Harmonson Law Firm - December 2021

Harmonson Law Firm - December 2021

HARMONSON HEADLINES YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND DECEMBER 2021

Sheri’s mom usually visits us for the holiday, while my mom alternates years between my family and my sister’s (she has a 4-year-old). In my book, my mom is the Christmas Candy Queen; even though my parents are divorced, my dad still asks her to make him fudge and creamy caramels. While the whole family lives in Texas, we’re far away in El Paso, so we usually go see everyone after the holiday is over — my sister in Fort Worth, my brother in Austin, and Sheri’s mom in Leakey. We call it “the tour of Texas!” On Christmas Eve, we attend an evening church service, and like many Texans, we enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner of Mexican food. My dad’s mother used to make great chile rellenos during the holidays. Sometimes I’ll make her sauce, but I’m not the best Mexican food chef, so we usually end up catering tamales and other great Mexican food. I do cook on Christmas day, and since I don’t want to repeat the Thanksgiving meal, I like to make a nice beef dish instead of turkey on Christmas. On Christmas Day itself, we keep things fairly low-key. After presents, I make a big breakfast of eggs, pigs in a blanket, and fruit. If my mom is here, she’ll also make monkey bread. Then we lounge around in our pajamas for the rest of the day, spending time together and generally trying to do as little as possible. We’re cognizant of the fact that our family is fortunate, and there are a lot of families who can’t afford presents or a nice holiday meal. We try to increase our charitable giving this time of year, and the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank is a great cause we always try to support. (You can, too, at ElPasoansFightingHunger.org/donate.) There are also lots of great organizations that will allow you to donate presents to kids who might otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning. CELEBRATING OUR FAMILY’S CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

I recently shared that I was training to run a half-marathon, and that training has finally come to fruition. I completed the run on Nov. 6, and I’m pretty proud of myself! It was a lot of hard work that finally paid off — plus, I lost 12 pounds. Now, it’s time to settle in for the Christmas season and hopefully not gain all of the weight back! Our older two kids, Clayton (16) and Claire (13) outgrew Santa a while ago, but at 3 years old, our youngest, Winn, has started to grasp the concept. It’s so fun to rekindle the tradition, and I look forward to seeing his excitement both on Christmas morning and leading up to it. It will be nice to get back to leaving out cookies for Santa and sprinkling “reindeer food” on the lawn. Clayton and Claire are into it, too, and they’re looking forward to helping give Winn that classic childhood Christmas experience. It’s also a lot of fun for me to see the kids grow up and want to make things special for their little brother. Having those different perspectives in the household is a bit unusual but also really neat.

I hope that you and your family have a blessed holiday season, however you spend it, and whoever you spend it with. Merry Christmas, and happy New Year!

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It’s no secret that in the case of an accident, a pedestrian has more skin in the game. They’re very likely to be injured during a collision with a car, while the driver may suffer no injury at all. But just because the pedestrian has the most to lose in an accident, that doesn’t mean the motorist is automatically at fault. Pedestrians can cause accidents, too. Whenever they are on a roadway, every person in New Mexico — whether on foot, riding a bike, or driving a vehicle — is obligated to exercise a reasonable duty of care. That includes following traffic laws, paying attention to their surroundings, and taking reasonable steps to avoid an accident. If a person’s failure to act with reasonable care causes a collision, they are at fault for the resulting damages and injuries. ‘HEY, I’M WALKIN’ HER Yes, Pedestrians Can Cause Car A

Picture this: You’re flying for a holiday reunion with your family. By the time you leave the airport after arriving at your destination, your stomach is already doing flips, and you haven’t even dug into your favorite family dishes yet. If this situation sounds familiar, here’s how you can keep your gut healthy, no matter where you are this winter. Traveling is stressful — even for your gut. Dr. Shilpa Ravella, a gastroenterologist at NewYork- Presbyterian and Columbia University Medical Center, told Healthline, “Travel can be a hectic time … You may be eating out more and eating new foods in new locations, including more processed foods, and it’s easy to overeat in this setting, placing more stress on your digestive system than at home.” The best solution is to take things slow to avoid overeating. Not only does overeating stretch your stomach, but also “research has found that people who overeat are 10 times more likely to need emergency medical attention for food obstruction,” Dr. Ravella says. Also, even if you wake up at 4 a.m. for your first flight, don’t gulp down coffee all morning. Overconsumption of beverages with lots of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol can irritate your gastrointestinal system, especially if you already have a sensitive stomach.

Of course, it’s possible for more than one person to be careless at the same time. Since New Mexico is a comparative fault state, the amount of compensation an injured pedestrian can receive will be based on whether, or how much, they are to blame for the accident. For example, the court may find that a pedestrian What the Insurance Companies DON’T Want You to Know About YOUR RIGH

Claims was written to with vital information wheeler, work vehicle s to bear in mind that up premiums for their amount that they are E ONE GOAL— HAREHOLDERS.

Instead, drink plenty of water, which can also help alleviate the risk of constipation. If that’s your main concern, keep in mind that Dr. Ravella says a lack of fiber is the main reason for constipation while traveling. An easy way to avoid this is to eat whole-plant foods, even at restaurants.

Injured in a Car Accident? The Insurance Company Is NOT Your Friend.

Written by experienced car accident attorney S. Clark Harmonson, this is a valuable resource with the vital facts you need before talking to the insurance company or hiring a lawyer. In this book, you’ll learn everything insurance companies don’t want you to know, such as: • 12 shady auto insurance company tactics • 10 common myths and

Follow these tips when you need help fast. Dr. Ravella says that over-the-counter medications, such as

g e e e e d s y

antacids, can help your heartburn. If you struggle with mild traveler’s diarrhea, try to keep bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and loperamide (Imodium) in your carry-on, ready at all times. If your symptoms worsen into fever, bloody diarrhea, bloody vomiting, or severe abdominal pain, see a health care provider right away. Lastly, if you really want to be comfortable while traveling, it might be worth trying a magnesium (magnesium bisglycinate chelate) supplement, which has been shown to improve jet lag and promote relaxation and sleep while traveling. Best of luck!

misconceptions about your car accident claim How we hold negligent drivers accountable

“I wrote this book to help you cut through all the confusion surrounding your accident.”

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WITH: 12 Dirty Tricks the Insurance Adjuster Will Use to Wreck Your Claim

• What you need to do immediately after an accident • Top five worst auto insurance companies in Texas

Get your free copy at ClarkHarmonsonAttorney.com or by calling our office at 915.584.8777 .

AR ACCIDENT… ET THIS RIGHT!

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DRUNK DRIVING INCREASES ON HOLIDAYS

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Accidents

was 20% at fault for the accident and the motorist was 80% at fault. In that case, the injured pedestrian is only eligible to receive 80% of the damages caused. There are several factors that can cause a pedestrian to be found partially or entirely responsible for an accident. If a pedestrian runs into traffic on the thruway, that’s a pretty clear-cut case. But any time a pedestrian fails to use crosswalks, disobeys the pedestrian control signs, jaywalks, or walks in the roadway when a sidewalk is available, they can be found at fault for the accident. Alcohol use by either party can also be a major deciding factor in determining who is at fault. With a lot of variables at play, determining who is responsible for a car accident is no easy task. If you were injured by a driver’s negligence while walking, you need an experienced attorney at your side. Don’t try to fight the insurance company on your own — we can help you navigate this confusing and frightening process. Call us today for a free consultation. HTS

Here’s How to Keep Your Family Safe

In 2016, there were almost 1,000 crashes caused by drunk driving in El Paso alone. Intoxicated drivers cause countless injuries every year, and they’re more likely to be out on the road during the holiday season. While you should never get behind the wheel after drinking, unfortunately, you can’t control other people. So, how do you protect your family? Drunk driving increases significantly after 10 p.m. and on particular days like New Year’s Eve and Super Bowl Sunday, so it’s best to stay off the roads during those times, if you can. If you must venture out during heavy traffic times, reduce the chances of an accident with these tips. Stay alert. While you should always focus 100% of your attention on the road when driving, after dark during the holidays is the time to be extra vigilant. Take note of the other drivers around you and their behaviors. Don’t assume you know what another car will do — even if they’re using a turn signal. And make sure you check your mirrors and blind spots regularly so that you know what’s happening on all sides of your vehicle. Give room. If someone appears to be driving erratically — swerving, drifting, failing to use turn signals, or otherwise moving unusually — give them a wide berth. In fact, consider pulling over and letting them pass completely. Pulling over will also give you the time to take note of the license plate and report the suspicious car to the police, which could prevent someone else from being injured. Look twice at intersections. Even most intoxicated drivers can drive in a relatively straight line, so accidents are more likely to occur at intersections. A drunk driver may struggle with making turns, reacting to traffic signals, or judging when it’s safe to move. Take longer than you normally would to assess the situation at a crossroads and ensure other drivers are truly stopping before moving forward. Despite your best efforts, not all accidents can be avoided, so last but not least, always wear your seat belt and ensure everyone in your vehicle does the same. In the event of a collision, the seat belt will reduce the risk of serious injury. Remember to celebrate safely and always drive sober!

Celtic Yule Cupcakes Want to add a traditional twist to your holiday season? Try these Celtic Yule cupcakes — a modern dessert for an ancient celebration.

Inspired by RecipesForAPaganSoul.weebly.com

INGREDIENTS

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2 eggs

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3/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup butter

1 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract Orange zest, to taste

1 1/3 cups raisins 2 tbsp hot water

2/3 cup sugar 1 1/4 cups flour

2 cups powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. 2. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, butter, vanilla, orange zest, and sugar. 3. Add the flour and baking powder, then fold in the milk and raisins. 4. Grease a cupcake tin before pouring the batter into it. 5. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool. 6. In a small bowl, blend the hot water and powdered sugar to create the icing. 7. Ice your cupcakes and serve!

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5505 North Mesa St., Suite 3 • El Paso, TX 79912 WWW.CLARKHARMONSONATTORNEY.COM 915.584.8777

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The Harmonson Family’s Traditions

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Worried About Your Gut HealthWhile Traveling?

Can Pedestrians Be at Fault for a Car Accident?

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Celtic Yule Cupcakes

How to Defend Yourself Against Drunk Drivers

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Decorate Your Gingerbread House Like a Pro

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR GINGERBREAD HOUSE LIKE A PRO Creating a Holiday Masterpiece

One of the most popular holiday traditions has become making and decorating gingerbread houses. The tradition began in Germany in the early 1800s and originated from Grimm’s “Hansel and Gretel.” Some shy away from the idea of making their own gingerbread house, but have no fear — if the Germans did it in the early 1800s, so can you! To simplify things, many gingerbread houses come with baked pieces and a full decorating kit. This helps you have more time for the best part: the actual decorating! Each kit usually comes with fun candy and icing, so you can make something really kick-butt for the holidays!

in place. Alternate between colors or use a variety to make your house really pop.

M&Ms are certainly a must-have for anyone decorating their gingerbread house. Not only are they delicious, but they also make cute little accents all over the house and yard. Mini cookies of your choice may also make a deliciously good-looking roof. Try layering them up for a dimensional look! And, for extra pizazz, strategically place mini candy canes throughout the yard and on either side of the front doors and windows.

Icing will be your best friend. Think of it as the yummy glue that holds everything together while

If you want to get really detailed, try using actual candy bars as fire logs in the fireplace. Just be sure to store your gingerbread house in a cool area so nothing will melt! Whether you prefer a simple gingerbread house or a flashy one, any and ALL candy can be used! Get decorating and be sure to have a bite of candy along the way!

also acting as a colorful trim for your gingerbread house. However, because it’ll keep the house from falling, be sure to use a lot! Spice drops also make for a great trim and “roofing,” just use icing to hold them

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