Check out our June newsletter!
JUNE 2019
HARMONSON HEADLINES
YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND
FAMILY
IT ALL COMES BACK TO
T his year, Father’s Day has a new meaning for me. In some ways, I’m doing it all over again with little Winn. Our son, who was born last year, has been an absolute blessing. I get to feel what it’s like to be a new father again. This time, I’ve thought about how I might do it differently.
In the past, we’ve taken a family trip up the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California. We started the trip in L.A. and made our way up the Pacific Coast Highway through Santa Barbara, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. I think it would be great to extend the trip through Northern California and Oregon one day! My dad, brother, and I, along with my oldest son, did take a trip to Big Bend National Park in May. It was three generations of Harmonsons together in some of the most remarkable landscapes in West Texas. We had a lot of fun. And speaking of generations, I was mesmerized by watching the Masters Tournament in April when Tiger Woods won his first Masters since 2005 (his fifth Masters win overall). After the win, it was great to see Tiger embrace his two kids, who are about the same age as my two oldest. It was a touching moment and a return to form after years of scandal and uncertainty. The victory also reminded me of a moment in 1997 after Tiger won his first masters. I was in college at the time when I caught it on TV. Tiger’s dad, Earl, was there to embrace his son after the win. The 2019 win really brought that full circle: 22 years later and at the end of the day, it all comes back to family. That speaks to me as a dad and husband. It all comes back to family and our kids. We have a fun summer ahead of us this year, and I’m looking forward to every minute of it! I hope your summer is equally blessed!
As older parents, the time we have with our kids is all the more precious, and I want to savor all the time I can get with my older kids and Winn. Of course, there’s nothing like being together with all five of us as a strong family unit.
With summer here, Clayton and I always love to go to Chihuahuas games together. On the way home, we’ll blast ‘80s music, and it’s fun to see my son enjoy songs that have been around for decades. Who knew ‘80s music had such a timeless quality? It’s also fun to watch my daughter, Claire, come into her own. She’s 11, and she’ll be starting middle school in the fall. I love her independent spirit and am excited to watch her blossom. This summer, both Clayton and Claire will be heading off to summer camp for a couple of weeks, in the Texas Hill Country. Once summer camp has wrapped up, Sheri and I will pick them up and go on a family vacation. As a family, we like to switch it up. One vacation will take us to the beach, and the next will take us to a more urban destination. The variety keeps things interesting.
– Clark Harmonson
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Car Accident
THE TOP 5 QUESTIONS ANSWERED: QUESTION 4
Another month, another answer! We’ve reached question No. 4 in our five-part series. Each question is asked by our clients, including this question below.
Kids often look up to their father as one of their greatest heroes. There are the long drives to sports tournaments, the late-night movies, and the sweets when Mom isn’t looking. We probably all have some reason to look up to our dad as one of our biggest influences. It’s Father’s Day this month, a special time of year when we take a moment to think about the sacrifices the father figures in our lives have made for us. Most dads are pretty great, but some go above and beyond the fatherly call of duty. Let’s take a look at some heroic dads who risked everything to keep their families safe. Brad Lewis: Over the Ledge Life can change in a split second, and how you choose to react in a moment of peril can define your legacy forever. Few people know this as well as Brad Lewis. When Brad and his young son, Oscar, were deeply entrenched in an intense Nerf battle, he surely didn’t think the situation would turn as dangerous as it did. When a few darts missed his father and landed on the balcony, Oscar ran after them but soon found himself teetering on the balcony’s ledge, 12 feet above the ground. Thinking fast, Brad grabbed his son just before he fell over, both taking the plunge while Brad protected his son with his own body. Just as he’d intended, Brad absorbed most of the blow. While Oscar sustained serious wounds, his father’s injuries were more severe. Brad was left fighting for his life in the ICU, with severe fractures to his skull and vertebrae. Thankfully, Brad is expected to make a full recovery and has made serious strides since the accident. He and his son will live to play another day. Greg Alexander: Couldn’t Bear to See His Son Hurt While camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in June 2015, Greg Alexander awoke to the sound of a nightmare. The screams of his son intermingled with the roars of an unknown assailant, beckoning Greg to his son’s tent. There, he found his son Gabriel being attacked by a bear. The bear had his son by the head and was dragging him away. Greg jumped on the bear’s back, desperately trying to take attention away from Gabriel. Amazingly, it worked, and in the end, the bear ran away. Gabriel was left with serious cuts to his head, but thanks to his dad’s heroism, the two were able to walk away from that campsite and back to their lives together. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to take a leap of faith or fight a bear to be a hero in your family’s eyes. Just be yourself, show some support, and do the best you can. Happy Father’s Day, everybody.
How Much Is Your Fee?
At Harmonson Law Firm, we do not charge clients upfront fees. We only charge a fee if and when there is a settlement of your case or if we collect on a judgment after a lawsuit has been filed. If we are unable to get you money for your car accident, then there is no fee for our services. This type of arrangement is known as a contingent fee. A contingent fee shifts the risk of loss onto the attorney so you don’t have to worry about paying the lawyer on an hourly basis. The firm also advances all case expenses. Those case expenses are then reimbursed to the firm if and when there is a successful settlement or collected judgment. At Harmonson Law Firm, we charge the following contingent fees: • 35 percent if the car accident claim is settled before a lawsuit has to be filed • 40 percent if there is a lawsuit filed but it is settled before trial • 45 percent if there is a trial or an appeal of the case
SUDO KU
SOLUTION PG. 4
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ON THE ROAD AGAIN
The increased fee is based on the fact that as the longer the case goes on, the more time and money the firm has to spend on the case. The fees we charge are in keeping with the standard fees charged in the industry. That said, the most important question you should ask is not how much the fee is, but whether you have chosen the right attorney to represent you for your case. Choosing a law firm is probably the single most important decision you will make. Picking an inexperienced attorney or an attorney who does not have the financial ability to go the distance with the insurance company and their lawyers could mean the difference between a maximum money recovery and a mediocre recovery or worse.
Driving Safer in the Summer
It’s officially summer, and more people are out on the road. From families going on vacation to teens getting out of school (and being the least experienced drivers on the road), summer can be one of the most dangerous times to drive. Here are a few things you can do to stay safe as you drive to your next destination. WHEN ON VACATION If you’re driving in an unfamiliar area, that unfamiliarity can lead to a higher risk of getting into an accident. Whether you’re just passing through or are staying awhile, acquaint yourself with the local road system. Explore apps such as Google Maps to get an idea of road layout and traffic patterns, such as one-way streets and dead ends, before you set out on your journey. However, don’t rely on GPS navigation too much. Keep your eyes on the road, be aware of traffic and pedestrians, and keep distractions to a minimum. DURING CONSTRUCTION Summer also means construction season, and for most areas, that usually means roadwork. When you enter a work zone, always drive with caution. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, June is the biggest month for work zone crashes. In 2017, there were a total of 799 recorded fatalities in work zones. While slowdowns can be frustrating, following the rules of the work zone will help keep you, your passengers, and the construction crews safe.
This answer comes direct from the blog at Clarkharmonsonattorney.com/blog. To read more, be sure to visit the website!
GRILLED BEEF RIBS INSPIRED BY SAVEUR MAGAZINE
Nothing feels more paleo-appropriate than digging into a giant rack of beef ribs. This largely hands-off recipe requires plenty of hands-on eating, making you feel like one of our cave-dwelling ancestors.
AS A PEDESTRIAN Just as you need to stay cautious and aware as a driver, you need to be vigilant as a pedestrian. Keep your eyes up and on passing traffic. Put away distractions; even texting and walking can be hazardous. One study by the University of Buffalo found that distracted walking was more dangerous than distracted driving. Another study from Stony Brook University found that pedestrians who were distracted by their phones were 61 percent more likely to walk off-course. When you’re at intersections and crosswalks, know where the next car is coming from before crossing. Even when you technically have the right of way, never assume the intention of anyone else on the road.
INGREDIENTS
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1 5-lb. rack of beef ribs
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a charcoal, wood-burning, or gas grill to medium-high. Once heated, move heat source to one side or turn off half of the burners to create an indirect heat zone. 2. Season ribs with salt and pepper and char on the hotter side of the grill, turning occasionally, for 12–15 minutes. Once charred, transfer to the other side of grill and cook until the thickest part of the rib reaches 130 F, about 2 1/2–3 hours. 3. Let meat rest for 15 minutes. If desired, serve alongside grilled veggies.
915.584.8777 • 3
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It All Comes Back to Family
A Few Dads Who Went Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
Another Big Car Accident Question Answered!
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Grilled Beef Ribs
Stay Safe During the Summer Driving Season
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Roadside Attractions With Fun for All Ages
ENJOYING THE JOURNEY Roadside Attractions Worth Visiting
The United States can be a weird place, and some landmarks definitely reflect that sentiment. Along almost every highway, bizarre landmarks draw road trippers of all ages. Sometimes tourist traps aren’t worth the price of admission, but when you’re taking your summer road trip this year and your family needs a place to stop and stretch, these are three roadside attractions worth checking out.
The Mystery Spot; Santa Cruz, California Advertising itself as a “gravitational anomaly,” this wacky spot in the middle of the redwood forest showcases a series of optical illusions such as balls rolling uphill and a cabin where visitors can lean toward the ground and appear to defy gravity. It might not be aliens, like some believe, but visitors of all ages will get a kick out of the illusions messing with their perception. Plus, the nearby hiking trails through the redwoods offer a free added experience. Dinosaur Land; White Post, Virginia It might not be Jurassic Park, but it’s still worth a look. Nestled in the greenery of Northern Virginia, this park has over 50 life-size statues of dinosaurs of all kinds. Tours are self-guided, parking is free, and children (or adults) with dinosaur obsessions are sure to smile and point out their favorites. It’s certainly something to “rawr” home about. Whether these spots are your destinations or you’re just passing through on your summer road trip, visiting these roadside attractions and others like them will add some fun to your travels.
The Lost Sea; Sweetwater, Tennessee The Lost Sea is the largest underground lake in the U.S. Lying 140 feet beneath the surface, it’s a fun escape from the summer heat, since it’s 58 degrees year-round. Kids and adults alike can learn about the history and geology of the area on a guided tour through forest above and lake below. And afterward, you can stop by the general store, ice cream parlor, or cafe.
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