GA Injury Advocates - January 2021

GA Injury Advocates - January 2021

Auto Injury T R I B U N E

January 2021

Don’t Make Resolutions for 2021

Make New Year’s Goals

At the end of any normal year, you would probably spend New Year’s Eve celebrating the year you’ve just had, just as much as you might celebrate the start of the next year. But after a year like 2020, all anyone can talk about for 2021 is getting a fresh start — and what better way to signify a fresh start than by making some New Year’s resolutions? Making resolutions is a bit of harmless fun for the holiday, but the truth is that they rarely lead to any lasting change. In fact, 80% of resolutions fail before February even starts! However, if you don’t want to be a part of that 80% and if you’re serious about wanting to change, this is my advice to you: Don’t make a resolution —make a goal . When your resolution becomes a goal, you’ll be much more likely to follow through and see success. Here are five steps you should take to make a New Year’s goal instead of a New Year’s resolution. 1. Commit to making a change. A lot of times, resolutions are made flippantly at parties or with groups of friends because it’s just what you do that evening. With goals, however, there’s a sense of commitment. There’s an urgency and a drive to accomplish something, not just because the goal is good, but because you really want the end results. 2. Knowwhy you want to achieve your goal. A lot of people will make some sort of hip, trendy resolution because all their friends are doing it, or they might make a resolution because their parents or their spouse wants them to do it. But how long can those sources of motivation last? What’s really at stake? When you really commit to change, it will be because you know the effort will be worth the reward, whether that reward is more time with the kids, more years in your life, or more money in the bank. 3. Document what you want. Write down your goals, but not on a computer or phone. Write them down on paper and then put it somewhere where you’ll see it every day.

For me, the best place to write goals is my calendar. I look at my calendar every day, and I can’t just swipe it aside with the click of a mouse. You might find that writing your goal on a sticky note that you put on the fridge or on your bathroom mirror is most helpful. Wherever that best place is for you, having it written down will ensure your goal exists somewhere outside your head.

4. Take action. When you first start working toward your goal, you might not know how long it will take to accomplish it or what steps are necessary. That’s okay; just start somewhere, doing something. Have faith that accomplishing your goal is possible. Start setting aside time to work on it and don’t let anything infringe on that time that you set aside. 5. Create a plan and measure your progress. Set reasonable, measurable, smaller goals that you can work to achieve as you work toward your overarching goal for the year. If it’s your goal to make more money by educating yourself about your field, and the best way for you to do that is to read more books on a particular topic, then set aside four hours a week to read. And remember, don’t let anything, barring a visit to the emergency room, take you away from that time. This year, I wish you luck in accomplishing all the goals that you make for yourself. But, if you follow these steps, know that you won’t need any luck to accomplish your goals at all. Happy New Year!

El Abogado Ramiro (El Abogado Amigo) y su equipo hablan español

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While phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops have become convenient, everyday technology, one struggle remains: constantly dirty screens. Regular cleaning is a must for battling fingerprints, dust, and other smudges, not to mention all the germs that can collect on the surface of your device. But how do you clean your screens without ruining any functionality? Before you drench your device in your typical household cleaner, try these three cleaning products and say goodbye to dirty screens! Mobile Screen Wipes Chances are, you use your phone more than all your other devices combined, resulting in a constantly dirty screen. With Zeiss Mobile Screen Wipes, you can rest assured that no matter how dirty your phone screen gets, you can clean it any time, any place. These wipes are individually wrapped and can easily fit in a pocket, purse, or drawer at work. As an added bonus, they can also clean your eyeglasses. You can find them for $7.49 on Amazon! GREASE AND FINGERPRINTS BE GONE 3 Handy Ways to Clean Your Screens

OUT WITH THE NEW, INWITH THE OLD!

4 OLD-SCHOOL HOBBIES MAKING A MAJOR COMEBACK

January is National Hobby Month — and for good reason! As people set goals for 2021, they’re also thinking about trying new hobbies. But with so many out there, picking just one can be a hobby in itself. Thanks in part to COVID-19,

many people have rediscovered old-school hobbies. Some of these have been around for decades or even longer, and others have established communities that can rely on one another for support, sharing information, and more. Here are four great examples. Making Bread Over the last year, interest in this ancient hobby has skyrocketed. Homemade bread is tastier and more nutritious than store- bought, and it’s so satisfying to watch it come together. Not to mention it’s a great skill to have! With so many types of bread to try, you’re not going to run out of ideas any time soon. Collecting Cards No matter what people were into during the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, there was a trading card game for it. And even going into 2021, that tradition has been kept alive. When many people were stuck at home last year, they rediscovered their card collections and remembered how much fun they were. As a result, card sales went through the roof, and online card communities lit up with activity from all over the world. Restoring Cars Car restoration is a hobby that lets you get your hands dirty, and it’s one that you can do with your kids or grandkids. It can be not only educational for them but also fun! Together, you can track down parts, talk to folks who are also interested in restoration, and learn about the history of your car. Though car restoration can be a bit costly and time consuming, it’s certainly a journey worth taking. Embroidering Embroidery has taken off because it’s both inexpensive and fairly easy to get into. Plus, many people have fallen in love with its meditative quality. One of the great things about embroidery is that you can use it to make amazing personalized gifts, like pillows, wall hangings, and kitchen towels!

Screen Cleaner Best Buy has its own brand of screen cleaner called Insignia. Insignia can thoroughly and safely clean any device’s screen and keep it streak-free long after cleaning. Since you simply spray some onto a cleaning cloth, the 5-ounce bottle lasts quite a while. With a 4.7 rating from over 1,400 reviews, Insignia is perfect for all of your screen- cleaning needs! Pick up a bottle of your own at Best Buy for $9.99. Electronic Wipes Weiman Electronic Wipes are perfect for removing grease smudges, dust, and fingerprints from any of your delicate screens, including TVs, tablets, phones, and laptops. They can even be used to spot- clean keyboards. The wipes come ready to use and contain no harsh ingredients. You can purchase them on Amazon for $14.98.

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Driver vs. Pedestrian Collisions and Cases In Georgia, They’re More Complicated Than You Think!

If you get hit by a car, you might think your case against the driver for your injuries, loss of wages, and diminished quality of life is open and shut, but that’s far from the truth. According to a handful of statutes in Georgia law, cases of drivers versus pedestrians can go either way, depending on the specifics of the situation that led to the accident.

If a pedestrian is walking in the road, then they have to yield the right of way to any cars they encounter. However, this rule does come with a few stipulations and exceptions. Georgia drivers do have to exercise caution to avoid hitting pedestrians and warn them of oncoming traffic by honking their horns. Crossing the Road With and Without a Crosswalk Drivers must yield to pedestrians when they are crossing the road at designated crosswalks, at least until they are done crossing the half of the road that the driver is using. However, if the pedestrian steps in front of a moving vehicle and leaves no time for the driver to properly yield, then the fault of the accident lies with the pedestrian. Contrary to popular belief, it is actually perfectly legal to cross the road where there is no crosswalk, provided a few things are true. First, you have to yield to any oncoming traffic before crossing. Second, at intersections where traffic signals are operational on both sides of the street, you can’t cross anywhere except at the intersection itself. Third, you can’t cross the street diagonally — you must cross between the closest two points on either side of the street unless otherwise indicated by the crosswalk. Whether you have a case for your accident depends on which of these laws were in play. For help navigating all the different factors, call GA Injury Advocates today at (770) 233-7400.

Walking or Running on the Side of the Road If there is a sidewalk alongside the road, then pedestrians are required by law to use it for walking and running. If there is no sidewalk, then you have to run or walk on the shoulder, as far away from the road as possible while not causing harm to yourself. If the road has no shoulder, then you should run or walk as close to the outside edge of the road as possible, always moving against traffic when the road has two lanes.

SUDOKKU RECIPE: BIRTHDAY CAKE BAKED OATMEAL FOR ONE (YES, REALLY)

Did you know that January is National Oatmeal Month? If you tend to think of oatmeal as boring, this fun dessert-themed recipe just might change your mind. To go all out, top with a candle and a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients

• • • •

1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1 browning banana, mashed

• • • •

1 tsp baking powder Splash of vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp sprinkles

Directions 1.

4.

Preheat your oven to 350 F and prepare a small oven-safe dish.

Bake for 25 minutes or until the oatmeal is golden brown. Let the oatmeal cool slightly, top with sprinkles, and dig in!

2.

5.

In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the sprinkles.

3.

Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Solution on Page 4

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Inside

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Don’t Make Resolutions — Make Goals Your Devices Deserve Clean Screens These Old-School Hobbies Are Making a Huge Comeback Who Wins in the Case of Driver vs. Pedestrian? Birthday Cake Baked Oatmeal

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Touring Cobb County

In the past two editions of the “Touring Cobb County” series, I’ve highlighted a few of the culturally and historically important places worth visiting in Kennesaw specifically. So, I thought I’d keep that train rolling this month and talk about another Kennesaw location that mixes diverse greenery with historic architecture and fine art, making for a unique visitor experience for all ages: the Smith- Gilbert Gardens. The Smith-Gilbert Gardens is the official botanical garden of the City of Kennesaw. The house at the garden’s center is the Hiram Butler home, built in 1880. It gets its name from the first occupant of the home, a Confederate railroad man named Mr. Butler. If you remember a few editions ago when we talked about The General — a train that was captured by Union soldiers during the Civil War, now is on display in Kennesaw—Mr. Butler was actually working the railroads when that chase happened!

and Robert Gilbert bought the house and some of the surrounding acreage. They had a vision of covering the property with a variety of plants and beautiful sculptures, and over the next 35 years, they worked to make that a reality. There are currently 3,000 plants on display throughout the Smith-Gilbert Gardens, many of which are quite rare. Some of the most fascinating areas include the bonsai exhibit, the rose garden, and the conifer display. Other points of interest include the sculpture collection and the “Garden With Wings” Butterfly House. Visitors can book tours of these gardens anytime Tuesday–Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, parties can use the space to host events, such as weddings. However, given the current state of the world, you might want to give them a call to see what their current regulations are for event hosting. In any case, these gardens are worth visiting for art, nature, and history lovers alike.

THE SMITH-GILBERT GARDENS

The gardens and sculptures weren’t a part of the property until 1970 when Richard Smith

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