GA Injury Advocates September 2019

GA Injury Advocates September 2019

Auto Injury T R I B U N E

September 2019

Spotlight on Ivetta Sanchez IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY

T his month, I want to shout out our legal assistant, Ivetta Sanchez. Ivetta has been a part of the team since 2013, and she recently started working to earn her paralegal certificate. She’s been an incredibly diligent worker from day one, so I can’t imagine having a better paralegal than her. Ivetta doesn’t care to be in the spotlight, but she’s worked so hard for the office for so many years; I wanted to make sure she gets the recognition she deserves. Being a legal assistant means I’m part of the case almost every step of the way: taking new clients’ information when they first walk through the door and working with the client’s doctor. My job is to help our clients worry less by taking things off their plate. If a client needs a rental car while their vehicle is being repaired, I arrange that. If their medical treatment isn’t working, I look into getting them to a specialist to get the right kind of treatment they need to get better. Above all else, my job is to be there for our clients so they know that they really are going to get better and move past this. After you’re injured in an accident, it can be hard to imagine a time when you don’t have to deal with a case anymore. I know this from personal experience. –Ramiro Rodriguez, Jr.

done my job. This might be part of my motherly instincts. I have two young children, a 6-year-old and a 2-year-old, so it’s in my nature to take care of people who need me. I work to make sure our clients know that I understand what they are feeling. A lot of people are scared to ask questions when they are in an overwhelming situation, but I encourage you to ask me any and every question you have. You could call me 10 times a day or ask the same question 50 times and I will be happy to answer that question every time. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find it and get back to you as soon as possible. And if you’re in pain, having a tough day, and need someone to talk to, I’m here to remind you that it’s going to be okay. Every client is my priority, and I’m happy to do what I can to help them get through this and to a better place in their life. “... my job is to be there for our clients so they know that they really are going to get better and move past this.”

there was no one to help my family in the process. Every step took forever. Just getting the estimate done took two months! At the same time, we were hurt and struggling

with medical bills because we thought our

insurance would only cover property damage. We didn’t know it could help pay for medical treatment, because no one told us. We needed an attorney. That’s how I ended up at GA Injury Advocates. I was a client before I ever worked in the office. The team here took such good care of my family, and I could tell they sincerely wanted to help us. After the case was over, the office manager told they were hiring for a new legal assistant. I applied and was so excited to get the job. It’s strange to say something good could come out of a car accident, but in March 2013, I started working at the office. It’s been the best job I have ever had. It’s a privilege to help people every day. It feels good to go home at night and know I made a difference in the world, even if it’s a small difference to just one person. I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed after an accident. If I can help just one person not feel so alone, I’ve

-Ivetta Sanchez

Several years ago, I was involved in a car accident. It was a scary, stressful experience, and

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

1

(770) 233-7400

Is Your Child Being Bullied?

JUST ONE MORE BITE

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

A new school year is a prime opportunity for kids to make new friends among their classmates. Unfortunately, kids also form connections during the school year that aren’t always positive, and many children become the targets of school bullies. If you suspect your child is being bullied, there are a few things you can do to help. Know the Signs Kids usually don’t open up about being bullied right away. However, there are some common signs that your child is being harassed. Here are a few of them: • If they’re refusing to go to school or ride the bus, they may be dreading their bully. • If they’re rushing to the bathroom after school, it may indicate that they’re being bullied in the bathroom, which is a common tactic bullies use to avoid teachers. • If their grades suddenly change, it may be the result of constant harassment. • Anxious or depressed moods can be the result of bullying as well. If you spot one or more of these signs, it’s time to talk to your child about what’s happening to them at school. Listen When your child does open up, the best thing you can do is listen. It can be tempting to try to give them advice or question the way they handled the situation, but doing this can give your child the impression that it’s their own fault they are being bullied. Let them tell you the whole story, without judgment, and then help them come up with ideas on what to do next. Finding the Right Solution Once you’ve been informed that your child is being bullied, you should inform teachers as soon as possible. Apart from that, there are several ways you can help your child to deal with bullies, so talk to them about what approach they would be most comfortable with, such as de- escalation strategies or a buddy system with their friends. As with most conflicts, the sooner you handle the situation, the better.

HOW THE CLEAN PLATE PHENOMENON MAY BE KILLING YOUR DIET As you celebrate your last backyard barbecue, consider this: If someone puts three helpings of potato salad on your plate, would you feel pressured to finish it? According to nutrition experts, this pressure to finish your plate is making people indulge a little too much. Dubbed the “clean plate phenomenon,” this overindulgence is troubling. Researchers have discovered that people feel pressured to clean their plates even when they feel satisfied or full. Even people who don’t fill their plates all the way often reach for that last piece or second helping because “one more bite won’t hurt.” Experts speculate that this compulsion could have stemmed from habits passed down from World War II, when rationing food was required for most, or from a fear of wasting food. Most people have, at some point, heard an adult say to a child, “Eat up; there are starving children in the world.” But all those “one more bites” add up. Researchers from Vanderbilt University conducted a study in which participants were served individual plates with any number of cookies piled on top. They were instructed to eat three cookies, and afterward, researchers asked each of them if they wanted more. Those who had only one or two cookies left on their plates were more likely to indulge in a fourth or fifth cookie, while those who had no cookies left or had too many cookies left said they were full. Despite what you think about your own diet, this isn’t a problem sequestered to certain parties. Studies have found that plates and portion sizes in the U.S. have increased by about 20% since the 1970s. The same psychology that propelled humans to eat just a little bit more to survive is now contributing to serious overeating and a staggering calorie intake. There are a few simple tricks you can use to break this habit. Use smaller plates or measure out your food portions so you can clean your plate without guilt. You can also get into the habit of leaving a few bites on your plate to retrain your brain that it’s okay to not finish your food. (You can use your leftover food for compost or save it for later!) With a little effort and intention, you can break free of the pressure to clean your plate.

2 GAInjuryAdvocates.com

I GOT HURT WHILE RIDING IN AN UBER! AM I COVERED?

Ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft have transformed modern transportation. Thanks to an app on your phone, you no longer need to ask your family members to give you a ride to the airport! Plus, weekends are way more fun when you can make sure everyone gets home safely. However, since more people are using ride-share apps, there are more ride-share cars on the road. This has led to some confusion when these cars are involved in an accident. Why Are Ride-Share Accidents Complicated? When a ride-share car is involved in an accident, there are at least three different parties involved: the drivers of the vehicles, the passenger in the ride-share, and the ride-sharing company. There are also various insurance companies associated with each of these parties. Which insurance company is responsible for paying for the passenger’s injuries? If you were hit by a ride-share driver, should you file a claim with the company’s insurance or the driver’s personal insurance? If you are a ride-share driver hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver while on the job, will your company insurance cover you? The Good News for Passengers If you are a passenger in a ride-share car and you are injured in an accident, insurance will

cover you regardless of who is at fault. It doesn’t matter if the accident was caused by your ride- share driver or the other driver. Exactly which insurance depends on which driver is liable, but rest assured that if you are a passenger injured in an accident, we can find ways to recover compensation for you. While accidents involving ride-share vehicles should be as straightforward as any other automobile accident, the layers of insurance often cause new challenges. Additionally, companies like Uber and Lyft insist their drivers are not employees but “independent contractors,” which means they might not take responsibility in the accident if the ride-share driver is found liable. If you are injured in an accident involving a ride- share vehicle, whether you are the ride-share passenger or the driver of another vehicle, don’t let anyone tell you there’s nothing you can do. The team at GA Injury Advocates specializes in

navigating these complicated cases. Call (770) 233-7400 today and get the compensation you deserve.

RECIPE:

PALEO BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

SUDOKU

This easy-to-make, protein-packed casserole is a killer way to start the day, and it’s easy to make in bulk and reheat. Make it on Sunday and enjoy healthy breakfasts throughout the week.

Ingredients:

• • • • • •

1/2 cup onion, diced 1 red pepper, diced

•

1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional: substitute with water)

2 strips bacon, cut into squares

• • •

1 tsp paprika

1 large sweet potato, spiralized or grated

6 eggs

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups spinach

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375 F. 2. In a large pan over medium heat, sauté onion, peppers, bacon, and sweet potatoes until bacon is completely rendered and onions are translucent. Then, add garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes. Finally, add spinach and continue cooking for another 3–5 minutes.

3. Transfer to a greased casserole dish. 4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and pour them over casserole. 5. Bake for 20–30 minutes, let stand for 5 minutes, and serve.

Inspired by TheLeanGreenBean.com

Solution on Page 4

(770) 233-7400 3

If you or a loved one has been injured, call our office today for a free consultation.

332 North Marietta Pkwy Marietta, GA 30060 GAInjuryAdvocates.com (770) 233-7400

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Sudoku solution

Inside

1

Every Step of the Way The Clean Plate Conundrum How to Respond to School Bullies What to Do After Your Uber Accident Paleo Breakfast Casserole A Tour of Marietta

2

3

4

When Spanish explorers were first making their way through North America in 1567, they heard a tale of a far-off mountain: “Very high, shining when the sun sets like a fire.” These stories would bring them to the magnificent Stone Mountain in what would one day become Georgia. Standing at 1,686 feet above sea level, Stone Mountain has been called the largest piece of exposed granite in the world. Unfortunately, this claim to fame is a common misconception. Stone Mountain’s composition actually ranges from quartz monzonite to granite and granodiorite. That said, Stone Mountain granite was historically sought after and used in projects around the world, including the foundation of the Lincoln Memorial, the locks of the Panama Canal, and the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. According to the Stone Mountain Park website, “Virtually every state has a building that uses Stone Mountain granite.”

Though quarrying stopped in the 1970s, today Stone Mountain Park is the most popular tourist attraction in Georgia. From the north side of the mountain, visitors can see the Confederate Memorial Carving. Though this carving is the largest high relief sculpture in the world, it’s not what keeps visitors coming back. This fall alone Stone Mountain will host the Yellow Daisy Festival, the Pumpkin Festival, EGGtoberfest, the Stone Mountain Highland Games, the Country Living Fair, and the Native American Festival and Pow Wow. Even on days without a festival, the area’s natural beauty draws regular guests. Visitors have been hiking the trail up to the top of Stone Mountain for generations — and if you don’t feel like hiking, you can take the cable car to the peak. Stone Mountain is so much more than a giant hunk of granite. Visit StoneMountainPark.com to learn everything this natural wonder has to offer.

Top of the World

4

GAInjuryAdvocates.com