I was only 3 years old, but I wasn’t going to let that hold me back! All I had to do was be good and hope that Santa Claus would come through. I’ll never forget that Christmas morning. I charged into the living room, and I saw it: A brand-new 4x4 was sitting under the tree! It felt like my dreams had come to life, and before anyone could stop me, I scrambled into the driver’s seat and slammed on the gas. Unfortunately for my NASCAR hopes, the toy car was in reverse! Instead of charging forward, I sped backward and took out the Christmas tree.
face and the crooked tree, the whole scene strikes me as something out of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” It was definitely an exciting and unforgettable Christmas morning. And now my son Michael is a proud owner of the same 4x4! This year, I think the Patrick family Christmas will probably be much more low-key. Since a big Christmas gathering is off the table, my wife Tracy and I are planning to take the kids on a trip up to North Georgia for an adventure in the woods and the mountains. We’ll take it easy, get back to nature, and return to work recharged for 2021. Of course, no matter where we are, we’ll still keep up the Christmas traditions for our kids, including all of the classics like opening a present on Christmas Eve and Santa’s visit on Christmas morning. It also wouldn't be Christmas in our house without the hand-me-down stockings from Tracy’s mother. They’re the same ones Tracy used as a kid, and we’re continuing the tradition by pulling them out for Michael and Catherine every year. I’m not too worried about the road trip up north because these days, I’m a much better driver than I was at age 3! I’m also particularly cautious in the winter, and I encourage you to be the same. As much as my team and I would love to see you, we’d hate to have a car crash be the reason you end up back in our office. To keep yourself and your family safe, here are my top tips: Drive defensively, watch out for any snow or ice you might encounter, and make sure you have
"LOOKING BACK, BETWEEN THE HORROR ON MY FACE AND THE CROOKED TREE, THE WHOLE SCENE STRIKES ME AS SOMETHING OUT OF 'NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION.'"
plenty of coffee and snacks to keep you awake and alert on the road. Most of all, don’t forget the lesson I learned all those Christmases ago — always look before you back out! Wishing you a merry Christmas and an uplifting New Year,
For a second, I froze. I thought my car had ruined Christmas until I realized my parents were doubled over laughing, and the tree was still standing. It was a bit tilty, but all of the ornaments had survived! Looking back, between the horror on my
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