ROCK HILL 1050 College Avenue Extension Rock Hill, SC 29732 Phone: 803-324-7200 FORT MILL 852 Gold Hill Rd. Suite 102 Fort Mill, SC 29708 Phone: 803-396-5200
LANCASTER 103B South Catawba St. P.O. Box 477 Lancaster, SC 29721 Phone: 803-289-7202 UNION 209-B N. Duncan By-Pass Union, SC 29379 Phone: 864-466-5170
www. fcwlaw.com | (803) 324-7200
The Carolina Advocate
July/August 2020
Helping You Heal Let Us Be Your Experts as You Heal From an Accident
My favorite aspect of my job is that I get to help others overcome some of life’s biggest obstacles. An accident or injury can leave you with a disability, costly medical and repair bills, and the ominous, lingering question of what to do next. I’m proud to say that — alongwith the team at the Law Offices of F. Craig Wilkerson — we can offer guidance to overcome these obstacles. Whenever I think about the role I play as an attorney — in helping others receive the compensation they need to heal and move forward — I’m often reminded of a single mother who trusted us to fight for her in court. After an accident, she had received bad faith denial from the insurance company. It was obvious her insurance company had not properly investigated the accident. She ended up stuck with no help from a company that had promised to protect her and instead went back on its word when she needed it the most. Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon to see an insurance company acting unfairly. As Craig likes to say, “If insurance companies were fair, we wouldn’t have jobs.” In response, we filed a lawsuit, and we were able to change the outcome, get her car repairs paid for, and help her pay off other expenses that came as a result of the accident. For this single mother, the finale of this drama was life- changing. She could move forward, heal, and begin her next chapter. That’s a case that still empowers me to fight for my clients today.
As experts in civil litigation, it pains my team and me to see everyday citizens try to outwit the tricks and tactics used by the insurance companies. Their efforts to deny claims and shrug off responsibilities onto other parties is cause for great concern. Insurance companies are smart and are in the practice of looking out for their bottom line. Their goal is to satisfy their business needs and to make money. However, as legal experts, our goal is to be the experts in your corner. For example, Medpay and Personal Injury Protection/PIP insurance may be available on your policy to help cover medical payments. This is an option we consider every day, but unless you bring that up throughout the course of your claim, your insurance company probably won’t offer it. We know that we have to find that for you, and we also understand that since every case is different, it may not be useful in your case. If you’re not familiar with this, it’s easy for the companies to take advantage of you. All of this may leave you with the following question: “So, what should I do after an accident?” Here are three steps you should always take. Step 1: Make sure you’re safe. The first andmost important step to take in this entire process is to get out of harm’s way and stay safe at the site of the accident. Your well-being is the most important priority.
Step 2: Seek expert help. Always call the police. They can secure the scene, take photos of evidence, and create an accident report, which can prove beneficial in the process of your claim. You should also call emergency responders for medical attention and go to the hospital after an accident. You may feel fine in the moments after the accident, but there can be lingering medical concerns that could be detrimental to your future and your health. Step3: Call an attorney. The insurance company will move fast. They want to talk to you before we do, and their goal is to trip you up in your statements. Never make the first contact, and instead, rely on us to do this. We will prepare you for statements if you need to give one and guide you through the process. We may also ask that you bring any pertinent documents that relate to the accident. This includes photos of the damage or injuries, police and medical reports, and any information from witnesses. The path after an accident shouldn’t be one you walk alone. When you’re ready for Step 3, call our team today, and we can help you begin to heal.
–Justin Jones
1
www.fcwlaw.com | (803) 324-7200
Reel in the Big One
With This Ultimate Guide to Fishing in South Carolina
A bad day spent fishing beats, well, pretty much anything! In South Carolina, our position along the coast offers anglers saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities with many varieties to reel in. Prepare for your next fishing trip with these tips for local adventures. Get your fishing license. Like many states, South Carolina requires a fishing license for anglers over the age of 16. A valid driver’s license or identification is required to purchase a license, and those purchasing licenses for the first time will need their Social Security number. Cheaper resident fishing licenses are available with proper identification. South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is required by law to use the funds obtained from fishing and hunting licenses for conservation efforts. So, every year you purchase a fishing license, you help protect our landscape and preserve it for future generations! Little did you know fishing was so good for our future.
Have the right bait and gear . In South Carolina, we’re lucky to have many options for anglers, but this also means fishers need to have the proper gear and bait if they expect a great fishing story out of the trip. For example, if you’re fishing in one of South Carolina’s many freshwater tributaries for sunfish or bass, you will need to use insects as bait. A standard pole will suffice for these catches, but have a net available for when you reel in the big one! For those who prefer ocean fish, like sea trout or the kingfish, your bait is going to be much larger, like shrimp, and so will the materials you use to bring the fish on board. Find an expert. The best advice is to seek the help of a local fishing guide. No matter how experienced you are, a fishing guide can maneuver you to the best spot for the type of fish you are searching for and can offer insider knowledge on how to properly bait, cast, and reel in the kind of fish you want.
For more information on local fishing and for educational opportunities, visit DNR.SC.gov. Good luck!
(P.S. Thinking about hitting the water to fish? Ensure you’re prepared and following state laws with our guide on page 3!)
An Essential Resource To Help Students Improve Their Writing
As school starts up again, some students may need guidance to get their writing up to par. For those who struggle in English class, this help is crucial, especially if these students weren’t able to get the support they needed in the spring due to digital schooling. While there are many online writing tools, most simply point out grammar and spelling mistakes
Bad Habits By utilizing ProWritingAid’s 20 available writing reports and checks, writers can identify common problems and fix tendencies before they become ingrained habits. The Repeats Check, for example, shows when words or phrases are used many times in the same paragraph. The Contextual Thesaurus can help writers who are struggling with word choice by suggesting synonyms that work in the context of the sentence. The House Style Check allows writers to input specific style guide criteria to ensure their writing follows the proper guidelines. Additionally, The Overused Words Report highlights words like “very” that many writers overuse and actually weaken their writing. This tool will help writers to create stronger sentences and convey their message in a compelling way. ProWritingAid’s reports and features make it the perfect resource for students as well as professional writers. This resource enables writers to deep dive into their specific challenges and to solve fundamental issues in their writing. For more information about how this program can help the students and writers in your life, visit ProWritingAid.com.
without supplying in-depth feedback. However, ProWritingAid.com is different. This platform gives students live feedback on their writing and addresses several common problems that novice writers face.
Style Issues Style is something many students and even
some copywriters, authors, and professors struggle with. Even if a paper is grammatically correct, the writer’s word choices may create clunky or awkward sentences. When this happens, the paper’s main idea can get lost in a sea of words. ProWritingAid gives feedback on a writer’s work after searching for repetitiveness and passive voice and evaluating general sentence construction. With this feedback, students can perfect their style and make their writing clear and concise.
2
www.fcwlaw.com | (803) 324-7200
All A- boat Safety The 3-Step Safety Checklist All Boaters Should Follow
From the peaceful ocean waves to powerful river currents, there are many ways to get out on the boat and enjoy summer in South Carolina. Before you hop on board, follow this checklist to ensure everyone stays safe and has fun. Stay Educated Boater education, CPR classes, and first aid programs are all beneficial for boaters. These
classes could prevent emergencies and give boaters and captains the confidence to respond correctly should something happen. South Carolina does not require users over the age of 16 to take a course on boat safety before they can operate a boat, but those who are 16 years or younger must do so. However, we believe boating courses can be essential for safety. Whether a new boat operator seeks guidance or an avid boater wants a refresher on proper safety procedures, there’s something for everyone to learn. Find out more at BoatUS.org/ SouthCarolina. Stay Safe Visibility and flotation are key when boating. All boats on South Carolina waters must have U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices for each person on board, and each device must be wearable. Those who are ages 16 years or younger must wear the flotation device at all times. The state also requires a
fire extinguisher on all vessels, flares for those who are boating along coastal waters, and bells and whistles for boats less than 39.4 feet long. Navigation lights must be used between the officially set sunsets and sunrises, too. Stay Updated This is the perfect season to ensure your boat’s paperwork is up to date — especially since South Carolina legislators made changes to boating registration laws in 2019. Those who own watercraft in South Carolina must have a title for the vessel in their name. These are valid until the boat is sold or exchanged out of the owner’s name. Boats must also be registered with the government. Keep in mind that previously, boat owners only had to apply for this registration every three years and pay $30. Over the next three years, this will change to require an annual registration fee of $10, which will be added to the owner’s property tax bill. Learn more by contacting your local municipality.
Restaurant-Style Fettuccine Alfredo
Ingredients
Inspired by The New York Times
•
1 lb fresh fettuccine
•
Salt
•
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano- Reggiano
•
2 tbsp butter
•
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
•
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
•
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
•
Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste
•
1 large egg yolk
•
1 lemon wedge
Directions
1. In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of generously salted water to a boil. 2. In a large, deep skillet, while the water heats, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant and sizzling (about 2 minutes). 3. In a bowl, whisk heavy cream and egg yolk until blended and pour into garlic butter. 4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir until hot, not boiling. Keep warm on low heat. 5. In the large pot, cook pasta until al dente. (The pasta will float once it’s done.) Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water and drain pasta. Pour hot pasta into cream mixture and toss to coat on low heat.
Puzzle Time
6. Add Parmigiano-Reggiano and keep tossing gently until cream is mostly absorbed. If the sauce is absorbed too much, toss with extra pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 7. Serve with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
3
www.fcwlaw.com | (803) 324-7200
1050 College Ave. Ext. Rock Hill, SC 29732
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
(803) 324-7200 www.fcwlaw.com
Inside
1
The 3 Steps You Should Take After an Accident
2
Go Fishing With These 3 Tips An Essential Writing Resource for Students Safety Checklist Boaters Should Follow Restaurant-Style Fettuccine Alfredo
3
4
Celebrate National Chefs Appreciation Week
National Chefs Appreciation Week Celebrates Those Who Bring Communities Together
National Chefs Appreciation Week is a great way to let the chefs who run those eateries know just how much they mean to us. What is it? Since the holiday’s inception in 2013, it has most commonly occurred during the third week of August; this year, it’s August 16–22. Restaurants, patrons, and home cooks alike can show appreciation for the art and dedication chefs bring to their craft every day. Several restaurants across the country celebrate with special events and menus, and patrons flock to their favorite places for great food and company and to support the chefs who bring their communities together. How can I celebrate? Now that many restaurants are opening back up for service at a limited capacity, it’s possible to dine in and further support the chefs who
make the food you love. But, if you’re still not comfortable eating at a restaurant, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate. Continue having food delivered or picking up curbside from your favorite places. Whether dining in or carrying out, remember to tip well! You can also post about your favorite dishes on social media or leave a glowing review for your favorite eatery on Google or Yelp. The beauty of this holiday is that celebrating includes doing activities you probably already do, so it’s easy to participate. Chefs play a significant role in the evolution of culture, protection of tradition, and construction of community. Their food brings us together, fills our stomachs, and brightens our moods. We may not have fully recognized all they do for us until recently, but now that we have, we can truly celebrate Chefs Appreciation Week to the fullest.
Restaurants have had an especially tough time staying afloat during the pandemic. Most eateries had to discontinue dine-in service, and those that couldn’t adapt to offering takeout or delivery may still be questioning whether they’ll ever be able to open their doors again. During the pandemic, it became clear tomany of us just how important a role our favorite restaurants play in providing not just tasty chow, but also a sense of comfort and community. Celebrating
4 www.fcwlaw.com | (803) 324-7200
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator