Take a look at our newsletter this month.
www.alexhernandeztriallaw.com 1-888-HDZ-LAW-8
TEXAS TRIAL LAWYERS REVIEW
MAY 2019
SAN ANTONIO | AUSTIN | EDINBURG | HOUSTON | LAREDO | DALLAS | EL PASO | CORPUS CHRISTI
Lessons in Learning
Thank a Teacher This Month
This month, I’m going to recommend doing something that doesn’t happen enough. In honor of National Teachers Day, I encourage you to reach out to some of your old teachers or mentors who have made a positive impact in your life. Educators play such important roles in our lives and are often overworked and underpaid. Trust me when I say that reaching out with even a simple thank-you can mean the world to them. I did this recently with my old junior high teacher, Mr. Spencer. He taught me while I was in Saudi Arabia, and I credit him with helping me become a lifelong learner. You see, Mr. Spencer was all about making class interesting. He had all sorts of props and hands-on learning materials in the classroom, as well as a pet viper. Needless to say, there was never a dull moment in his classes. That may well have been the most important lesson Mr. Spencer taught me. Learning isn’t about memorizing a litany of facts so you can pass a test, and knowledge can’t be measured by a grade-point average. To really learn, you have to be excited by and curious about the wider world. That’s why I decided to seek out Mr. Spencer over Facebook and thank him. When it came to showing his students the joy of learning, he always went the extra mile. Teachers can have an impact beyond what is traditionally thought of as education. Some can become real role models, keeping their students on the straight and narrow during a critical point in their lives. I was lucky enough to have such a mentor during my high school years: Mr. Ward.
Mr. Ward was a French teacher, and I took three classes with him before I graduated. While my ability to speak the language didn’t stick, his lessons about self-discipline and responsibility certainly did. Students have plenty of distractions in high school, and there’s no shortage of opportunities for them to get into trouble. To make matters worse, teens aren’t exactly the best at talking to their parents during these junctures, making teachers like Mr. Ward vitally important. He was always there to listen, and he went out of his way to keep me and other students actively involved in extracurricular activities. As a fellow Christian, Mr. Ward also encouraged me to join Young Life. These activities helped keep me connected to my faith and my morals at a time when I definitely could have swerved away. The ability for teachers to recognize these nonscholastic struggles
and lend a hand where they can is the mark of a true mentor. I’m still friends with Mr. Ward to this day, only now I call him Jim. I’m incredibly lucky to have had such caring teachers in my life. Without the love of learning and self- discipline they taught me, I certainly would not be where I am today. If you have such a teacher or mentor in your life, please consider reaching out to them. Summoning the energy and dedication it takes to make a difference in students’lives takes a deeply held conviction that teaching makes the world a better place. Taking the time to reach out and thank these amazing individuals is the perfect way to show them that conviction was the right one.
Here’s to all the educators,
Alex R. Hernandez Jr.
“Learning isn’t about memorizing a litany of facts so you can pass a test, and knowledge can’t be measured by a grade-point average.”
1-888-HDZ-LAW-8 | 1
With the summer travel season almost here, we’re sure many Texans will be flying out of state to visit relatives or just get away for some R&R. However, one simple mistake could keep you grounded, permanently. If you bring a firearm to a TSA checkpoint, your only summer destination will be the courtroom. A Simple Mistake Can Ruin Summer Vacation Unload Your Bags
You wake up slowly, still groggy from a raucous night out with your friends. As you look around, taking stock of your surroundings, you see the other inhabitants: a desk, your shoes, a penguin … a penguin?! While footage confirms that two young Welshmen stole Dirk the penguin from his SeaWorld Australia home, the men had little memory of the night’s misadventures the next morning — until they saw Dirk waddling around their rented apartment. The night before, after imbibing a hefty amount during their vacation in Australia, the men got the harebrained idea to break into SeaWorld and swim with the dolphins. After getting inside, video footage captured them stripping down to their skivvies and running around the facility — until they spotted the penguin enclosure. “Look at them!” one said. Distracted from their original plan, they made their way to the penguins, grabbed one, and left. Dirk, the 7-year-old fairy penguin (the smallest species of penguin), was bred in captivity and had never left his enclosure. The next morning, realizing what they’d done, the three young men panicked and released Dirk into a nearby canal. But Dirk’s misfortunes weren’t quite over. He was chased out of the canal by what onlookers believe was a shark, only to be chased back in by a surprised dog. Fortunately, concerned passers-by called authorities, and SeaWorld workers came to rescue Dirk and bring him back to his family. Dirk returned unharmed to his partner, Peaches, but his kidnappers weren’t so lucky. Once a Facebook post recounting their misdeeds made its rounds, police traced the crime back to the two Welshmen. They were charged with trespassing, stealing, and keeping a protected animal, and there was no shortage of public shaming as their crime circulated the internet. Taking note of their letter of apology and admissions of guilt and regret, the judge enforced a heavy fine for the crime in lieu of jail time. Charges for kidnapping a protected animal vary from state to state, but the Endangered Species Act ensures perpetrators face harsh penalties, including fines and maximum sentences. The Animal Legal Defense Fund also provides free legal assistance and training to help protect animals from harm. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU STEAL A PROTECTED ANIMAL Animal Theft and Trespassing Don’t Go Unnoticed
‘WHO BRINGS THEIR GUN IN A CARRY-ON?’
In an age when you can’t even bring a standard water bottle through airport security, the idea of attempting to bring a gun though may sound ridiculous, but it happens more often than you’d think. In fact, Texas airports have a higher rate of firearm confiscations than any other state. That’s because many travelers make an innocent but costly mistake.
AN ALL-TOO-COMMON ACCIDENT
Whether for hunting or personal defense, many gun owners will keep their weapons in duffle bags, backpacks, or purses. The trouble arises when you pack the same bag for your vacation (maybe at the last minute) and forget that your firearm is inside. Many people only realize the mistake as airport security is detaining them. That’s why it’s best to always follow the “orange carabiner” rule: When you store a firearm in any bag or suitcase, loop an orange carabiner or similarly bright-colored tag through the handle. This way, you always keep track of which bag is packing heat. Your Best Defense Don’t Let an Uninsured Driver Take Everything FromYou At our law firm, we pride ourselves on helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. However, when the driver who hit you has little to no insurance coverage, the best lawyers on earth couldn’t get you adequate compensation for your injuries. The money simply isn’t there. That’s why every Texas driver should have uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance (UM/UIM).
A VITAL OPTION
Unlike other states, Texas does not require UM/UIM insurance be part of an auto insurance policy. Instead, this coverage is deemed optional, leading many people to leave it out of their policy. But make no mistake: When a driver without insurance leaves you injured and unable to work, UM/UIM coverage may be your only means of financial stability while you recover.
PLAYING THE ODDS
Some people think it’s better to risk driving without UM/UIM coverage in order to save a few dollars on their monthly insurance payments. However, this means every time you get on the road, you are rolling the dice. According to the Insurance Research Council, an estimated 13.3 percent of Texas motorists drive without insurance.
Be careful on your next night out, and please, enjoy wildlife without stealing it!
2 | www.alexhernandeztriallaw.com
TAKE A BREAK
CONSEQUENCES
Bringing a firearm to an airport security checkpoint is a serious offence. You can face up to 120 days in jail as well as TSA fines up to $9,800. You may even be placed on the no-fly list or face civil suits from airport employees. If you wish to bring your firearm(s) to your final destination, you will need to bring your unloaded weapon(s) in a locked container to your airline’s ticket counter and declare them. Travel laws change frequently. For the latest information, visit TSA.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition. If you have been charged with bringing an unsecured firearm to an airport, an expert criminal defense attorney like Alex Hernandez can help. We may not be able to save your summer vacation, but we can work to ensure a simple mistake doesn’t keep you permanently grounded.
CHIPOTLE BLACK BEAN BURGERS
Inspired by ArisMenu.com
These vegan, gluten-free chipotle black bean burgers are so full of flavor they will knock the socks off any meat burger!
INGREDIENTS
•
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped
• • • • • • •
2 teaspoons cumin
1 pinch salt
•
1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 handful fresh cilantro
• •
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon Sriracha
2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
This doesn’t include all those who are underinsured or take into account out-of-state drivers. One in four of our neighbors in Oklahoma drive without insurance, which is the highest rate in the country. Adding UM/UIM coverage to your policy is definitely worth looking into before the summer road-trip season.
DIRECTIONS
1. Place half the black beans, onion, and garlic in your food processor. Blend for 20–30 seconds until combined. Add chipotle, cumin, salt, cornstarch, cilantro, and Sriracha. Blend for another 10–20 seconds. 2. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Stir in oats and remaining black beans. 3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Form mixture into patties and carefully transfer to skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until bottom is browned and set. Very carefully flip and cook for an additional 4–6 minutes until opposite side is browned and set as well. 4. Serve immediately, or store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
DEFENDING YOURSELF
When you’re struck by someone driving without insurance, there’s not much a personal injury lawyer can do for you. Odds are, the negligent motorist doesn’t have the means to pay for your injuries, considering they couldn’t afford a policy. These situations are incredibly tough for our expert personal injury team, and it’s one of the few situations where we can do very little to help. When it comes to underinsured or uninsured motorists, you need to take a proactive approach.
1-888-HDZ-LAW-8 | 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
www.alexhernandeztriallaw.com
1-888-HDZ-LAW-8
921 N. Chaparral Suite 100 Corpus Christi, TX 78401
INSIDE
1. Here’s to the Teachers
2. The Price You Pay for Stealing a Penguin
2. Traveling With a Gun? Think Again
2. An Uninsured Driver Could Hurt You and Your Bank Account
3. Black Bean Burgers
4. How to Celebrate Indulgent May Holidays
May’s Food-Related Holidays Are a Thing of Beauty HOWTO FIND SUCCESS IN A MONTHOF EXCESS
NATIONAL HAMBURGER DAY Tuesday, May 28 As if one day wasn’t enough, it turns out that the entire month of May is recognized as National Hamburger Month! Meat lovers rejoice as patties of heavenly beef are passed around the table for all to enjoy. There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate this patriotic pastime. From grilling out with the neighbors to making sliders for your new love interest, there’s a little something for everyone, especially considering the advances we’ve made in burger technology in recent years. If meat isn’t your thing, throw a veggie or tofu burger on the grill and season it to mouth-watering perfection. We won’t tell the beef purists if you don’t.
Set the diets aside and poke another notch or two in your belt because May isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to sweet and savory holiday regrets. From National Hoagie Day and National Pizza Party Day to the holidays that really spell it out for you, like International No Diet Day and National Eat What You Want Day, we’re all looking forward to an excuse to let our stomachs hang low this month. For those of you who plan on partaking, let’s take a look at the best junk food-related holidays this month and how to celebrate them! Gather your friends and family around the table and dust off Grandma’s old recipes, because it’s time to treat yourself to the most American thing since, well, itself. National Apple Pie Day is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones while baking the most traditional American dessert. Make the process a game by pairing off into teams for a bake-off; you can even pit the kids against the adults — with a little supervision of course. If you’re feeling a little lazy, throw an apple pie potluck and watch your store-bought delight steal the show as your audience praises your craftsmanship and attention to detail — just how Sara Lee taught you. NATIONAL APPLE PIE DAY Monday, May 13
Eat up, everybody. Happy holidays.
4 | www.alexhernandeztriallaw.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker