Champion Firm, P.C. - May 2020

Please enjoy the latest edition of our Newsletter!

2675 PACES FERRY ROAD SE, SUITE 260 ATLANTA, GA 30339

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorneys hampion Firm, P.C.

WWW.THECHAMPIONFIRM.COM 404-596-8044

MAY 2020

Waiting for the New Normal STRANGE TIMES

O n March 14, Chief Justice Harold D. Melton of the Georgia Supreme Court declared a statewide judicial emergency. This effectively brought all cases to a screeching halt. The declaration, while necessary, created so much uncertainty. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced as an attorney. As the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact

My children are still very young. My son is 2 years old and full of energy. It stinks that he has to stay inside, but we still try to get some fresh air and take walks around the neighborhood when the weather is nice. Meanwhile, my daughter is 7, and though she doesn’t fully grasp what’s happening, she knows something is wrong. My wife and I have been honest with her about what’s going on. There is a virus going around. It’s not the end

every facet of life, it felt a lot like the beginning of “The Walking Dead.”

of the world, and it won't make everyone sick, but we need to do our part to make sure it doesn’t spread. We reassured her that she’s in no danger and that things are going to be okay. For the most part, I think she really just misses her classmates more than anything else, but she’s taken it in stride. In strange times like these, I try to be optimistic. I have the opportunity to spend more time with my family and that’s great. But it’s difficult to look on the bright side when I know the uncertainty surrounding the virus

I’m sure a lot of people who live in the Atlanta area felt that way. This was unlike anything we’d ever faced in this country, and it all happened so quickly. As we watched government officials struggle to decide on the best way to react, all we could do was wait and ask, “What happens next?”

This month’s letter will be something of a time capsule. I write these well in advance, so while you’re reading this in May, I’m writing this article on March 25. I don’t know what will happen next, so I can only write about what I’m doing now.

has led to a lot of fear. People are worried about their health, their jobs, and being able to pay their bills and take care of their families. The toll this virus is taking is so high. We don’t know what will happen. All we can do right now is wonder when things will go back to normal and ask what that new normal will look like.

I'm responding to this pandemic in many different ways in my various roles. As an attorney, I want my clients to know that we are still working on their cases. Though everything has been pushed back in a way that will impact cases for months, our team has shifted to working remotely and they're still available to clients. As a business owner, I need to reassure my team that we’re going to weather this crisis. And as a father, I want to keep my family safe.

By the time you read this, I hope things are normal again. If not, there is one bright side we can look to: At least there are no zombies. –Darl Champion

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THE TIMELESS CHARM OF THE DRIVE-IN MOVIE Plus, How to Create Your Own Outdoor Cinema

in “Back to the Future,” and shortly after, “The Sandlot” hit the big screen and gave us lines that we’d quote for the next decade (“You’re killin’ me, Smalls!”). As of 2018, USA Today estimated that only about 330 drive-in theaters still exist in the United States. But if you don’t have one in your area, there’s a way you can enjoy the outdoor movie experience without having to leave your backyard. Your outdoor cinema starts with a projector. If you don’t have one, they are readily available to purchase at most big- box stores. For playing the movie, you’ll need a laptop and streaming service or a DVD or Blu-ray player. You’ll connect these devices to your projector through an HDMI port. As long as you’re not broadcasting to the whole neighborhood, stereo or computer speakers should be just fine, but you can also opt for a Bluetooth speaker that will give your audio a big boost. Next, you’ll need a flat surface to display the movie. A plain, white bedsheet makes a good screen, or you can make your own with white fabric from craft stores or online. Cushions, blankets, and outdoor hanging lights add a fun touch to your cinema. Just be sure to turn the lights off before the movie begins — and silence those cellphones! Once your setup is complete, select your movie, get the popcorn popping, and enjoy some movie magic right in your backyard.

Summertime is synonymous with many childhood experiences: hours splashing in the pool, sleepaway camp, and snow cones, to name a few. A quintessential summer destination that isn’t as common these days is the drive-in theater, yet many childhood memories are built on this little bit of nostalgia. The first drive-in theater opened in 1933 in Camden, New Jersey. At the time, films cost 25 cents per person, plus 25 cents per car, and drive-ins usually got movies in the second run, after they’d shown at indoor theaters. The trend started off slow, but by the ‘50s, Americans had fully embraced the outdoor theater experience. The ‘80s brought a charismatic Michael J. Fox to audiences

Why The Champion Firm Donated 25 Laptops to a Local High School Making Education Accessible

To help local students continue their education during the pandemic, The Champion Firm donated 25 new laptops to Campbell High School in Smyrna. These laptops went to students who did not have access to a computer at home. While these new computers don’t replace the high school experience — especially for our graduating seniors — we hope they will help prevent our local students from falling behind and allow them to pick up right where they left off when the school doors open again. We wish the best for the students, teachers, and administration who have had to find unique solutions to this unexpected challenge.

“In the U.S., we believe the best way to improve lives is to improve public education.” –Bill Gates The end of this school year didn’t play out the way anyone expected. The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools around the world to shut down for weeks, and students were expected to continue their education at home. Many excellent teachers in our area were able to adapt their lesson plans to a digital format and help their students' learning continue largely uninterrupted. However, it became painfully clear that not all students have the resources available to them for remote learning.

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7 THINGS YOU MUST DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT Car Accident Checklist

model, and color of their vehicle. Beyond exchanging necessary information, avoid discussing the accident with the other driver. Step 5: Document the accident. Use the camera on your phone to take pictures of the

Being able to walk away from a car accident is a blessing, but every accident is sure to be followed by struggle. Here are seven things you must do after a car accident in order to put yourself in the best possible position. Step 1: Check for injuries. Check whether you, your passengers, or the other driver or passengers have suffered any injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. If you have suffered severe injuries, then have someone else call 911 and sit still until emergency service arrives. Step 2: Move to a safe area. If possible, have everyone move off the road and to a safe area. If the vehicles are safe to drive, then document their condition and then pull them to the side of the road. Step 3: Call the police. You should always call the police after an accident, even if it’s just a minor fender bender. You may be legally obligated to notify the police after an accident. Additionally, having a police report can be crucial when filing a claim with your insurance company to cover the damages. Step 4: Exchange information with the other driver. The Georgia Traffic Code requires any drivers involved in a crash to provide their name and driver's license information. Additionally, you want to get the other driver's insurance information, their license plate number, and the make,

scene, including damage to any vehicles involved, debris on the ground, the angle of the vehicles, and location of the accident. Talk to any witnesses and get their contact information as well. Step 6: Notify your insurance company. Ideally, you want to call your insurance agent while you’re still at the scene of the accident. They will tell you what you need to do to file a claim. Step 7: Call your attorney. Getting compensation to cover damages after an accident can be a difficult process. Make sure you have an expert on your side. Call 404-596-8044 to speak with an experienced car accident attorney. We recommend keeping this checklist in your car at all times. During the stress of an accident, it’s easy to forget one of these important steps. Refer to this checklist to help protect yourself after an accident.

THE CHAMPION TRIVIA CHALLENGE

RHUBARB CAKE

Ingredients

• 2 eggs, beaten • 1 cup sour cream • 3 cups rhubarb stalks, diced • 1/4 cup butter, softened

• 2 1/4 cups white sugar, divided • 1 tsp baking soda • 1/2 tsp salt • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

Need Some Help With the Groceries? These last few weeks have been pretty stressful. The Champion Firm wants to help ease that stress by giving one lucky reader a $100 gift card to Publix Super Markets! Just answer this month’s trivia question for your chance to win.

Directions

What’s the most popular Mother’s Day gift? A. Flowers B. Greeting cards C. Chocolates

5. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup sugar and butter until smooth. 6. Stir in 1/4 cup flour until mixture is crumbly. 7. Sprinkle mixture on top of cake batter and bake for 45 minutes. 8. Let cake cool for 5–10 minutes and serve.

1. Heat oven to 350 F.

Grease and flour a 9x13- inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl,

combine 1 1/4 cups sugar, baking soda, salt, and 2 cups flour.

Email your answer to tamsie@thechampionfirm.com by Sunday, May 31, 2020, to qualify. Congratulations to our March trivia champion, John S. , who won a gift card to Meehan's Public House. Don’t forget, Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 10 this year. Make sure to call your mom!

3. Stir in eggs and sour cream until smooth. 4. Fold in rhubarb and add mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Inspired by AllRecipes.com

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorneys hampion Firm, P.C.

2675 PACES FERRY ROAD SE, SUITE 260 ATLANTA, GA 30339

WWW.THECHAMPIONFIRM.COM 404-596-8044

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

M: 9AM—5:30PM, T: 9AM—5:30PM, W: 9AM—5:30PM, TH: 9AM—5:30PM, F: 9AM–5:30PM

At Least It’s Not Zombies 1

2

The Timeless Charm of the Drive-In Movie

2 3 3 3 4

Making Education Accessible

Protect Yourself After an Accident

Rhubarb Cake

Win a $100 Publix Gift Card

Powerful Ways to Honor Our Veterans

HOW WILL YOU SPEND MEMORIAL DAY? Powerful Ways to Honor Our Veterans

Visit one of these monuments and spend some time learning about our nation’s history and the tragic cost of war. This is a great opportunity to teach your children about our nation’s military, and it can even be a fitting moment to learn more about local military

Every year, Memorial Day reminds us to honor those who paid the ultimate price for their country. While Veterans Day recognizes all service members, Memorial Day is dedicated specifically to those who lost their lives during their service in the U.S. military. The holiday, celebrated on May 25 this year, also marks the unofficial start to summer. While you’re enjoying your three-day weekend, don’t forget to honor those who died while protecting your rights. Here are some ideas for how to do so. Attend a Parade Memorial Day parades are common across the nation and feature local veterans, organizations, and bands celebrating with patriotic pride. Last year, the National Memorial Day Parade, the largest of its kind in the country, celebrated its 15th anniversary in Washington, D.C., with appearances from celebrities, musicians, and veterans. The parade honors veterans from as far back as the Civil War. Check with your local municipality for updates on parade statuses, and if you can’t attend one, put on your own parade at home!

connections. If you feel like giving back more directly, consider using this opportunity to spruce up your local park or memorial. Just be sure to talk to your municipality before you get started. Volunteer Giving back to veterans through organizations that help families who have lost loved ones can be a powerful way to spend your Memorial Day. Do you have specialized skills or knowledge in health care, construction, or art? If so, check with your local Veterans Affairs office to see if you can partner with an organization to provide resources to those in need. If you can’t give up your time, try donating food, clothing, and supplies to veterans or those serving today. Find more activities and information about Memorial Day at VA.gov. Thank you to those who served and to the families of those who were lost in the line of duty.

Visit Memorials Many parks, public buildings, and monuments feature memorials that honor veterans who have lost their lives.

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