Harmonson Law Firm - March 2021

Harmonson Law Firm - March 2021

HARMONSON HEADLINES YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND MARCH 2021 The WomenWho Inspire Me

many mothers, my mom deftly balanced work and home life during her working career. In addition to impacting our family, she made a big impact in the lives of so many young Texans working for the State of Texas as the statewide Youth Tobacco Prevention manager. I’m so glad she lives near us in El Paso and can spend almost every evening with us, quietly shaping my kids in the same way she shaped me. I’m also inspired by my younger sister, Celeste Harmonson Durham, M.D. Celeste is the most determined woman I know. From about age 12, she knew she was going to be a dermatologist, no matter what. And she put herself on that path, though there were many roadblocks along the way. There was the surprise when she didn’t get into medical school despite graduating top of her class from Texas Tech University. Then, she had to undertake additional fellowships just to get into the dermatology program. She worked past that and now has a thriving practice in Fort Worth, and she’s even taking on a leadership role in her practice group all while raising a precious little 3-year-old, my niece Cora. My wife, Sheri, inspires me every day with her keen ability to manage our family and keep us all on track — all while working at the law firm! She’s always juggling 12 different things and doing it with grace. Probably her most difficult task is keeping me on the right path. As you may or may not know, I can be a lot to handle. To her and to all mothers, you have a special place in my heart and my utmost

respect because you really are the backbone of the family.

It’s no accident that our office is staffed entirely by women. I get a lot out of working with these wonderful women and mothers. Not only are they professional and diligent, but they also bring a level of care and compassion that’s hard to beat. First, we have Hadley, who is the smartest, most dedicated lawyer I know. Plus, she has raised a great son who is destined for greatness too. He recently got into prestigious Northwestern University and is working hard as a freshman. We also have Rosie, who always brings her unwavering faith along with care for us and our clients. Her love and support for her children is just as inspiring. We also have Beverly, a mom to three young children who brings a high level of energy to our office and to our clients every day. Beverly has been with us for over two years and has grown from answering the phones to her recent promotion to our client care specialist. Last but not least is Rosie’s daughter, Samantha, who quietly keeps all of our client files organized. Truth be told, I could go on and on about the women who inspire me. This month, think about the women who inspire you — and if you can, let them know just how much of an impact they have made in your life.

March is Women’s History Month, and looking back on the last few months, it’s fair to say that women’s history is being made right before our eyes. Vice President Kamala Harris is the prime example — it’s hard not to be inspired by what she’s accomplished, regardless of your political affiliation. She is a lawyer extraordinaire and was the first woman district attorney in San Francisco. She was then the first woman attorney general of California, and now she’s the first woman vice president of the United States. As a woman of color who came from humble beginnings, she is the embodiment of the American dream, and I am proud to call her Madame Vice President. Of course, while Vice President Harris is making history and inspiring many across the country, I find that I’m most inspired by the women around me. My mother, Penny Harmonson, comes to mind first. Her biggest lessons were all about unconditional love, kindness, and compassion for everyone, and she was the first woman to really inspire me. Like so

915.584.8777 • 1

YOUR INSURANCE, YOU WILL YOUR INSURANCE GO UP AFTER YOUR

In this fast-paced world, it can be easy to grow impatient. Things as small as waiting for a slow website to load or waiting in a long line for coffee can sometimes leave people feeling frustrated and anxious. Practicing patience helps reduce stress and helps you realize it's okay if something takes a few extra minutes. If you find yourself feeling impatient, here are a few helpful tips. Breathe Deeply When you feel stressed, your breathing gets shallow, which amplifies anxiety. Practicing deep breathing can help reduce stress and frustration by relaxing your body and mind. This is as simple as taking a few quiet moments to inhale through the nose, drawing your breath into the belly and lungs. Count to four to help you focus as you inhale. Then exhale slowly through your mouth. After a few repetitions, you will find that your mind and body feel calmer. Switch Focus When agitated, it’s common for our thoughts to center on the irritant. Though it may feel difficult to do when you’re stressed out, switching your focus will help you calm down and be more patient. For instance, if you find yourself growing more and more frustrated by hitting red lights as you drive, try focusing on green instead. Looking for passing cars, signs, trees, or anything that is green will help break that hyper-focus and shift it from negative to positive. Soon, those red lights will be less bothersome. Meditate A great way to increase your patience is by meditating, a combination of the first two tips — focus and breathing. Meditation helps people constructively manage thoughts by allowing them to practice observing their thoughts from a neutral perspective. Regular meditation can reduce stress and improve patience throughout the day. Even just 5–10 minutes of daily practice can have a tremendous impact over time. Practice Acceptance While the above tips can help you improve your patience, sometimes you must simply accept that some things can’t be rushed. There will be times when we cannot control the outcome: A red light will change to green when it changes and no sooner. Learning to accept that can help people let go of their frustration, become more understanding of their situation, and greatly improve their patience.

You’re probably used to your kid messing up now and then: breaking the nice china, tracking mud into the house, or forgetting to feed the dog. But now that your kid isn’t so little anymore, they can get into some serious trouble — including car accidents. If they’re involved in an accident, you have to deal with mechanical and legal consequences. Plus, there's the age-old question: Will my insurance go up? Generally, the answer is yes.

The first thing you need to know is that you are not necessarily liable.

Under Texas law, you’re not held personally liable for your child’s negligence. If your teen is at-fault for the accident, that doesn’t mean you’ll be held legally responsible or that it will affect your driving record. However, if other people involved in the accident prove that you negligently entrusted your vehicle to your child, you might be liable for a negligent entrustment suit. For example, you might be liable for causing the accident if you knew:

• What the Insurance Companies DON’T Want You to Know About YOUR RIGH Your teen didn’t have a license.

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.

• •

Your teen had a history of reckless driving. Your teen was under the influence at the time.

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

UR TEEN, AND YOU TEEN GETS IN AN ACCIDENT?

This outcome is much less common and, more often than not, your child will be liable, not you.

Every day, our vehicles take a beating on the road, in the garage, and in the driveway. There are countless environmental and mechanical issues that can affect our cars, trucks, and SUVs over long periods of time. Because they take time to appear, they’re easy to forget about — until a problem arises. Sometimes, problems make themselves known while we’re out and about, and they can easily cascade into much bigger problems, including costly mechanical failures and accidents. Here are three things that are easy to forget about. Battery Corrosion Battery corrosion reduces the life of the battery and may even prevent you from starting your car. However, it’s easy to identify and fix. Pop the hood to check the battery at least once a month for a routine check. If the battery, terminals, and cables look clean, you’re good to go. If they show rust or have taken on a white or blue powdery look, they need to be cleaned. If the corrosion is extensive, the battery or terminals may need to be replaced. Headlight Fogging While headlight fogging isn’t usually a big deal in the short term, it can cause long-term problems. Eventually, you may notice a permanent fog or discoloration in or on the headlight casing. As this film builds, it reduces headlights output, which can be dangerous at night or in inclement weather, increasing chances of an accident. Clean the headlight every six months to a year. This may require you to take the headlight casing off. Cleaning kits are available online and in automotive stores. There are many DIY options online as well. TIME TAKES ITS TOLL Car Wear and Tear That Adds Up

Unfortunately, your insurance will probably go up.

If your child is included on your car insurance plan, their accident could cause your insurer to raise your rates the next time your policy is renewed. Sometimes car accidents result in insurance hikes as high as 50%. Of course, specific consequences will vary with your insurance company.

If it happens again, you might have more problems down the road.

Thankfully, high rates don’t last forever. Assuming your child doesn’t get into any more trouble on the road, your rates should return to normal within six months to three years. If your teen develops a pattern of fender benders, your insurance company may classify them as an “at-risk” driver and charge you astronomical premium rates. You may also be liable in Texas for negligent entrustment if your teen gets into another accident.

HTS

ENGLISH GROUND BEEF PASTIES

INSPIRED BY ALLRECIPES.COM

INGREDIENTS

• • • •

3/4 lb ground beef

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1 tsp dried parsley

1 medium onion, diced

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1/4 cup beef broth (as needed)

2 sheets store-bought puff pastry dough

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, and potatoes. 3. Roll out the pastry dough into roughly 10-inch circles or squares. 4. Spoon 1/2 of the beef mixture onto each sheet of dough, then top the mixture with parsley, salt, and pepper. 5. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching each pasty shut and tucking in both ends. 6. Transfer the pasties to the prepared baking sheet, then cut several small slits in each pasty for ventilation. Bake for 45 minutes. 7. Remove the pasties from the oven and reduce the heat to 350 F. Spoon 1 tsp beef broth into each slit, then bake for an additional 15 minutes. 8. Serve and enjoy!

Tire Wear Your driving habits have a direct impact on tire wear. Driving fast around corners and curves or driving on rough roads could speed up the process. If you adjust your driving habits, drive slower, and avoid potholes and deteriorating roads, you will get more out of your tires. It’s also important to rotate your tires roughly every six months. Tires lacking in tread don’t offer traction — especially in wet weather — and if they wear down too much, they may rupture while driving, which can have serious consequences.

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

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Women’s History Month — Who Inspires You?

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How to Be More Patient and Less Stressed

Will Your Insurance Go Up After Your Teen Gets in an Accident?

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English Ground Beef Pasties

Car Wear & Tear That’s Easy to Forget About

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AMatch Made in Cornmeal Batter Heaven

Corn Dogs and Basketball

An American Tradition

“holiday” began in March 1992 when two Corvallis, Oregon, high school students needed a snack while watching a basketball game. They got some corn dogs and called it good. But somehow, this simple snack and sport pairing turned into something huge. In fact, eating corn dogs while watching March Madness caught on like wildfire — and the teens didn’t even have Instagram to promote it! Though it’s not clear how, it spread across Oregon and eventually the rest of the country. It’s likely that people just heard about it from friends and family and thought it was a great idea. The corn dog, like basketball, is an American creation. In the 1920s, the creators toyed around with the idea of fried foods on a stick. They battered and fried everything from cheese to bananas, but it was the battered sausages that really stood out, and

the corn dog was born. By the 1940s, the convenient creation had popped up at state fairs and drive-in restaurants all over the country. In 2012, in honor of the original Corn Dog Day, the then-governor of Oregon issued an official proclamation naming March 17 National Corn Dog Day in the state. Several companies jumped on the bandwagon as well, including Foster Farms (a maker of frozen corn dogs, among many other meat products) and the Pabst Brewing Company. While it’s not an “official” national day recognized by the U.S. Congress, it’s celebrated with thousands of events every March. And it’s grown beyond its U.S. roots. An article printed in The Oregonian in 2009 revealed that National Corn Dog Day parties have been celebrated on nearly every continent — including Antarctica!

It’s no coincidence that National Corn Dog Day is March 20 — the third Saturday of the month. This day is traditionally the first Saturday of March Madness, otherwise known as the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship. But wait. What do corn dogs and a basketball tournament have to do with one another?

Turns out, National Corn Dog Day has everything to do with March Madness. The

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