Harmonson Law Firm - July 2021

Harmonson Law Firm - July 2021

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

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

No matter how hard I try to be “cool” as I get older, becoming a “geek” is inevitable. I try to keep up with some of the latest trends, but even the newest pair of sneakers and recurrent sunglasses purchases can't hide the fact that I am slowly losing it. The realization that I am becoming more of a geek as time passes has become more apparent as my two oldest children are now teenagers. My little girl Claire turned 13 in May, and my son will turn 16 next month. No matter how hard I try, they always find a way to remind me that I am a geek — or worse, a geezer. I bring this up because July 13 is Embrace Your Geekness Day. It’s a day to remind us all that it’s important to embrace the things you “geek out” over. It can be pretty much anything — a hobby, interest, or anything that brings you personal joy. One of our favorite TV shows is “The Goldbergs,” a show dedicated to growing up in the 1980s. For fans of the show, the fact that it is one of my favorite shows is proof of my demise. I identify with the curmudgeonly dad, Murray, who always strips into his underwear immediately upon coming home from work. Although I don't strip down, I immediately put on my comfy pajamas the second I come home from the office every day. I couple those pants with whatever work shirt I happen to be wearing, so the combination is usually an extreme of mismatched plaids. On top of that, I keep the shirt tucked into my pajama pants and complete the look with my wool-lined house slippers. This drives my kids (and Sheri) crazy. One of the benefits of getting older is the fact that I generally don't embarrass easily. I have been known to do yardwork or man the grill (one of my favorite

activities) in my get-up. Growing up, I was always embarrassed when my dad, who never once donned a whistle, wore his tight gray polyester coaching shorts literally everywhere. Now I get it. At the office, I channel my inner geek by frequently experimenting with the firm's technology. I'm a big fan of technology and the positive effects it can have on our processes. One of my favorite podcasts is a lawyer turned consultant named “Ernie The Attorney.” Ernie has great technology tips, and I drive my family mad listening to his weekly podcasts in the car. Some of my technology hacks have given the firm significant improvements, like our use of online virtual assistants to help with word processing and other administrative tasks. A few have been real bombs, like the time I briefly had all of the firm's incoming snail mail forwarded to a company to be scanned and delivered electronically to us. It was a good idea in theory but very cumbersome in actual practice. All jokes aside, what does it really mean to be a geek? A true geek is a person who follows their own heart despite what society dictates. Each of us has our own God-given purpose, gifts, and passions. Life is short. I have learned that lesson over the last two decades helping numerous people whose lives have been irrevocably changed in the blink of an eye. It would be a shame if you and I don't let our true lights shine, even if some people disapprove or don't understand. Like Shakespeare, I say, “To thine own self be true.”

I identify with the curmudgeonly dad, Murray, who always strips into his underwear immediately upon coming home from work. "

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You’ve probably crunched down on a mouthful of bean sprouts in a sandwich or stir-fry, but those delicate white stalks are just one part of the massive, super-healthy sprout family. Almost any seed, bean, nut, or grain can be sprouted, including black beans, broccoli, sunflower seeds, and quinoa! Sprouts offer tons of health benefits, including essential vitamins and minerals, digestion-easing fiber, and age-fighting antioxidants. Sprouts will level up your diet, but they can be expensive and come in non-recyclable plastic containers. To get the benefits without the hit to the wallet or the planet, grow your own with this handy five-step guide. 1. Decide how many types of sprouts you’d like to grow. Then buy your seeds at a local garden center or online at TrueLeafMarket.com or SproutPeople.org. 2. Purchase a seed-sprouting jar kit OR a corresponding number of quart-sized glass canning jars, wide-mouthed canning rings, and stainless-steel sprouting screens (these will replace the metal jar lids). If you have jars and rings at home, use those and save another buck. 3. Add 3 tablespoons of sprouting seeds and 2 cups of water to the bottom of each clean jar. Screw on the lids and sprouting screens, then swirl the seeds, pour out the water, and replace it another 2–4 cups of water. Leave the jars on the counter to soak overnight. (These measurements may vary from seed to seed. Check your seed packaging or ask your local gardening store for guidance.) 4. In the morning, dump out the water and repeat Step 3. Then, place each jar upside down or at an angle (in a bowl or on a stand) and leave it there to fully drain. Toss your sprouts and start over if they start to smell rancid or turn brown. 5. Repeat Step 4 several times a day for 3–5 days, until your seeds sprout. Then, dry the sprouts and store them in the fridge. When it’s time to eat your homegrown sprouts, be careful! Seeds can be contaminated with bacteria, so The Cleveland Clinic recommends boiling, roasting, or steaming your sprouts, just in case. To learn more about growing your own sprouts, pick up “The Sprout Book,” “The Sprouting Book,” or “Homegrown Sprouts” at your local library.

Car accidents are more common than people think because an “accident” includes everything from a fender bender to a major wreck. While getting into an accident is scary, hit-and-run accidents can be the scariest of them all. They leave you shaken, angry, and unsure on what to do next. Normally after an accident, there are a number of important steps to take, like checking on the passengers of the other car involved in the accident and exchanging insurance information with the other driver. However, after a hit-and- run, you have to improvise a bit. Here are five things you should do.

1. Pull over. It may be tempting to chase after the other driver, but the best thing you can do is pull over to safety and make sure that everyone in your car is okay.

2. Call the police. You need to report a car accident. Not only is this an important step for yourself when you need to file a claim, but it can also help in tracking down the fleeing driver if you report the following identifying information to the police: What the Insurance Companies DON’T Want You to Know About YOUR RIGH

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

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

g e e e e d s y

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.”

•

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!

2 • www.ClarkHarmonsonAttorney.com

5 THINGS TO HIT-AND-RUN DO AFTER A

Summer is in full swing and many people are ready to get out of town. A road trip is a great way to explore new places near or far. Whether you’re driving out to the country to enjoy some peace and quiet or heading across the country to see the best of the U.S., you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is in tiptop shape before you embark on your adventure. After all, the only thing worse than running out of your favorite road trip snack with no convenience store in sight is encountering car trouble on what’s supposed to be a fun and relaxing vacation. IS YOUR CAR ROAD-TRIP READY? 5 Things to Check Before You Hit the Open Road

• The vehicle’s make, model, and color • The driver’s appearance • As much of the vehicle’s license plate as you can remember

3. Get medical help. Even if you feel totally fine, a check-up is absolutely crucial after you’ve been in any sort of car accident. It will also demonstrate that you did everything you could to mitigate your personal injury damages in case you have to take the case to court. 4. Document evidence. Take pictures and videos of your vehicle and the environment around you, write down your recollection of the events, and talk to any witnesses who saw what happened. 5. Call your insurance agency. Calling your insurance company can help you find the other driver and is an important step in the insurance claims process. But make sure not to give a recorded or written statement before you’ve talked to your accident attorney. HTS

Here are five easy things you can check before you go.

Check the battery. The battery is what will literally help you get your trip started by powering your car’s motor. Before you leave, pop the hood of your car and check the battery for corrosion or a lose connection. If you see a little corrosion, grab a wire brush and clean it off. If there’s a lot, have your battery checked by a mechanic. You may need a new one. Get a brake inspection. When’s the last time you had your brakes inspected? If you can’t remember, it’s best to take your car in for a quick brake inspection before leaving on a trip. This is especially important if your brakes have been noticeable squeaky or not working well. Top off all the fluids. Every vehicle needs a variety of fluids to function properly. This is a great time to get that oil change you’ve been putting off. And while you’re taking care of that, don’t forget to check the brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Check your tire pressure and tread. If your tire pressure is low or your tread is too worn, your tires can give you problems on your road trip as well as affect your gas mileage. Let a road trip be the reason to finally get those new tires if your tread is low. Review your auto insurance. This is a great time to review your auto policy and make sure you know exactly how you’re covered. Consider adding uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if your policy doesn’t currently include it. Make sure you have all the protection you need before you leave home.

THE BEST TEXAS-STYLE SMOKED BRISKET

INSPIRED BY ALLRECIPES.COM

Impress guests at your next barbecue with this perfectly smoked brisket. Plus, you’ll have plenty of leftovers!

INGREDIENTS

• • • • • •

Wood chips

• • • • • •

1/4 cup chili powder 1/4 cup garlic powder 1/4 cup onion powder

1/4 cup paprika

1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup ground cumin 1/4 cup cayenne pepper 1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup salt

1/4 cup pepper 10 lbs brisket

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bowl, soak wood chips in water overnight. 2. In a large bowl, mix paprika, white sugar, cumin, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Rub spice mixture on the brisket and refrigerate for 24 hours. 4. Preheat smoker to 230 F. Drain wood chips and place them in the smoker. 5. Smoke brisket until it has an internal temperature of 165 F. 6. Remove brisket and wrap it in aluminum foil. 7. Smoke brisket further until it reaches an internal temperature of 185 F.

915.584.8777 • 3

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

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How Do You Embrace Your Inner Geek?

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Save Money and Improve Your Diet by Growing Sprouts at Home

When You’re a Victim of a Hit-and-Run

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The Best Texas-Style Smoked Brisket

Check These 5 Things Before a Road Trip

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Fourth of July Fun Facts to Share With the Kids

You Can Share With Your Kids Fun Facts About the Fourth of July

What do your kids know about the Fourth of July? Do they know it’s a day when you have a barbecue, spend time with friends and neighbors, and watch a fireworks show? These hallmarks of the holiday certainly do make it fun and memorable, but they don’t really exemplify why we celebrate the Fourth of July, the anniversary of when the United States declared its independence from Britain. So, along with the sparklers and hot dogs, here are a few fun facts about Independence Day you can share with your kids to help them understand the significance of the holiday. The Fourth of July marks our country’s independence because it’s when the Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence. This fact might seem like a no-brainer, but it contextualizes the holiday for kids. It’s a great jumping-off point to talk about why the United States wanted to be its own country,

what the Continental Congress was, what the Declaration of Independence said, and what it means to “ratify” something.

Two future presidents signed the Declaration of Independence: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They both died exactly 50 years later, on July 4, 1826. This fact is an interesting coincidence sure to fascinate both kids and adults. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to some of the Founding Fathers and share how they helped shape the United States today. In 1776, the year the United States was founded, only 2.5 million people lived here. Today, the U.S. population is 331 million. Lots of people have been born in the United States since it was founded, and millions more came here from other places, hoping to find a better life. Many succeeded, too. Many people want to call this country home! On the Fourth of July, around 155 million hot dogs are eaten in the United States. Okay, so this fact might not have anything to do with American history, but it’s still pretty funny! If anything, the fact that we have so many hot dogs to eat on that day is evidence of the prosperity so many people enjoy in the United States of America.

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