Harmonson Law Firm - March 2021

UR TEEN, AND YOU TEEN GETS IN AN ACCIDENT?

This outcome is much less common and, more often than not, your child will be liable, not you.

Every day, our vehicles take a beating on the road, in the garage, and in the driveway. There are countless environmental and mechanical issues that can affect our cars, trucks, and SUVs over long periods of time. Because they take time to appear, they’re easy to forget about — until a problem arises. Sometimes, problems make themselves known while we’re out and about, and they can easily cascade into much bigger problems, including costly mechanical failures and accidents. Here are three things that are easy to forget about. Battery Corrosion Battery corrosion reduces the life of the battery and may even prevent you from starting your car. However, it’s easy to identify and fix. Pop the hood to check the battery at least once a month for a routine check. If the battery, terminals, and cables look clean, you’re good to go. If they show rust or have taken on a white or blue powdery look, they need to be cleaned. If the corrosion is extensive, the battery or terminals may need to be replaced. Headlight Fogging While headlight fogging isn’t usually a big deal in the short term, it can cause long-term problems. Eventually, you may notice a permanent fog or discoloration in or on the headlight casing. As this film builds, it reduces headlights output, which can be dangerous at night or in inclement weather, increasing chances of an accident. Clean the headlight every six months to a year. This may require you to take the headlight casing off. Cleaning kits are available online and in automotive stores. There are many DIY options online as well. TIME TAKES ITS TOLL Car Wear and Tear That Adds Up

Unfortunately, your insurance will probably go up.

If your child is included on your car insurance plan, their accident could cause your insurer to raise your rates the next time your policy is renewed. Sometimes car accidents result in insurance hikes as high as 50%. Of course, specific consequences will vary with your insurance company.

If it happens again, you might have more problems down the road.

Thankfully, high rates don’t last forever. Assuming your child doesn’t get into any more trouble on the road, your rates should return to normal within six months to three years. If your teen develops a pattern of fender benders, your insurance company may classify them as an “at-risk” driver and charge you astronomical premium rates. You may also be liable in Texas for negligent entrustment if your teen gets into another accident.

HTS

ENGLISH GROUND BEEF PASTIES

INSPIRED BY ALLRECIPES.COM

INGREDIENTS

• • • •

3/4 lb ground beef

• • •

1 tsp dried parsley

1 medium onion, diced

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1/4 cup beef broth (as needed)

2 sheets store-bought puff pastry dough

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, and potatoes. 3. Roll out the pastry dough into roughly 10-inch circles or squares. 4. Spoon 1/2 of the beef mixture onto each sheet of dough, then top the mixture with parsley, salt, and pepper. 5. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching each pasty shut and tucking in both ends. 6. Transfer the pasties to the prepared baking sheet, then cut several small slits in each pasty for ventilation. Bake for 45 minutes. 7. Remove the pasties from the oven and reduce the heat to 350 F. Spoon 1 tsp beef broth into each slit, then bake for an additional 15 minutes. 8. Serve and enjoy!

Tire Wear Your driving habits have a direct impact on tire wear. Driving fast around corners and curves or driving on rough roads could speed up the process. If you adjust your driving habits, drive slower, and avoid potholes and deteriorating roads, you will get more out of your tires. It’s also important to rotate your tires roughly every six months. Tires lacking in tread don’t offer traction — especially in wet weather — and if they wear down too much, they may rupture while driving, which can have serious consequences.

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