Holland & Usry - December 2020

SO MUCH MORE THAN OUR DIFFERENCES

Post-Election Thoughts on America

Whew! It’s been a minute the last six weeks, huh? Here’s the apolitical guy’s opinion on what’s gone on since the election and what we can do about it. Let me first say this is my opinion and not necessarily everyone else’s at Holland & Usry. Let me also assure you we won’t have long- winded, mean-spirited fights about it either, since we’ve got more important things to do, like help good folks like you.

The center holds. Assuming the outcome remains the same, the American people have elected a centrist president. And there was no “blue wave” to give Democrats control of Congress. Instead, each party holds a narrow margin over one house — Republicans have a slim advantage in the Senate, while the Democrats hold a similar edge in the House. What’s this tell us? The vast majority of us are not extremist, on either side of the political spectrum. America lives in the center. Outside the political realm, we call that viewpoint “realistic.” Overall, we remain independent, open-minded, and balanced. Here’s what America really is: As election week boiled over into the weekend, I found myself at a place our nation celebrates — a baseball field, watching my oldest son Jack’s team. His teammates come from all over Spartanburg County, and we’ve gotten to know some great folks we’d never have met otherwise. I’ve known a few of them for years as Jack’s lifelong or school friends. We caught up with each other, shared some laughs, and cheered for the team. We were all there for our boys and looked forward to having them rejoin our families after the game. I don’t know their politics and don’t care. But here’s what I do know and admire about them all. They’re good people. They love their families. That’s America. “We the people” are good people, and we’re so much more than our differences. Here’s to hoping you revel in “the life that’s truly life” this Christmas — love, joy, kindness, grace, and mercy. Give a lot those you love, but save some for those you don’t. Who knows, maybe it can be a new habit for all of us.

Anyway, here are a few thoughts:

Resisting recounts is futile and wrong. President Trump is entitled to a clear assurance every vote got counted the right way. A recount doesn’t attack the foundation of democracy. Quite the opposite — it gives democracy the opportunity to prove how well it works. Voter fraud — show us some evidence, please. Contrary to what Wall Street and the insurance industry want Americans to believe, a lawsuit can’t survive without evidence, even if the allegations strike at the heart of democracy. If the president’s got real evidence of voter fraud, he needs to show it, or these claims will be declared dead on arrival by the courts.

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“Give a lot those you love, but save some for those you don’t.”

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CREATING THE PERFECT SNOWBALL FIGHT

An old-fashioned snowball fight is the epitome of winter activities. But if snowfall is lacking or it’s just too cold to venture outside and hurl freezing balls of ice at each other, don’t let it dampen your spirits. You can create and orchestrate your own indoor, snow-free, and entirely safe snowball fight. MAKE YOUR SNOWBALLS While craft stores sell large white cotton puffs that look like snowballs, they’re too light to get any good velocity behind them. Instead, make your own “snowballs” with just a few materials in four easy steps: 1. You’ll need a pair of scissors, several pairs of cheap white nylon stockings (one pair can make about 10 snowballs), and a bag of polyester fiberfill, like Poly-Fil, or use the stuffing from a few old stuffed animals you no longer want. Stuff a handful of the filling down into the end of one stocking leg and tie a knot, creating a round “snowball.” 3. Make another knot after the one you just made, leaving a little space between the two knots. 2.

4. Cut between the two knots to snip off a tied-off snowball. Repeat these steps until you have at least a few dozen, but if you’re patient enough to make 100 or more, you’ll have ample supply for a substantial encounter. HOW TO PLAY There’s really no “right” way to have a snowball fight. It’s often just about who can hit whom the most, but if you want to turn it into a measurable competition, divide your group into two teams and distribute the snowballs evenly between them. Then create boundaries for each team by laying down masking tape across the room. Teams must stay on their side of the line at all times. Set a timer for however long you’d like the fight to go on, and at your signal, teams can start hurling snowballs across the room at one another. When time is up, gather and count the snowballs on each side, and the team with the fewest snowballs is the winner! A crafty indoor snowball fight can be a lot of fun for people of all ages, not just kids. Best of all, the crafting part is something you only have to do once, and then you have a stock of snowballs for every winter to come.

Testimonials

THANKS TO THE HOLLAND & USRY LAW FIRM “I came across Mr. Usry back in January/February when I was hurt at work and was given the runaround with no care. I am now nine months into this ordeal, and I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the support from Mr. Usry and his assistant, Rose. They do not treat me like I’m just a regular client. They make me feel like I’m their only case. Communication is always constant either via phone

or email. They check on me just to see how I am doing. They have done so much for me. If you’re looking for an amazing, compassionate, caring, heartwarming lawyer, look no further. I stand behind Mr. Usry and his firm.”

–Corina S.

www.bhollandlawfirm.com

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS WHEN THE POLICE FILE AN INCORRECT ACCIDENT REPORT?

As winter weather gets worse for wear, it’s vital to be aware of your behavior and surroundings when you get in your car. Staying alert and knowing how to react should something happen while you’re driving are the keys to making it through this season safely. But what if something happens outside your control? What do you do if someone causes an accident, and then, to add insult to injury, you discover the police on the scene got their report wrong? If you’re hurt in a crash you didn’t cause but then find out the police put you at fault, you’re going to have so many questions racing through your head. But the most important one is this: Do I still have a case? The answer is that it’s definitely worth pursuing. Police reports aren’t admissible evidence, so you can relax; the ultimate decision about fault is decided based on testimony. And here’s a shocker: If the officer testifies, they often can’t give an opinion on whose fault it was. Insurance companies know this, so you can counteract an inaccurate police report to get a settlement. In order to overcome the accident report, you gather and present other evidence showing the officer is mistaken. For example, you may get other witness statements, evidence from the scene, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, or a report from an accident reconstructionist. If all of that sounds like a lot of complicated work, you’re right. It’s a lot of steps to take to right a wrong likely

caused by human error. Officers make mistakes, too — especially if they weren’t on the scene to witness the crash. Unfortunately, that spells trouble for you.

That’s why you need an experienced car crash attorney on your side. We have the skill and determination to investigate your case and convince the insurance company to let go of the mistaken police report. You don’t need to take on the burden alone. Call Holland & Usry so we can talk about your options.

Good News

FESTIVE APPLE CIDER

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” –Luke 2:14 “Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances.” –1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

If you’re cutting back on calories, skip the eggnog and buttered rum this year and fill up your mug with this delicious mulled cider!

Inspired by FoodAndWine.com

Ingredients

Directions 1. Using a paring knife, shave the lemon peel off in curls. Reserve the curls and save the lemon for use in a different recipe. 2. In a large slow cooker, combine the lemon peel with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours. 3. If desired, use a sieve to strain the spices. Serve and enjoy!

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1 lemon

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1 gallon pure apple cider

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1 large orange, thinly sliced crosswise

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2 tsp whole cloves

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2 tsp allspice berries

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1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced

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2 tbsp honey

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3 cinnamon sticks

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.

101 W. St. John St. Suite 206 Spartanburg, SC 29306

INSIDE this issue Post-Election Thoughts on America Craft a Snow-Free Indoor Snowball Fight Testimonials You Can Fight an Incorrect Accident Report Festive Apple Cider Winter Road Trip Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

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A Driver’s Guide to Safe Holiday Travels WINTER ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED

On Sept. 24, 2019, more than 2.5 million people passed through TSA checkpoints at airports across America. On the same date this year, those terminals saw just 826,316 travelers — a nearly 70% drop. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Americans have been thinking twice about air travel, and this holiday, millions of would-be flyers will set out on road trips instead. Road tripping is a great way to avoid contact with a lot of people, but it can also be dangerous, especially in winter weather. Fortunately, you can take several steps to keep your family safe. Getting your car checked before you go, for example, can save you a lot of hassle on the road, as can investing in a set of snow tires. It’s also smart to take precautions such as letting a friend or family member know your route, predicted arrival time, and where you plan to stop for gas along the way.

Apart from that, one of the best things you can do is pack an emergency kit. AAA sells premade kits through outlets like Amazon, and you can find a basic kit with things like jumper cables, ponchos, rope, batteries, pliers, zip ties, and a first-aid kit at pretty much any Walmart or sporting goods store. You could even save a life by adding a few more essentials to your kit, like a blanket, snacks, and an extra cellphone charger. At this point, you’re almost a safety black belt. But to take your kit to the next level for winter driving, there are three more little-known items you should stash in your trunk: a shovel, a bag of sand or cat litter, and an extra bottle of windshield wiper fluid. If you get stuck in a snowbank, the shovel will help you dig your way out without risking frostbitten fingers. The sand or cat litter will boost your traction if you sprinkle it around your wheels in an icy spot, and the extra wiper fluid will make all the difference if you run out during a snowstorm.

Once you’re prepared, crank up the Christmas carols and get driving!

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