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HARMONSON HEADLINES YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND SEPTEMBER 2024
Carrying Forward a Legacy HOW MY GRANDPARENTS SHAPED MY LIFE AND CAREER
While our time with our grandparents is limited, their impact is always remarkable. As we approach National Grandparents’ Day on Sept. 8, I can’t help but think about the incredible influence my grandparents had on my life. Growing up in Lubbock, Texas, I was fortunate to have both of my grandmothers close by, and their lessons still resonate with me and my family today. My grandmothers had unique names that often surprised people: Bobbye was my mother’s mom, and Dan was my dad’s mom. It might sound strange to have grandmothers with traditionally male names, but that was just one of the many things that made them special. Both “Bob” and Dan were strong, independent women with that quintessential Texas spirit. Bob, aka Mommo, grew up in Memphis, Texas, and later lived in Lorenzo, where my mom grew up. She was a beautiful woman in her younger years. As she grew older, she found Jesus and became very religious. This
faith was something she firmly instilled in our family when I was growing up. Having Bobbye and my grandfather, Jerry Winton, living down the street was a blessing. My son, Winton, is named after my grandfather, a testament to his lasting influence. Jerry, aka Papa, was perhaps the most influential person in my life outside of my parents. He was always happy, whistling as he came to our house, and his positive demeanor was infectious. Papa bought used hot oil pump trucks, refurbished them, and sold them back to the oil patch for a living. This would take him all over the Southwest, and during the summer break, I was allowed to tag along. During the summers, I would go on adventures with him, traveling across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado in his pickup truck. We would stay in motels and start our mornings at McDonald’s, a thrill for a kid seeing the world for the first time. One of my favorite (and wildest) memories is when Papa got sick on our way home from Dallas and let me drive the giant pickup truck and trailer on I-20. I was only 13 at the time, and while I had often steered, this was the first time I drove all the way home. It was a crazy and unforgettable experience. Dan, my dad’s mom, was another significant figure in my life. She was a graceful woman and came from humble roots. My grandfather, Peter C. Harmonson II, along with my dad, Peter C. Harmonson III, and my brother, Peter C. Harmonson IV, represent a long lineage of Texans dating back to the early beginnings of Texas. The first Peter Harmonson, born in Kentucky, moved to Denton County and was part of one of the last Indian raids in Texas. He was shot with an arrow by a Comanche and passed away in Fort Worth
due to his injury in 1865. I can’t help but think of the popular TV show “1883” and the fictional Dutton family coming to Texas when I think of our family’s history. This deep Texas heritage is a source of pride for our family. My grandparents were self-made small-business owners, a trait that runs in our family. My dad and brother have their own businesses, and I started this law firm more than 10 years ago. This independent, fighting spirit is a testament to the strong influence of my grandparents. Though my grandparents have been gone for quite a while now, their legacy lives on. They taught me the value of hard work, independence, and resilience. On this National Grandparents’ Day, I honor their memory and the profound impact they had on shaping who I am today. Their spirit continues to inspire my family and me as we carry forward their legacy in our lives and work.
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We have seen the devastating consequences of fatigue-related accidents, especially among truck drivers with long commutes. Falling asleep at the wheel is a hidden danger that can lead to catastrophic accidents and tragic loss of life. Understanding the impact of fatigue on driving and the importance of adhering to safety regulations is the difference between life and death. THE FATAL AND LEGAL REPERCUSS HIDDEN DANGER
APPLE PICKING WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY Most of the apples you find in stores are ripening now, making September prime apple-picking season! When green apples begin to turn yellow and red apples brighten in color, they are ready to be gathered up. If you are looking for a great excuse to get out in nature with your family or just hankering for some fresh produce, then apple picking is the thing for you. Orchards all over the country have a you-pick season so you can bring home your own fresh apples. Here is how to get in on the apple-picking trend right now! HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES? If you and your kids aren’t paying to pick apples, and you don’t have the owner’s permission, that’s stealing. If you (or someone else) pay your kids to pick apples, that is child labor, which is, sadly, also illegal. Kidding aside, for the most part, to pick apples at an orchard, you must pay for the privilege. Orchards all across the country have different varieties of apples ripening all the time. Whether you’re in Maine, Michigan, California, or somewhere in between, you are likely ready to go on an apple-picking frenzy with family! ENJOY THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR. After a long day of picking apples and making memories, you need a place to put them. Sure, if you want to dig into your apples right away, a bowl on the counter is fine. But if you want to store these apples for safekeeping (or making pie, apple crisp, apple sauce, or myriad other things), keep them somewhere nice and cool, like a refrigerator. If you keep your apples cool, they’ll stay good for weeks, ensuring you can enjoy the fruits of your labor all month!
THE IMPACT OF FATIGUE ON DRIVING We all know that fatigue significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. It slows reaction
times, reduces alertness, and impairs decision-making skills.
For truck drivers who often have long hauls, the risk of falling asleep at the wheel is exceptionally high. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving was responsible for 684 deaths in 2021. FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS (FMCSR)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) are designed to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities caused by commercial motor
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RS OF FATIGUE SIONS OF DROWSY DRIVING
vehicles. These regulations include strict record-keeping requirements, such as maintaining a driver log to ensure truck drivers do not exceed safe driving limits. Despite these regulations, our firm has encountered many cases where driver logs were not properly maintained, leading to dangerous situations. COMPLICATIONS IN FATIGUE-RELATED CASES Navigating the complexities of fatigue-related accidents involves understanding the dual liability that can exist. On one hand, truck drivers may be breaking FMCSR regulations by driving for too long without adequate rest. On the other hand, companies might be pushing drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, exacerbating the risk of fatigue. Determining the type of case to pursue requires careful examination of these factors. REAL-LIFE TRAGEDIES One particularly tragic case our firm handled involved a truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel and collided with a cement divider on an overpass. The impact ejected his co-driver at 70 mph, instantly killing him. Our firm represented the deceased driver’s family, navigating the complexities of liability and fighting for justice on their behalf. This case is a reminder of the severe consequences of fatigue and the importance of stringent adherence to safety regulations. Fatigue-related accidents are a serious and preventable issue in the trucking industry. Our firm is committed to fighting for the rights of those affected by such incidents and advocating for safer roads for everyone. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with a fatigued driver, our team is here to help. Call 915-584-8777 to get started on your journey to justice.
We ride public transportation believing that we’ll always be safe, but the reality is that an accident can happen anywhere at any time. Unfortunately, personal injury cases involving public transportation can be particularly complex, and understanding the nuances is crucial in securing fair compensation. Whether you were injured in a city bus accident or a van operated by a government entity, the legal landscape is riddled with challenges and strict regulations. A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER There are generally two scenarios in public transportation injury cases: accidents where the bus driver is at fault and incidents where a third party hits the bus. Each case comes with its own set of complications, making it vital to understand the specific circumstances of your accident. Another aspect to consider is whether you are the only one injured or if there are multiple victims. In cases with numerous injured parties, all claimants will pursue the same limited compensation resources. This is particularly relevant for city buses or vans, where caps on the recoverable amount can be very stringent. GOVERNMENT PROTECTIONS AND LEGAL HURDLES Public transportation cases often involve government- owned vehicles, which come with their own set of protections and challenges. The Texas Tort Claims Act outlines the exact requirements for when a city or other government entity can be held liable for accidents. This includes a strict six-month notice requirement for filing a claim. Failing to provide this notice could bar you from pursuing your claim altogether. To ensure you don’t lose your right to compensation, you must be aware of these time limits. ON THE ROAD TO JUSTICE How to Handle Public Transportation Personal Injury Cases
BAKED SAUSAGE WITH APPLES AND FENNEL This comforting dish, packed with seasonal flavors, is perfect when the weather starts to get chilly.
INGREDIENTS • 2 apples • 1 fennel bulb •
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2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
8 raw, flavored sausages 2 red onions cut into wedges
2 tsp honey
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2–3 oz dry white wine
1 tsp fennel seeds
THE IMPORTANCE OF LEGAL EXPERTISE Despite the challenges, cases against public
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transportation entities are not impossible to win. Our firm has successfully handled many of these kinds of cases, securing fair outcomes for our clients. Given the numerous issues and legal hurdles involved, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is essential. With the right legal support, you can achieve a fair outcome. If you or a loved one has been injured in a public transportation accident, reach out to our team today for the expert help you need.
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. Cut apples into six wedges and slice off any core, leaving the skin on. Place in a roasting pan. 3. Slice fennel in half and remove the core. Chop and add to pan along with sausages and onion wedges. 4. Using a pestle and mortar, break up fennel seeds and sprinkle over the pan. Add oregano. 5. Next, drizzle oil, honey, and wine over the ingredients, then toss all together. 6. Roast for 40 minutes, tossing occasionally until sausages are golden and fruit and veggies are tender.
Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com
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The Enduring Lessons From My Texas-Bred Grandparents
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The Joy of Apple Picking
The True Cost of Drowsy Driving
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Baked Sausage With Apples and Fennel
When Public Transport Turns Risky
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Beyond Big Ben and Buckingham Palace
Explore London’s Quirky Corners From Tea to Tombs
Big Ben’s massive clock face, London Bridge’s walkway, and Buckingham Palace — London is known worldwide for its many historic landmarks. But tucked into all its layers of culture are truly unusual and
vampires, too! Multiple Hammer horror films were shot there in the 1970s, and two magicians famously challenged each other to find and kill a vampire there around the same time. Neither was successful, but it remains a popular site for lovers of the paranormal and the occult.
lesser-known attractions to explore. So, brush up on your Monty Python, pack an umbrella for London’s rainy days, and set a course for the most unique experiences England’s capital has to offer. TWININGS TEA SHOP A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without tea time, and there’s no better place to explore the city’s historic love affair with this aromatic beverage than Twinings Tea Shop. Opened in 1706, the shop quickly became known for having the finest teas around and continues to serve tasty cups. Twinings has been the official tea supplier to the royal family since 1837, and its original logo remains on the building. HIGHGATE CEMETERY If you want to see the city’s spookier side, the Highgate Cemetery is one of the most impressive of
THE FIRST PUBLIC DRINKING FOUNTAIN London is home to perhaps the most fascinating water fountain in the world. This simple granite basin, built in 1859 and adorned with the words “Replace the cup,” was the first public water fountain. Before then, water was precious, monopolized by water companies, rare to come by, and undrinkable. As people pushed for public access to water, a philanthropist named Samuel Gurney created this fountain, attached to the gates of the St. Sepulchre- without-Newgate Church on Holborn Hill. It became an instant hit. An estimated 7,000 people would stop for a drink daily when it first hit the scene.
The city has many hidden treasures, whether you hope to catch a vampire in one of London’s historic cemeteries or sip on a culturally esteemed drink.
London’s “Magnificent Seven” park cemeteries. The Victorian Gothic- style tombs and buildings were built in 1839, and it has a history of
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