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LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 September 2025
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
Start With Gratitude, End With Growth
September’s Winning Combo
September is a month of new beginnings. The kids head back to school, the air starts to cool a bit here in Florida (or maybe we’ll have to wait for October), and routines find their rhythm again. It’s also Self-Improvement Month, and tucked right in there, too, is National Positive Thinking Day on Sept. 13. Coincidence? Maybe. But if you ask me, positivity and self-improvement go hand in hand like coffee and early mornings. One fuels the other. Staying positive is honestly one of the most important things you can do, not just to live a happy life, but to create success, overcome obstacles, and block out all the noise and garbage surrounding us. You scroll through your phone, turn on the news, even walk into a room sometimes, and it’s just negative energy everywhere. It’s so easy to get sucked into that. I’ve seen it happen, and I’ve felt it, too. But what’s helped me is stepping back and choosing not to let it in. That’s something I’ve been working on for the last few years. Just separating myself from it all: social media, politics, the arguing, the fear, the outrage. Because when you let that stuff consume you, it’s not just emotionally exhausting; it’s physically harmful. The stress creeps in and leads to inflammation, and that’s what invites disease, even cancer, into our lives. So, for me, the way out is simple: Stay positive even if it’s just once a day. First thing in the morning or before bed, just think of one good thing: your kids, spouse, health, or the project that’s finally coming together. And honestly, that kind of daily positivity pairs perfectly with gratitude. Just saying “thank you” to the universe, yourself, and the people around you shifts your energy.
bed, we’ve been up with her three times a night, and we haven’t had a full night’s sleep in roughly three weeks. So, yeah, we’re definitely in that phase of learning-as-we-go.) Or maybe it’s about becoming a better partner or a stronger leader for your team. Lately, it’s been about optimizing my health. I started using one of those continuous glucose monitors, and let me tell you: It’s eye- opening. You eat a cookie, and boom, your blood sugar spikes like crazy. But now I know, and that knowledge helps me make better choices. It’s small stuff, but it adds up. That’s self-improvement. The neat thing is that when you’re taking care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally, it’s easier to stay positive. You feel better, think more clearly, and show up with energy and intention for your family, your team, and your goals. So, really, it’s all tied together. If you want to be a more positive person, start by improving yourself. If you want to grow and evolve, begin by being kind to your mind.
Now, let’s talk self-improvement because it’s all connected.
This month, focus on being the best version of yourself, one deep breath, healthy habit, and positive thought at a time. That’s how real change happens, and you’re already on your way. -Louis Bernardo Berk
Think of it this way: Just like your car needs gas to run, or an oil change to keep from breaking down, you need to fuel yourself, too. If you’re not growing, you’re stuck. And who wants that? Self-improvement can look like a lot of things. It could be reading books to become a better parent. (Seriously, we’re in the thick of it right now. Ever since our toddler graduated to her “big girl”
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Insurance After Impact
What to Say, Do, and Avoid After an Accident
Nobody leaves their home intending to get into a car accident, but thousands of collisions still happen every day. They happen when people drive to work, pick up the kids from school, travel across the country on vacation, and in almost any other driving situation you can imagine. Statistics show that most Americans experience 3–4 accidents in their lives, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we know what to do immediately after the event. This can be especially daunting and stressful for young or new drivers. The aftermath of an accident can be complicated, partly because of insurance companies. Regardless of whether you’re at fault or another driver is to blame, you must report the accident to your insurance company and maybe even the other party’s insurance to get everything straightened out. If it’s been a while since you last reviewed your policy, set aside time to review it. Familiarize yourself with important terms and understand your policy to the best of your ability. Awareness of your coverage will help when dealing with an adjuster. Let’s walk through what you should do immediately after an accident and how to set yourself up for success when dealing with insurance companies. Document as much as you can. After an accident, you must do everything possible to protect yourself. Even if the other driver was obviously at fault, you never know what they will claim when talking to the police or their insurance carrier. Take pictures or record videos of the accident scene, any vehicles involved, and visible injuries. After speaking with police officers, request a copy of their report, which may include information stating who was at fault. If you need to see a medical professional, then obtain records of any treatment, prescriptions, or doctor’s visits for injuries from the accident. Lastly, gather contact information for any witnesses to the accident
if possible. All of this documentation will serve as evidence should insurance push back.
Watch what you say. You’ll often hear attorneys say you should be very careful when speaking with law enforcement to ensure you don’t admit guilt or say something that lands you in trouble. They’re not the only group you need to be cautious of when expressing your thoughts. You’ll likely have to speak with an insurance adjuster whose sole job is to minimize the amount the insurance company pays on claims. It’s vital that you don’t speculate or admit fault when speaking with an adjuster. Anything you say on this call could affect your potential compensation. Cooperate as much as you can, but avoid giving a recorded statement until you know the full extent of your injuries. Another thing to remember is that the insurance company will likely try to settle this matter quickly. Their initial offer may be tempting, but don’t jump the gun. Wait until you know the full extent of your injuries and the situation before accepting their offer, or else you could receive less compensation than you need. Know when to turn to legal help. Not every car accident will require legal counsel or involvement. Ideally, you won’t suffer a severe injury or deal with an uncooperative insurance company. If you aren’t so lucky, you should hire a lawyer to represent you and fight for your rights. There’s a good chance the insurance company will take your claim more seriously once it realizes you have legal representation. An attorney can provide guidance and advice regarding communication and signing documents. Your lawyer should be able to break down the terms of any document your insurance company sends. Even if things go your way initially, you may need to stay on top of your own or the other party’s insurance carrier to ensure they don’t drag their feet. Follow up regularly to ensure your claim continues to move forward!
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When You Lose Your Cool, Find Your Courage
TAKE A BREAK
Strong Parents Say I’m Sorry
Parenting is one of the most challenging responsibilities anyone can undertake. A parent must be a strong role model, providing guidance, structure, and support. However, everyone still makes mistakes even with the best intentions and dedicated effort. Sometimes, you might take it too far and get mad at your kids for something that isn’t their fault or isn’t a big deal. Nobody is perfect, but how you respond to mistakes shows your true character. In today’s society, apologizing is considered a sign of weakness when in reality, it’s one of the most efficient and effective ways to take responsibility for your actions. All parents have experienced a moment when their children did something that upset them and responded in a manner that leads to a guilty conscience a few hours later. You don’t have to let those feelings fester. Instead, apologize for how you reacted. By reaching out and acknowledging your mistakes, you’re building trust with your children, fostering a healthy relationship, and teaching them the importance of accountability. Apologizing to your children isn’t as simple as giving a half-hearted “I’m sorry.” Start by showing empathy and recognizing their hurt feelings. They may feel scared or upset that you were mad at them or believed they did something wrong, and it’s perfectly okay for them to feel that way. Make sure they know that before explaining the situation and accepting responsibility for your actions. After explaining the situation, you must put your child’s mind at ease so they don’t develop a fear of you. Commit to never making that mistake again, and try to be as clear as possible when discussing your actions. They likely have more understanding than you realize. If lingering tension or apprehension remains, find a way to connect with them, such as taking them to their favorite restaurant to discuss the situation further. Possibly the most important part of this process is actually saying the words “I’m sorry.” Through their educational journey and children’s media, they’ve learned the importance of those words, so make sure you use them. Apologizing to your kids will strengthen your relationship and help them grow emotionally. Don’t dismiss the power of a good apology!
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
Ingredients
• 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic
Meat • 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Fueling Positivity Through Self-Improvement
1
Your Game Plan for Post-Accident Chaos
2
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
3
A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Apologies
Chris Brown Sued for Alleged Defamation
4
WHEN FANDOM TURNS TO FURY Chris Brown’s Superfan Sues Over Online Shaming
Since social media became mainstream, fans have had constant access to celebrity idols. These fans can keep up to date on any projects the celebrity is involved in, monitor their private lives, and even attempt to communicate with them. Some fans have taken it to the next level, creating fan pages to share their thoughts and feelings about their celebrity crush or fascination. It’s usually all in good fun, but occasionally, a celebrity will take the attention the wrong way and put the individual in the limelight. Chris Brown recently did this to a superfan, causing her to retaliate with a lawsuit. Angela Reliford frequently posted online about Chris Brown, his music, and his dancers under the name chrisbrownzwife777. Reliford claims to have met Brown at a meet-and-greet in Canada last year. She attended the event’s afterparty, where Brown’s security team
asked her to leave after an incident between Reliford and Brown’s lead dancer. She immediately went live on Instagram to speak of fantasies of killing Brown’s dancers (which probably wasn’t a good idea, either). Brown eventually reposted that video with extra graphics, alluding that Reliford was a stalker making threats against his crew.
Brown has quite the online tribe, with over 144 million followers on Instagram. Many followers saw his response video about Reliford and took it upon themselves to defend their favorite singer. Reliford claims she has been relentlessly attacked online, with many comments misgendering her. She also has stated that someone attacked her at her workplace after viewing the content. Reliford filed a $30 million lawsuit against Brown this past May. She alleges defamation, slander, libel, copyright infringement, invasion of privacy, emotional distress, and negligence over the video. “You threw me to 145 million people, and I was destroyed, ripped apart, and for what? Because I no longer wanted to support you?” stated Reliford. Chris Brown and his team have not publicly responded to the lawsuit at the time of this writing.
Photo: Pelpa Time Production
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LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 Septiembre 2025
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
Comienza con gratitud, termina con crecimiento La combinación ganadora de Septiembre
Septiembre es un mes de nuevos inicios. Los chicos regresan a la escuela, el aire comienza a enfriarse un poco aquí en Florida (o quizás tengamos que esperar hasta octubre) y las rutinas vuelven a encontrar su ritmo. También es el Mes de la Superación Personal, y por si fuera poco, el 13 de septiembre se celebra el Día Nacional del Pensamiento Positivo. ¿Coincidencia? Quizás. Pero si me lo preguntas, el positivismo y la superación personal van de la mano así como el café y las primeras horas del día. Uno alimenta al otro. Tener una actitud positiva es honestamente una de las cosas más importantes que puedes hacer, no solo para tener una vida feliz sino para lograr el éxito, superar los obstáculos y evitar todo el ruido y la basura que nos rodea. Si te pones a mirar el teléfono, las noticias o incluso entras en una habitación, en todas partes hay energía negativa. Es muy fácil dejarse arrastrar por ella. Lo he visto ocurrir y también me ha pasado. Pero lo que me ha ayudado es dar un paso atrás y no dejar que me afecte. Eso es algo en lo que he estado trabajando durante los últimos años. Solo me separo de todo: redes sociales, política, discusiones, miedo, indignación. Porque si dejas que eso te consuma, no solo es emocionalmente agotador, sino que es físicamente dañino. El estrés te invade y produce inflamación y eso es lo que genera enfermedades, hasta cáncer, en nuestros organismos. Así que para mí, la salida es sencilla: sé positivo aunque sea solo una vez al día. A primera hora de la mañana o antes de acostarte, piensa en algo bueno: tus hijos, tu esposa, tu salud o el proyecto que finalmente se está haciendo realidad. Y honestamente, ese tipo de positivismo diario encaja perfectamente con la gratitud. Tu energía cambiará con solo decir «gracias» al universo, a ti y a la gente que te rodea. Ahora, hablemos de la superación personal porque todo está conectado. Piensa en ello de esta manera: del mismo modo que tu auto necesita gasolina para funcionar o un cambio de aceite para evitar que se malogre, necesitas abastecerte de combustible. Si no creces, te estancas. ¿Y quién quiere eso? La superación personal puede presentarse de distintas formas. Puede ser leer libros para ser mejor padre o madre. (Hablando en serio, ahora mismo estamos en pleno proceso. Desde que nuestra
hija pequeña pasó a su cama de niña grande, nos hemos levantado hasta tres veces por noche y no hemos tenido una noche completa de sueño en casi tres semanas. Así que sí definitivamente estamos en esa fase de aprendizaje sobre la marcha). O quizás se trata de ser un mejor compañero o un líder más fuerte para tu equipo. Últimamente, lo más importante es optimizar mi salud. Comencé a usar uno de esos monitores continuos de glucosa y déjame decirte que es algo revelador. Comes una galleta y pum, tu nivel de azúcar sube de golpe. Pero ahora ya lo sé y ese conocimiento me ayuda a tomar mejores decisiones. Son pequeñas cosas, pero suman. Eso es superación personal. Lo bueno es que cuando te cuidas a nivel mental, físico y emocional, es más fácil mantenerse positivo. Te sientes mejor, piensas con más claridad y muestras más energía y voluntad para atender a tu familia, equipo y objetivos. Así que, en realidad, todo va de la mano. Si quieres ser una persona más positiva, comienza por mejorarte. Si quieres crecer y evolucionar, comienza por ser generoso con tu mente.
Este mes, céntrate en ser la mejor versión de ti mismo y hazlo con una respiración profunda, un hábito saludable y un pensamiento positivo a la vez. Así es como se logra el verdadero cambio y tú ya estás en ese camino. -Louis Bernardo Berk
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Cuando pierdas la calma, encuentra tu valentía UNOS PADRES FUERTES SABEN DECIR ‘LO SIENTO’
La crianza de los hijos es una de las responsabilidades más difíciles que cualquier persona puede asumir. Un padre debe ser un sólido modelo a seguir, capaz de proporcionar orientación, estructura y apoyo. Sin embargo, incluso con las mejores intenciones y el mayor esfuerzo, todos cometemos errores. A veces, es posible excederse y enojarse con los hijos por algo que no es culpa de ellos o que no tiene mayor importancia. Nadie es perfecto, pero la forma en la que responde a los errores revela su verdadero carácter. En la sociedad actual, disculparse se considera una señal de debilidad, cuando en realidad es una de las formas más eficientes y efectivas de asumir la responsabilidad de sus actos. Todos los progenitores han vivido algún momento en el que sus hijos hicieron algo que los molestó y respondieron de una manera que los hizo sentirse
culpables unas horas después. No hay que dejar que esos sentimientos se enconen. En lugar de eso, discúlpese por cómo reaccionó. Al tender la mano y reconocer sus errores, usted estará generando confianza con sus hijos, fomentando una relación sana y enseñándoles la importancia de ser responsables. Disculparse con sus hijos no es tan simple como decirles «lo siento» sin mucha convicción. Empiece por mostrar empatía y reconocer que ha herido sus sentimientos. Es posible que se sientan asustados o molestos porque usted se enfadó con ellos o pensó que habían hecho algo malo, y es perfectamente normal que se sientan así. Asegúrese de que ellos estén al tanto antes de explicarles la situación y aceptar la responsabilidad de sus actos.
desarrollen un miedo hacia usted. Comprométase a no volver a cometer el mismo error y trate de ser lo más claro posible al hablar de sus acciones. Es probable que sus hijos sean más comprensivos de lo que usted cree. Si persiste la tensión o la aprensión, busque una forma de conectar con ellos, como llevarlos a su restaurante favorito para hablar más detenidamente de la situación. Posiblemente, la parte más importante de este proceso es decir las palabras «lo siento». A través de su proceso educativo y de los medios de comunicación infantiles, ellos han aprendido la importancia de esas palabras, así que asegúrese de usarlas. Disculparse con sus hijos fortalecerá su relación y los ayudará a crecer emocionalmente. ¡No subestime el poder de una buena disculpa!
Tras explicar la situación, es importante tranquilizar a sus hijos para que no
Ingredientes
FALDA DE RES A LA PARRILLA CON SALSA TERIYAKI Receta inspirada en TheShortOrderCook.com
• 2/3 de taza de vino tinto • 1/2 taza de salsa de soya o tamari • 1/3 de taza de azúcar morena • 1/4 de taza de aceite de ajonjolí • 1 cucharada de semillas de ajonjolí • 1 cucharadita de ajo picado • 1/4 de cucharadita de pimienta negra
• 1/4 de cucharadita de jengibre en polvo • 1/4 de cucharadita de hojuelas de chile rojo (opcional) Carne • 1 1/2 libras de falda de res
Instrucciones 1. En un tazón grande, mezcla bien todos los ingredientes del marinado. 2. Coloca la falda de res en un recipiente grande con bordes. Vierte el marinado sobre la carne. 3. Refrigera y deja marinar durante 15 minutos. Voltea la carne y deja marinar por otros 15 minutos. 4. Precalienta la parrilla a 400 F. 5. Coloca la carne en la parrilla y cocina de 3 a 5 minutos por cada lado. Deja la tapa de la parrilla abierta para evitar que se cocine demasiado. 6. Para un filete a término medio rojo, retira la carne de la parrilla cuando alcance una temperatura interna de 130 F, y para término medio, retírala cuando llegue a 140 F. 7. Deja reposar la carne en una tabla de cortar durante 5 a 10 minutos. Luego, córtala en rebanadas delgadas, perpendicular a la fibra, y ¡disfruta!
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