VanMeveren Law Group December 2018

VanMevern's online newsletter for December 2018

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Construction Ahead

Colorado’s population continues to undergo explosive growth. With an influx of new residents comes an increase in road construction to accommodate them. It seems as if there is road work around every corner. The state’s roadways are in constant need of expansion and repair, and the work zones can, at times, prove highly dangerous. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration notes that work-zone crashes are on the rise across Colorado and the nation as a whole — so much so that the number of crashes that occurred within work zones climbed 43 percent from 2013 to 2015. More than 96,600 crashes took place in the nation’s work zones in 2015 alone. What is it about construction that makes driving in these areas so dangerous? For starters, road work itself presents certain risks, as large trucks, heavy machinery, and the like can be difficult to see or maneuver around. Additionally, some motorists who are used to certain traffic patterns may have a hard time adjusting to detours and changes in their standard routes. While certain elements within work zones make driving through them inherently dangerous, this is particularly true when motorists fail to follow the rules of the road. For example, in 2014, 607 fatal work-zone crashes occurred across the United States, and alcohol was a factor in a quarter of them. Furthermore, speed had a hand in nearly 30 percent of all fatal work-zone crashes that took place in 2014, highlighting the fact that all drivers must slow down and exercise extreme caution when traveling through these construction areas. While you can do your part to enhance safety in work zones by remaining alert and driving carefully, your efforts are limited when others fail to be as

diligent. Still, being proactive and driving defensively can make a difference.

There are accident-avoidance strategies you can exercise to avoid these wrecks and any other kind. In many accident cases, drivers become complacent, and they take their safety for granted. They don’t think about the hazards that exist on just about every road and highway, from dangerous machinery in work zones to other drivers who are simply not paying attention. The inherent dangers of driving create the need to be vigilant about safety at all times. Here are three vital safety tips that drivers often forget: Maintain a Defensive Stance Driving can be frustrating, especially when you’re running late or just want to get to your destination. A slow driver in front of you can make you want to tailgate them or swerve around them quickly in order to continue at your preferred speed. But this kind of behavior is the opposite of defensive driving, and it is exactly what gets a lot of people killed on U.S. roads every year. Try to relax, take a deep breath, and understand that getting to your destination a few minutes faster (if that) isn’t worth the risk — even if you’re running behind. Adopting a cautious stance while driving could save your life. Follow the 12-Second Rule Using this rule helps you keep your eyes forward and alert while navigating through traffic. Always scan ahead to where you will be 12 seconds in the future. This will help you anticipate potential dangers and give you enough time to slow down and avoid them when necessary.

Be Careful at Intersections Intersections are the common sites of many accidents, whether they are caused by red-light runners, distracted drivers, oblivious pedestrians, or vehicles crossing traffic to make a left-hand turn. Always scan the intersection before entering it to be sure there aren’t any potential dangers present. No matter how careful and attentive we are as drivers, we can still suffer injuries in accidents caused by the negligence of others. With more drivers on Colorado roads than ever, and with more construction every day, it’s up to us as individual drivers to be as safe as possible. We can’t count on other drivers to be safe for us.

Here’s to a safe and happy holiday season,

–Bryan VanMeveren

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3Ways to Use Leftover Candy

Sometimes, we get a little too much of the sweet stuff. Between Halloween and New Year’s Day, candy is everywhere. It’s at home, at work, and on store shelves. Then, as the year comes to an end, many people start thinking about eating right and losing weight. When those are your New Year’s resolutions, you have to do something about all the leftover candy so it’s not around come Jan. 1. Here are a few ways to get rid of your leftover candy ASAP. Donate it. While you may have an abundance of sweets, not everyone does. Consider donating wrapped and packaged candy to your local food bank or other nonprofits, including local homeless or women’s shelters. You can also look into donating candy to nearby schools. Many teachers will gladly take candy off your hands to reward students (or themselves) with treats throughout the rest of the school year. Bake with it. Whether you have an excess of candy corn or candy bars, you can bake with your sweet leftovers. The next time you make

chocolate chip cookies, swap out the chocolate chips for candy corn. Or the next time you make brownies, chop up leftover candy bars and add them to the batter. From peanut butter cups to mint patties, there are so many different types of candies that can take traditional baked goods to the next level. Store it. Although not great for you, candy is fine to eat in moderation. A good way to moderate your holiday treat intake is to store your leftover sweets in the freezer. That way, you can pull a little from your supply each month to make sure you aren’t overdoing it. That said, be sure to check the expiration dates on all candy you save.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

As a former employee at VanMeveren LawGroup, I hope I can offer some helpful behind-the-scenes insight.

From our first visit with Bryan VanMeveren, while Shirley was still in rehab, to our first visit at their office with Attorney Jolene Blair and the rest of their staff, things could not have gone better. All medical billing, insurance, and any other concerns about the accident went through their office without worry from us. We feel there was a fast and proper conclusion of our needs from them. We would call on VanMeveren Law Group for any future needs.

This is the lawfirm I recommend tomy friends and family because everyonewhoworks there truly cares about their clients. Mr. VanMeveren is passionate about every case he accepts. He values thewell-being of his clients and hewill go to any length to ensure they are treatedwith the utmost respect and receive the best possible outcome. That is an ethic that is integral to this firm. The attorneys and staff are not only highly trained and the best at what they do, but they share that personal commitment to honoring each and every client. I cannot recommend this lawfirmenough.

–PERSONAL INJURY CLIENT

–LEAH H.

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Giving Back

It’s an unfortunate fact that so many folks in our community go without meals on a regular basis. The Food Bank for Larimer County is a local staple that does everything in its power to ensure no one goes hungry — and they do that through the generosity of our community. VanMeveren Law Group has been a long-time partner and supporter of the Food Bank for Larimer County. This year, our office staff will be volunteering there on Dec. 7.

The Food Bank is always welcoming of volunteers and donations any time of the year, but this help is especially needed during the holidays. For families looking to give back this season, volunteering with the Food Bank is a great way to do just that, or you can simply donate. With multiple locations in Larimer County, it’s easy to both give and receive.

To learn more about the Food Bank for Larimer County, including how you can help, visit FoodBankLarimer.org .

Holiday

Ingredients

• • • •

1 bone-in prime rib (6–7 pounds)

• •

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 cups red wine 4 cups beef stock

Directions

1. 30 minutes before cooking, remove roast from fridge and let sit until it reaches room temperature. 2. Heat oven to 350 F. 3. Make small slits in prime rib and stuff with slices of garlic. Liberally season with salt and pepper. 4. Place a rack inside a roasting pan and roast prime rib for 2 hours, until medium-rare.

5. To make au jus, place roasting pan with drippings from roast over 2 burners on high. Add wine and scrape pan as liquid reduces. Add beef stock and cook until reduced by half. Finally, sprinkle in thyme. 6. Slice roast and serve topped with au jus.

Solution on page 4.

Inspired by Food Network

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What Are You Doing This Winter in Fort Collins?

Downtown Holiday Lights When: Nov. 2 through Feb. 14 Where: Downtown Fort Collins

up with thousands of lights. Enjoy a walk through the twinkling display with a cup of hot chocolate or warm apple cider. The Gardens will be open every day through New Year’s. On weekends throughout the month, the Gardens will be hosting several events, including a visit by Santa, holiday music, and crafting. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Polar Bear Run and Plunge When: Saturday, Jan. 19 Where: Horsetooth Reservoir It’s time to chill out. The Polar Bear Run and Plunge is back and registration is now open. Everyone is invited to jump into Horsetooth Reservoir, or you can join the 5K or 1-miles races — or do a run and plunge! During and after the plunge, plenty of hot chocolate will be available for a quick warmup. You can find a complete schedule, along with the registration link, at FrontRangeFreeze.com/polarbear.

Downtown Fort Collins is aglow with the lights of the season. Plus, throughout December, there are a number of events happening downtown. From Santa’s Workshop (a meet-and-greet with Santa) to Downtown Santa’s Shopping Quest (a Santa-themed scavenger hunt), there is something for everyone. It’s a great time to visit downtown and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays. You can see a full schedule of events at DowntownFortCollins.com/dba-events/ events-calendar. 2018 Garden of Lights When: Dec. 1 through Jan. 1, 5–9 p.m. nightly Where: The Gardens on Spring Creek

Immerse yourself in the season at the Gardens on Spring Creek. Once again, the Gardens are dressed

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