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APRIL 2024
W ith K evin P atrick Automobile accidents | Daycare injuries | wrongful death
Eyes on the Road! Lifesaving Tips for Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Putting our phones down has become increasingly difficult, but it’s time to be diligent when we’re behind the wheel. April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, dedicated to shedding light on a persistent and troubling issue on our roads. I’ve seen the devastating outcomes of distracted driving firsthand. Taking your eyes off the road for just a moment can change countless lives, leading to tragic injuries and fatal consequences. Statistics don’t lie, and the numbers surrounding distracted driving are alarming. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021 alone. That statistic represents families torn apart, futures extinguished prematurely, and the critical need for awareness and action. Cellphone use while driving is a primary culprit in distracted driving incidents. Texting, in particular, is especially hazardous as it requires the driver’s visual, manual, and cognitive attention — a deadly combination. Studies have shown that texting while driving can increase the risk of an accident by up to 23 times. This statistic is a stark reminder of how a momentary lapse in concentration can lead to irreversible consequences. The advent of social media has only compounded the issue, with drivers now facing the added temptation of checking notifications, scrolling through feeds, or even live streaming behind the wheel. Engaging in these activities while driving is akin to closing your eyes for five seconds at a time — at 55 mph, this means driving the length of a football field essentially blindfolded.
compartment to eliminate the temptation to use it while driving. 4. LEAD BY EXAMPLE: Set a positive example for your family, friends, and especially young drivers by committing to never using your phone while driving. Recognizing a distracted driver on the road is also vital for your safety. Telltale signs include erratic speed changes, swerving or drifting between lanes, and delayed reactions to traffic signals. If you spot a distracted driver, maintain a safe distance, and if necessary, pull over and report them to the authorities — your call could save lives. In my career, I’ve represented too many victims of distracted driving accidents, witnessing the heartache and disruption these incidents cause. As we observe Distracted Driving Awareness Month, let’s commit to changing our habits and encouraging others to do the same. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone. Remember, no text, call, or post is worth a life. Let’s keep our eyes on the road, our hands on the wheel, and our minds on driving. Your vigilance could be the difference between life and death. Stay safe, stay
So, what can we do to curb the impulse to use our phones while driving? Here are four practical tips to stay focused: UTILIZE ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ FEATURES: Most smartphones now offer driving modes that silence notifications, calls, and texts to reduce the temptation to glance at your phone. 2. PREPARATION IS KEY: Set up your GPS route, 1. select your playlist, and make any necessary calls or texts before you start driving. If you must change something, pull over safely first. 3. KEEP YOUR PHONE OUT OF REACH: Place your phone in the backseat or glove
aware, and let’s pledge to end distracted driving once and for all.
This publication is for informational purposes only, and no legal advice is intended.
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Finding Humor in the Legal World This April Fool’s Courtroom Comedy April Fool’s Day is when humor can lighten our loads and bring smiles to even the most serious professions. Yes, even us lawyers can crack a joke or two! Believe it or not, beneath the stacks of case files and court documents, a well of humor is waiting to be drawn from. So, in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, let’s indulge in lawyer-related jokes that remind us it’s okay to laugh, especially at ourselves. • Lawyers will wish you a happy holiday but remind you they cannot guarantee it. • A man hired a lawyer to sue the airline for losing his baggage. Unfortunately, he lost the case. • Why are lawyers uniquely charming? They have their own appeal. • What do you get when you cross “The Godfather” with a lawyer? An offer you can’t understand. • A lawyer dies and goes to Heaven. “There must be some mistake,” the lawyer argues. “I’m too young to die. I’m only 55.” “Fifty-five?” says Saint Peter. “No, according to our calculations, you’re 82.” “How’d you get that?” the lawyer asks. Answers St. Peter, “We added up your time sheets.” • Arguing with a lawyer is like wrestling a pig in mud. Sooner or later, you realize that they like it! • What’s the difference between an accountant and a lawyer? Accountants know they’re boring. • The trouble with the legal profession is that 98% of its members give the rest a bad name. Remember, laughter is the best medicine and a universal language that connects us all. This April Fool’s Day, let’s embrace the lighter side of law and remember that even while advocating and negotiating, there’s always room for a good laugh. After all, a day without laughter is a day wasted, especially in the legal profession.
Legally Unbelievable
When the Law Meets Absurdity
There are some outlandish laws in the U.S., but you can also get away with plenty of surprising things. Let’s dive into some of the crazy laws from around the country.
SURPRISINGLY LEGAL
Flame On Owning a flamethrower is surprisingly legal and easy in 48 states. The only state where you can’t own one is Maryland. And if you want a flamethrower in California, you must get a license. The rest of the states say, fire away! Car Radar Another surprising law concerns radar detectors: In most states, utilizing a radar detector in your personal vehicle is completely legal. Do you want to check someone’s speed or look out for police officers? Unless you live in Mississippi, Virginia, Washington, D.C., or on a military base, it’s entirely legal! Sleepy Surgery There are absolutely no laws that state surgeons must get a good night’s sleep before surgery. As dangerous as this sounds, at least surgeons usually do have a limit on how long they can work at once, curtailing the worst outcomes of an exhausted doctor.
SHOCKINGLY ILLEGAL
Car Cursing While in Maryland, you should be mindful of keeping your swear words to yourself (or whisper them softly) while driving through the small city of Rockville. It is considered a misdemeanor to swear from a vehicle within earshot of other people. Your curse words could cost you up to $100 in fines or 90 days in jail. Blindingly Obvious Driving blindfolded has never been a good idea, but that clearly didn’t stop adventurous residents in Alabama from testing their blind driving skills. Maybe that’s why the state passed a law making blindfolded driving illegal.
Keep an open ear and be mindful of what is legal and what is not. Nobody wants weird laws creating dumb criminals!
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.)
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Educating for Excellence
SHARING CLOSING ARGUMENT STRATEGIES WITH MY PEERS
knowledge and experience with my peers was a privilege, and I wanted to share some of the vital information I presented. In my talk, I drew a clear line between opening statements and closing arguments, two pivotal moments in a trial that, while distinct, are equally significant in swaying the outcome in favor of our clients. Opening statements are our first chance to speak directly to the jury, setting the stage for the evidence that will be
narrative that underscores our client’s position. It’s a call to action, urging the jury to view the evidence through the lens we’ve carefully formed throughout the trial. It’s our final appeal to their sense of justice, our last opportunity to advocate passionately for the outcome our clients deserve. The transition from opening to closing encapsulates the journey of the trial itself, moving from promise to fulfillment. It’s a process I deeply respect and one I was eager to dissect for my colleagues during the CLE. By sharing insights and strategies for effectively delivering closing arguments, I aim to contribute to the collective expertise of our profession. My involvement in ongoing CLEs and presentations is driven by a belief in the power of education to inspire our legal community. Through this continuous exchange of knowledge, we can all grow as advocates for justice and be better equipped to serve our clients and the broader community.
I’ve always wanted to uplift my fellow attorneys and support my community, so I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to speak at a recent Atlanta Bar Association Continuing Legal Education (CLE) event. My presentation focused on the art and strategy behind closing arguments, a crucial aspect of trial litigation I believe every legal professional should master. The opportunity to share my
presented. It’s a moment for clarity, for outlining the narrative within which the coming evidence will fit. I like to think of it as providing a roadmap for the jury, guiding them through what they are about to witness. Closing arguments, however, are where we, as legal advocates, shine. This is where we weave the evidence presented during the trial into a compelling
TAKE A BREAK
Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
Savor the flavor with our mouthwatering grilled steak, paired perfectly with vibrant chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients •
For the chimichurri sauce: • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • Juice of 1 lemon
2 lbs steak (flank, sirloin, or skirt steak)
• • •
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp red pepper flakes Salt and pepper, to taste
• •
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions 1.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2.
Rub the steak with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until it reaches desired doneness. 4. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. 5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 6. Serve the steak with the chimichurri sauce and enjoy!
Solution
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Inside This Issue 1 The Real Cost of Scrolling and Driving 2 Surprisingly Legal and Shockingly Illegal Lawyer Humor for a Light-Hearted April Fool’s Day 3 The Impact of Opening Statements and Closing Arguments
Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
4 The Birth of the Coffee Break
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Coffee Lovers, Look No Further
The History of Your Favorite Break-Time Treat
In 1902, the Barcolo Manufacturing Company in Buffalo, New York, implemented a 10-minute break for its employees in the morning and afternoon. The goal was to provide workers with an opportunity to enjoy tea or coffee with a snack. After the break, workers were ready for more time on the job, filled and caffeinated. Not coincidentally, the first vacuum- sealed coffee grounds were released around 1900, making coffee accessible during short breaks, and more companies started offering breaks. A 1955 court case, The United States v. Phil Greinetz of Los Wigwam Weavers , cemented the break into law. Greinetz was the owner of the Los Wigwam Weavers tie factory and struggled to find staff after
World War II. He introduced mandatory coffee breaks so workers could get a boost to make it through the day. The problem? He wouldn’t pay the workers for their mandatory coffee break. So, the U.S. Department of Labor stepped in and won the workers paid breaks as they had a positive effect on the business. As time has passed, coffee breaks have evolved from a pragmatic solution in the industrial era to a worldwide phenomenon about more than just a moment to consume caffeine. It has become a social ritual, fostering camaraderie among colleagues and providing a space for informal conversations. These breaks have become a catalyst for creativity and collaboration, so enjoy this cherished cultural staple, especially if you work alongside coworkers in an office space.
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