VanMeveren Law Group - August 2022

VanMeveren Law Group - August 2022

123 North College Ave., Suite 112 Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-495-9741

AUGUST 2022

YOU DON’T ALWAYS NEED US Attorneys’ Biggest Trade Secret:

Have you been injured? You need an attorney TODAY!

But as much as it will enrage many of my colleagues, I’m here to tell you that the ads are wrong. You don’t always need an attorney. Many times, you’ll be fine without one. Some people think that’s irresponsible to say. Meanwhile, others wonder if I might have a screw loose — why would I want to turn away paying business? In truth, I believe my No. 1 commitment as a lawyer is to be ethical and honest with people. And I can’t do that if I’m claiming they need my help for something they can resolve by themselves. “We don’t get paid unless you get paid!” many ads crow. It’s purposely misleading. For a start, an attorney won’t take a case they think they’re likely to lose. Further, when an attorney wins and gets paid, they generally take 30%–40% of the settlement. When an attorney doesn’t add value to a case, people end up with less money than they would have by resolving it themselves. Of course, I wouldn’t have a firm if I turned away every client, and personal injury lawyers have their place. Many accident victims need an attorney to help with their case and maximize its value. The more a case is worth, the harder the insurance company will fight, and the worse their lowball offers will be. An attorney can often win settlements several times larger than a novice in complex and serious injury cases. But those who have only experienced minor property damage or brief medical care probably don’t need us.

people off, and you want to know what you’re doing before accepting a settlement offer. That’s why I wrote “Get It Settled Without an Attorney,” an e-book that walks Colorado residents through the process of resolving their own minor claims. It’s available for download online, and I send at least 10 copies each week to people who have asked me to review their cases. The book provides some guidelines on determining whether you need an attorney or not, but if you’re unsure, we’ll provide a free evaluation and give you our honest opinion. If we don’t believe we can add significant value to your case and would only line our own pockets, we’ll let you know. Remember — a bigger settlement doesn’t mean anything if you go home with a smaller check. The truth is that you can have a case without needing a lawyer. Forgoing an attorney doesn’t mean you weren’t really hurt, and it doesn’t mean your case doesn’t have value. And it certainly doesn’t mean that dealing with the

We’ve all seen the billboards, watched the commercials, and heard the radio advertisements. They’re everywhere. If you Google whether or not you need an attorney, you’ll find dozens, if not hundreds, of attorneys insisting you need a lawyer for even the most minor fender bender. “We’ll help you get the most out of your case!” they say. “Call now!”

insurance companies isn’t frustrating! But as an attorney, I can honestly say you don’t always need me. You can handle more than you think — and even produce a better outcome.

Would you like to read Bryan’s FREE e-book “Get It Settled Without a Lawyer”? Visit VanMeverenLaw.com/ get-it-settled or scan the QR code above to download your copy today!

–Bryan VanMeveren

That’s not to say we expect people to go it completely alone. Insurance companies rip

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Our feathered friends may need a hand when their food sources are scarce or when winter rolls around, which is where bird feeders come in! Making homemade bird feeders is a fun way for you and your family to be creative while learning about birds and other local fauna. You can create a bird feeder in many ways and encourage kids to get crafty! Gather your supplies. Most homemade bird feeders can be made with materials you can find in your own home! Recycled items such as toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, egg cartons, milk jugs, paper plates and bowls, or even pine cones from the yard are perfect building blocks. Whatever you choose to build with, make sure the feeder is accessible to the birds! Cut holes so the birds can peck at the food and craft a place for them to perch on. If you’re hanging the feeder, cut holes for twine and ensure it won’t hang too low. For food, you can use regular bird seed from the store, or you can use items from your own fridge. (As part of the project, take a little time to look online for safe bird food suggestions if you don’t use seed.) You can adhere seeds and pieces of fruit and veggies to the side of the feeder with peanut butter — no glue required! With Homemade Bird Feeders! GET CRAFTY WITH MOTHER NATURE

What Our Clients Are Saying “I was placed at fault for an accident for which I am far from ‘at fault,’ and my vehicle is currently the only one not getting fixed. The other driver and I carried the same insurance, and it was less expensive for the insurance company to deem me at fault than the person who hit me while not paying attention and possibly driving high. “VanMeveren Law Group quickly informed me that they deal with bodily injury, but they still helped me find another law office. Though they weren’t profiting from the case, they got back to me the next day. “If I had a legal issue this group could handle, I’d 100% use them. This is a surprisingly caring office in a world where most people are apathetic.” –Zach B.

Jazz it up! This is where kids can personalize their own bird feeder. Using bird- safe paints (such as oil-based, latex, acrylic, or watercolor), your kids can design their own bird feeders with bright colors or designs that express their personalities or interests. Be sure not to paint the inside of the feeder, as birds may scratch and consume the paint while trying to reach the food. Then all you have left is to find the perfect spot. Try to find a space where you can see the birds but with enough distance so you don’t scare them away. After that, hang it up and watch the flocks come to you! Homemade bird feeders can be a great way to get your kids involved with Mother Nature and teach them how to care for and observe wild animals, all while being good to the environment.

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THE GIFTS OF FATHERHOOD

Attorney Karl Hagar wrote this touching blog post for Father’s Day. Read the unedited version online at VanMeverenLaw.com/blog/2022/06/fatherhood.

Fatherhood is truly the best gift I have ever received. If fly-fishing is my passion, and being a personal injury attorney is my career, then I would describe being a father as my calling. It has changed everything for me in the best possible ways. Even though having a toddler means just about everything is hectic, fast- paced, and unpredictable, I’ve slowed down mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I’ve learned to be much more present and appreciative of each little moment I’m lucky enough to share with my family. “Unconditional” love is a difficult concept to understand, but having children solidified what it means to practice true patience and empathy. Looking at the world through a child’s eyes makes you see things much differently. I have learned so much from my daughter and from being a parent in general. The biggest change I’ve experienced, though, is how I appreciate time. I’ve realized that time is the most valuable asset there is. While some days with toddlers feel long, the weeks and months seem really short and fleeting. Every day that I see my family grow and change is a realization that time is passing much quicker than I would like it to. Before becoming a father, I’m confident that I would have had a different response if asked what my most valuable asset was. As I finish this entry, though, my daughter tugs on my shirt to let me know it’s time to shut my computer and commands, “Dada, play outside.” I know now I am a father first, and everything comes second to that.

TASTY BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN

Fresh tomatoes and basil abound in August, practically begging to become bruschetta! This recipe turns that appetizer into a main dish. Ingredients Directions

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4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

1. Add chicken to a large resealable bag. 2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour over chicken and seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. Turn a grill to medium-high heat and add the chicken. Discard the marinade. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. 4. Combine the remaining lemon juice, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Add salt and pepper, to taste. 5. Before taking the chicken off the grill, top each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook 2–3 minutes, then serve topped with the tomato mixture and grated Parmesan cheese.

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4 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice, divided

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1/4 tsp pepper

1 tsp Italian seasoning 3 tomatoes, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced

TAKE A BREAK

1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

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Salt and pepper, to taste

4 slices mozzarella cheese

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Parmesan cheese, grated

Inspired by Delish.com

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123 North College Ave, Suite 112 Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-495-9741 www.vanmeverenlaw.com

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INSIDE This Issue

Do You Always Need an Attorney? Page 1 Handcraft Homemade Bird Feeders With the Family Our Clients Say It Best Page 2 Attorney Karl Hagar Reflects on Fatherhood Tasty Bruschetta Chicken Page 3 Local Festivals for the Whole Family! Page 4

WITH THESE LOCAL FESTIVALS! Enjoy the Last Days of Summer

Summer will be over before we know it, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy fun in the sun. It’s festival season, and you have no shortage of local options to eat from food trucks, hear live music, and mingle with a crowd. Here are our top local family-friendly picks.

the Loveland Old-Fashioned Corn Roast Festival. There will be a parade, duck race, shucking contest, and — of course — all the corn you and your family can eat. Meanwhile, families can enjoy the

Poudre RiverFest Do you love the beauty of Fort Collins and want to protect the local natural landscapes we all enjoy? If so, the Poudre RiverFest on Aug. 20 is your chance to learn more about the Cache la Poudre River and its critical place in our community. The event takes place at New Belgium Brewing, but despite the beer garden on-hand, this event is still family- friendly. Attendees can enjoy music, food, and kids’ activities, and admission is free. Learn more by visiting Facebook.com/poudreriverfest/about . Old-Fashioned Corn Roast Festival It’s not summer without fresh corn, and there’s no better way to celebrate this summer staple than

kids’ zone while adults take in the beer garden and live music. Taking place only a short drive away on Aug. 26–27, this free event is sure to please everyone. Get the information you need to plan your trip at Facebook.com/ LovelandsCornRoastFestival . Fort Collins Peach Festival If you prefer fruit to veggies, we’ve got you covered with the Fort Collins Peach Festival taking place on Aug. 27 at the Holiday Twin Drive-In. Your family can enjoy pies, cobblers, jams, and other peachy creations, along with the usual festival food, drinks, and music. Tickets are $10, and all proceeds benefit the Rotary Clubs of Northern Colorado. You can purchase your tickets in advance by visiting FortCollinsPeachFestival.com . Better yet, check out the Corn Festival on Friday and the Peach Festival on Saturday to enjoy a weekend full of delicious delights!

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