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July 2026
720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304, Naples, FL 34102 • AttorneyShapiro.com
Every Client Has a Story
A LESSON IN LISTENING
One of the most important moments in a case sometimes comes long before a courtroom, a deposition, or a settlement negotiation. Sometimes, it happens when a client finally feels comfortable enough to tell you what’s really going on. July 18 is World Listening Day, and it made me think about how important listening is, not just in the legal profession, but in life. People often picture lawyers arguing in courtrooms, negotiating settlements, or doing most of the talking. But after many years of practicing law, I have come to believe that one of the most important parts of my job is listening carefully. Most clients who walk into my office aren’t simply dealing with an injury. They are dealing with stress, fear, uncertainty, medical treatment, financial pressure, and disruption to their everyday lives. Some are overwhelmed, frustrated, or even embarrassed to ask for help at all. I remember one client who became very focused on settling his case as quickly as possible. The insurance company had made an early offer, and he wanted to accept it immediately, even though I believed the case was worth substantially more. At first, it didn’t make much sense to me. The offer was far below the case’s true value, and accepting it would likely have created serious financial problems for him down the road. Instead of rushing the process, I spent more time talking with him and asking questions. Eventually, it became clear that he was struggling with dependency issues related to the pain medication he had been prescribed after the accident. Like many people, he never expected that treatment following an injury could slowly turn into something much more difficult.
and emotionally, we continued pursuing the case properly. In the end, we resolved it for substantially more than the original offer. The part I remember most about that case, however, isn’t the settlement itself. What stayed with me was the reminder that people often carry burdens you can’t immediately see. Clients often come into an office talking about paperwork, insurance claims, or money, but underneath all of that, they may be scared, exhausted, overwhelmed, or just trying to hold their lives together. That is why listening matters. Careful listening also matters because small details can change a case. A fact that initially seems unimportant can later become critical. If you aren’t really listening, you may miss the clue that leads to the right follow- up questions. But beyond the legal side, listening builds trust, shows compassion, and helps people feel less alone during difficult moments. I think this applies far beyond a lawyer’s office. Whether with family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers, most people can tell when someone is genuinely listening and when they are simply waiting for their turn to speak. And in a world where everyone seems rushed, distracted, and constantly looking at a screen, truly listening has become surprisingly rare. Maybe that’s why I value it so much in my work. The longer I practice law, the more I appreciate that this work is really about people. Every case has a story behind it, and every client is carrying something different. Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is slow down, ask a few more questions, and truly hear what someone is trying to say.
The cases I’ve handled over the years have reminded me that listening carefully isn’t just part of being a good lawyer. It’s part of being a good human being. -Marc L. Shapiro
That conversation changed everything.
Before making any final decisions about the case, we agreed that he needed to focus on getting help and addressing the dependency issues. We were able to connect him with resources so he could begin moving forward in a healthier direction. Once he was in a better place physically
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Watching the gas pump climb higher and higher can feel like a punch to your wallet. However, there’s a positive way to look at it, and you don’t need a hybrid or a total lifestyle overhaul to save money on fuel. With smart habits and small tweaks, you can make every gallon go farther and keep more cash in your pocket. Drive smarter, not harder. Aggressive driving habits like speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking can significantly reduce fuel efficiency. In fact, driving faster increases drag, meaning your engine has to work harder and burn more fuel. Instead, aim for steady speeds and use cruise control when possible. Slowing down, even slightly, can make a noticeable difference over time. Smooth driving doesn’t just save lives, it saves you money, too. Keep your car in shape. Think of your car like an athlete … if it’s not in prime condition, it won’t perform efficiently. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, clean spark plugs, and proper engine tuning, helps your vehicle use less fuel to do the same work. Don’t overlook your tires either. Even slightly underinflated tires can hurt fuel economy, while properly inflated ones can improve it and extend tire life. Lighten the load. Your car isn’t a storage unit! Carrying unnecessary weight forces your engine to burn more fuel. Even an extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by around 1%–2%. Roof racks and Give This a Read Before Your Next Fill-Up Pump Prices Got You Stressed?
bulky cargo also create drag, reducing your car’s aerodynamic efficiency. If you’re not using them, remove them to achieve better fuel economy. Plan and combine trips. Short trips on a cold engine use more fuel than one longer, well-planned outing. That’s why combining errands is such a powerful (and simple) strategy. Try grouping your grocery run, school pickup, and other stops into one trip. Not only will you conserve gas, but you’ll also save time. It’s a win-win! Take advantage of savings opportunities. Many gas stations offer loyalty programs that knock a few cents off each gallon, which adds up over time. You can also shop around using apps or local price comparisons to find the cheapest fuel nearby. Even minimal differences per gallon can lead to significant yearly savings.
“We highly recommend. Had a great outcome, and it was so much less stressful having a wonderful case manager to help us the whole way!”
“The team’s human qualities are excellent; they go above and beyond to obtain the best possible compensation for their clients and those affected. Their offices offer a pleasant visit and a comfortable and friendly experience. I recommend them 100%.”
–Ronnie M.
–Karina I.
“Our experience with The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro was great! The staff was very friendly and helpful during our stressful and difficult case. Randall Austin represented our family amazingly. He was very welcoming and knowledgeable. My wife has autism, and Randall was very patient with her and communicated the process in ways for her to understand, which made her feel safe and lessened her anxiety. My family is very grateful for Randall and the entire staff for representing us and walking us through the entire process, which led to a successful end to our stressful case. Thank you!”
“The wife and I had a terrible car accident due to an elderly woman who ran a red light. We reached out to Marc Shapiro’s office, which handled our case very effectively in a timely manner. Many thanks to Jessica and attorney Austin. Highly recommend this attorney.”
–Jim M.
–Giovanni R.
“Marc L. Shapiro is one of the best law offices in SOFLO (returning client btw). The whole staff is friendly and determined to get things done! Was a wait, but I appreciate you guys. Honestly, thanks so much.”
–Kareem W.
2 • AttorneyShapiro.com
What Injured Cyclists Should Know Hurt in a Bicycle Accident?
Florida is a great place to ride a bike, but cyclists know that road conditions can change quickly. Even a normally quiet neighborhood can be dangerous when a driver drifts into a bike lane, turns without looking, opens a door into traffic, or passes too closely. Florida’s year-round riding weather also means cyclists share the road with tourists, commuters, and distracted drivers almost every day, so they have to stay alert every time they go out. The problem is that even a seemingly minor bicycle crash can cause serious harm. Drivers have seatbelts, airbags, and the vehicle’s frame around them. Cyclists typically have nothing more than a helmet for protection. When a bike and a car collide, the rider often absorbs the force of the impact directly. That is why injuries from bicycle accidents are often so severe. Head injuries, spinal injuries, broken bones, deep cuts, and road rash can
all require significant medical care. Some symptoms may also take time to fully appear because the shock of the crash can make injuries harder to recognize at first. Fault and insurance can be complicated matters to deal with after a bicycle accident. Drivers may claim they never saw the cyclist, or they may try to shift blame by saying the rider came out of nowhere, ignored a signal, or wasn’t riding where they should have been. Those details can affect the claim, especially when insurance companies are looking for ways to reduce what they pay. Coverage can be confusing, too. Depending on the situation, a claim may involve the driver’s insurance, your own auto policy, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or other available coverage. A careful review can make a major difference in serious cases, where the first settlement offer may not come close to covering the full loss.
After a crash, protect yourself as much as you can. Call 911, get medical attention, take photos of the scene and your bike, and gather witness information if possible. Be careful about giving a recorded statement or accepting a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, contact The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. We can investigate what happened, review the coverage available, and fight for the recovery you deserve.
Word Search
MANGO GLAZED CHICKEN
Ingredients
Mango Glaze • 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce • 1 tbsp honey • 1 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 garlic cloves, minced
Chicken • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken
• 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional) • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
breasts, cut into bite- size pieces
• Salt and pepper • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
1.
In blender, blend mango until smooth.
2. Pour purée into small saucepan and add soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. 3. Stir to combine. 4. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook 5–6 minutes. 5. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until glaze thickens, about 1–2 minutes. 6. Remove from heat and set aside. 7. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 8. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high. 9. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally. 10. Reduce heat to low.
BARBECUE BASEBALL
FIREWORKS ICE CREAM INDEPENDENCE PARK
RUBY SHADE STARGAZING VACATION
CYCLING FISHING
11. Pour mango glaze over chicken and toss to coat. 12. Let it simmer 2–3 minutes to fully caramelize.
(239) 500-5000 • 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304 Naples, FL 34102 AttorneyShapiro.com
Inside What Clients Have Taught Me About Listening Page 1 Your Wallet vs. Gas Prices Real Feedback From Real Cases Page 2 Protecting Cyclists After Serious Crashes Mango Glazed Chicken Page 3
A Fun, No-Stress Guide to Cycling Page 4
Start Cycling Again Without Overthinking It NO PRESSURE, JUST PEDALS
Do you remember the feeling of riding a bike as a kid with no destination and just the thrill of moving? That same feeling is still there, waiting for you. Cycling has a way of turning an ordinary day into something a little more exciting without any competition. Instead, it’s about getting outside, clearing your head, and enjoying the ride. Start simple. (Seriously, keep it easy.) One of the largest myths surrounding cycling is that you need expensive equipment or long-distance goals right away. However, all you need is a bike that fits you and a helmet. Everything else can come later. Begin with short, easy rides around your neighborhood or a local path. Even 15–20 minutes is a perfect starting point. Focus on getting comfortable and learning how to balance, brake smoothly, and shift gears without overthinking it. As your confidence
grows, you can increase your distance and challenge yourself more. Get comfortable with the basics. Before you try to ride faster or farther, get familiar with the fundamentals. Adjust your seat height so your legs have a slight bend at the bottom of every pedal stroke. Practice starting and stopping without wobbling. You’ll be surprised by how these skills make a huge difference in the enjoyment of your ride. Learning how to use your gears is also key. Gears aren’t just for hills; they help you maintain a steady rhythm and avoid burning out too quickly. Aim for a comfortable pedaling pace rather than pushing too hard. Put safety first, always. The best way to ensure cycling remains a fun activity is to prioritize safety. Wear a helmet every time you ride, follow traffic rules,
and stay alert to your surroundings. Carry essentials (such as your phone, water, and a basic repair kit) in case something goes wrong.
Build momentum, not pressure. Here’s the secret: Consistency beats
intensity. You don’t need to ride far or fast, but make sure you ride regularly. Set small, achievable goals, like riding three times a week or adding an extra mile to your route. Celebrate those wins. They add up quickly and keep you motivated.
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