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SEPT/OCT 2025
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Learning, Leading, and Living This Summer LESSONS THAT TRAVEL HOME WITH ME
Well, folks, it’s that time again — football season is back! Whether you’re an NFL diehard or bleed your college team’s colors, there’s something about the kickoff of fall that brings excitement. I’ve always rooted for the Cowboys, even though — let’s be honest — they’ve made it their mission to let me down every season since the glory days of the ‘90s. I remember when Emmitt, Aikman, and Irvin were kings of the world, and we all believed a dynasty would last forever. Maybe this year’ll be different … though, I won’t hold my breath. Growing up in a small Texas town, football was the heartbeat of Friday nights. I gave the game a shot myself in eighth grade and quickly realized I was better suited for the bleachers than the backfield. But those Friday nights in high school — travelin’ to away games, the buzz in the air, the whole town showing up — that’s a memory I’ll always hold close. Now, shifting gears from pigskins to parchment, let’s talk about something a little more serious. Sept. 17 is Constitution Day, a moment to reflect on the living, breathing document that governs our country. Thomas Jefferson once called our democracy an “experiment,” and it’s true — we’re still learning, growing, and refining what freedom really looks like. One amendment that means the world to me both professionally and personally is the Seventh Amendment. It guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases. At our firm, we fight for that right every single day. Although most of our cases don’t make it to trial, the threat of trial gives our clients leverage. Insurance companies don’t hand out fair settlements out of the kindness of their hearts. Some cases settle the day before trial. Some settle during trial. Without that jury threat hangin’ over their heads, our clients would be left at the mercy of lowball offers and corporate indifference. The Seventh Amendment gives regular people like you and me a fighting chance against Goliaths.
came from, and let me tell you, she’s come a long way. Still a little skittish after six years, but she’s part of the family now.
There’s one story I’ll never forget. Just a couple of days after we got her, she escaped. We were living in North Arlington at the time, and after a 48-hour search and prayers from every corner of the internet, we got a tip she was spotted in Bedford, over 8 miles away … across busy streets and even Highway 183. But she made it. And that journey sealed the deal. Derby was meant to be ours. So, whether you’re hollerin’ at the TV on Sundays, celebrating our constitutional freedoms, or cuddling a rescue pup this fall, there’s much to be grateful for this season. Here’s to another season of cheering for your favorite college or pro team. And yes, I’ll be rootin’ for the Cowboys, even though they’ll probably let me down again.
–Matt Aulsbrook
And lastly, October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Now, if you’ve followed us for a while, you know we’ve got a soft spot for pups. Alison and I have fostered for years, working with Doodle Rock Rescue and Great Pyrenees Rescue, and we’re proud “foster fails” thanks to our girl, Derby. When we got Derby, she was a year old and had spent her whole life inside a crate at a puppy mill in Kentucky. She was covered in mats, urine, and feces — completely broken and scared. We named her Derby for where she
A referral is the greatest compliment you could ever give us! If you know someone in need of our services, we are eager to help. Please pass this newsletter along and tell them to call 817.775.5364 or visit TheTexasLawDog.com/contact-us . Thank you!
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UNSAFE TRUCKS, UNFAIR INJURIES
After a long week of work, many Americans relax, participate in their hobbies, and try to avoid increased responsibilities during the weekend. While this can be beneficial for your mental health, have you ever felt like your week was off to a rough start as soon as Monday rolled around? There’s nothing wrong with relaxing on the weekend, but putting aside your responsibilities for a few days can put you behind the eight ball. You don’t need to set aside your Sunday to deep-clean the house from top to bottom, but adding beneficial habits to the final day of the weekend can ensure every week starts on the right foot. Declutter Decluttering and clearing your space will directly impact your mental state. This can be an overwhelming task at times, especially if you have a house full of kids, but you can make it manageable by keeping up with it every week. It might be easier once the kids go to bed, but take a few minutes every Sunday to walk through your house and pick up any items off the floor, on furniture, and anywhere else they may be lying. NO MORE MANIC MONDAYS SUNDAY HABITS THAT SET YOU UP FOR THE WEEK
How Regulation Violations Impact Your Claim
Commercial trucking is a highly regulated industry, and for good reason. Large semitrucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when they’re involved in an accident, the consequences are rarely minor. That’s why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) enforce strict rules to reduce the risk of accidents. When trucking companies or drivers violate these rules, they put others at risk and may also open themselves up to legal liability. FMCSA and TxDOT regulations cover everything from the number of hours a driver can be on the road to how often trucks must be inspected and maintained. They also have rules about driver qualifications, cargo loading procedures, and the use of alcohol and controlled substances. These federal and state requirements are designed to keep both truckers and other drivers safe. If you are injured in a commercial truck accident, showing that the driver or trucking company violated FMCSA and TxDOT regulations can strengthen your case. For example, if a driver exceeded their allowable hours and fell asleep at the wheel, that’s a clear violation. Likewise, if a company failed to repair worn brakes or ignored load restrictions, those facts could point to negligence. In many cases, federal and state violations create a presumption that the trucking company failed in its duty of care. This can shift the burden toward the defense and help injured victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. But proving these violations takes work. It often requires access to records, logs, inspection reports, and sometimes the expertise of an accident reconstruction specialist. Truck accident claims are complex, especially when federal and state safety violations are involved. If you’ve been hurt in a crash with a commercial vehicle, working with a law firm that understands Texas personal injury law and FMCSA regulations is essential. At Aulsbrook Law Firm, we can help you investigate what happened, preserve key evidence, and hold the right people accountable.
Plan Ahead Nothing will better prepare you for the week ahead than planning. Look through your work schedule and your kids’ calendars to make sure you’re aware of upcoming events, games, or practices. You could also consider meal prepping if the upcoming week looks busier
than usual. To take it a step further, prepack your kids’ lunches, lay out clothes for the workweek, and write down additional responsibilities you’ll have throughout the week.
Light Cleaning As stated earlier, you don’t need to deep-clean every week, but your home will look much better if you establish weekly light cleaning behaviors. Wipe down the surfaces in your kitchen, clean the windows, and give your floor some love by mopping, vacuuming, or sweeping. If you have the time and energy, consider doing a load of laundry or two. These little tasks will add up, making your house consistently sparkle.
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TROUBLE IN THE PARKING LOT THE OVERLOOKED DANGER ZONE
They’re probably not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about safety issues, but parking lots can be deceptively dangerous. Despite the low speeds, they’re home to thousands of accidents every year. The National Safety Council (NCS) estimates that over 50,000 crashes happen in parking lots annually, and those account for approximately 60,000 injuries and 500 deaths. That might not sound like much compared to highway stats, but the injuries are often worse than you’d expect, especially when pedestrians are involved. Part of the issue is how people behave when they pull off the road into a lot. Drivers quickly get distracted looking for empty spaces, checking their phones, or easing into conversations with passengers. According to NCS estimates, as many as 2 in 3 drivers are distracted while driving into parking lots and garages. But distracted driving isn’t the only issue. Some drivers reverse without looking. Others assume they have the right of way just because they’re moving, which isn’t always true in Texas. Parking lot liability often comes down to signage, direction of travel, or who was moving.
And it’s not just drivers who are at risk. Pedestrians, especially kids, can be hard to see behind trucks and SUVs. Slow-speed accidents might not seem like a big deal, but they can lead to concussions, broken bones, or worse. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of these injuries happen during school drop-offs, sporting events, or busy shopping weekends when people are in a rush and not paying as much attention as they should. Poorly maintained lots make things worse. Dim lighting, faded lanes, lack of clear signage, and failure to fix known hazards like potholes can all contribute to injury. These factors may create a premises liability claim. If you’ve been injured in a parking lot accident, don’t try to handle it alone. These cases can be complicated, and blame isn’t always clear. Our experienced team at Aulsbrook Law Firm will investigate, gather the proper evidence, and ensure your story is heard. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Texas-Size LAUGHS
Creamy Cauliflower Soup Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, plus more • 1 medium red onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced • 4 cups vegetable broth • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley, chives, or green onions for garnish
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. On a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, toss cauliflower with 2 tbsp olive oil. 3. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer, sprinkle with a little salt, and bake 25–35 minutes until tender. 4. In a soup pot, heat remaining olive oil and cook onion and 1/4 tsp salt until soft. 5. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then add broth. 6. Add all but 4 cauliflower florets to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes. 7. Transfer mixture to a blender, add butter, and blend until smooth. Then blend in lemon juice and nutmeg. 8. Garnish with cauliflower florets and serve. Add parsley, onion, and chives as desired.
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CLIENT MEME
WWW.THETEXASLAWDOG.COM 817.775.5364 424 E. LAMAR BLVD. #200 ARLINGTON, TX 76011
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE 1
Remembering What Counts This Fall
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Turn Lazy Sundays Into Your Productivity Power Hour When Trucking Companies Break the Rules
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The Hidden Risks of Parking Lots Creamy Cauliflower Soup
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Let the Kids Take Over (Sort Of)
Cases We Handle: • Personal Injury • Wrongful Death
• Car Wreck • Truck Wreck
‘YES DAY’ MAGIC LET YOUR KIDS RUN THE SHOW (WITH A FEW RULES!)
Start with clear guidelines. Before the big day, sit down as a family and lay out the ground rules. Think of them as your Yes Day boundaries — they keep things fun and manageable. Common ones include:
Imagine a day when your kids get to call the shots. Ice cream for breakfast? Sure. Pajamas all day? Why not. That’s the magic of a “Yes Day” — a full 24 hours where the answer to (almost) every request is a “YES!” It’s a chance to say goodbye to the daily “No, no, no!” and “Maybe later” and embrace spontaneity, laughter, and connection. But let’s be real: Without a few guidelines, a Yes Day would spiral into pure chaos. That’s why setting a few ground rules ahead of time can turn this fun tradition into a memory-making success for everyone.
many kids don’t ask for wild, expensive things. They just want uninterrupted time with their parents, whether it’s building a fort, going to the park, or baking cookies together. Keep it simple and satisfying. A successful Yes Day doesn’t have to break the bank or wear everyone out. The joy comes from the freedom to choose and the feeling of being heard. You can cap the day with a movie marathon, a backyard campout, or letting your kids pick dinner (yes, even if it’s cereal and snacks). Make it a tradition. Yes Days are more than a treat; they’re a relationship builder. When kids feel seen and empowered, it deepens trust and creates moments you’ll all remember. So, go ahead! Pick a day, set some ground rules, and get ready to say “yes” to the joy that only comes when you let go.
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The requests must be safe.
Everything must stay within budget.
All activities need to happen locally (or within a certain radius). Everyone has to participate (no solo fun unless it’s reasonable).
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This sets the tone for creative, collaborative planning while avoiding unreasonable asks like “Let’s fly to Paris!” Let the kids take the lead. One of the best parts of a Yes Day is watching your kids light up as they brainstorm what they want to do. Encourage them to write down a list of ideas in advance. You might be surprised —
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