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June 2024
Never Settle for Less
Understanding Legal Strategies for Car Accident Victims
Being in a car accident is stressful. You likely have a damaged or totaled vehicle and injuries, and you can be out of work if your injuries are severe enough. Then, you have to deal with insurance negotiations on top of your injuries and other damages. When the other driver’s insurance company makes a settlement offer, should you take it? You can receive a check and never have to repeatedly deal with insurance adjusters regarding this accident. Despite how easy it seems, take your time accepting the first offer. Accepting it too quickly can put you in a dire financial situation for months or years. Instead, have an experienced car accident lawyer review any settlement offers before you accept anything. You’ll be glad you did, and here’s why. In a car accident settlement, the defendant agrees to pay a sum for the plaintiff’s damages. These damages are usually property losses, medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost earnings. In exchange for the settlement, the plaintiff agrees to pursue the case no further and not file a lawsuit. The parties in a car accident often agree to a legal settlement because it saves time, money, and hassles that usually accompany a lawsuit and trial. Car accident settlements are typically preferable for both sides, and most auto accident claims end in a settlement.
The insurance company may offer a low initial settlement that does not consider the total value of your property damages, medical bills, and other losses. An accident that totaled your car, broke your arm, and kept you from working for a month might have resulted in $40,000 in short-term expenses — but you likely don’t yet understand your future medical needs. In such a situation, always retain an experienced car accident attorney. Your lawyer will protect you and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your substantial losses. The other driver’s insurance company may accept liability and offer you $40,000 on the dot. Given the bills in front of you, this is an acceptable offer. However, you may need and deserve much more, and an experienced attorney will help you better determine what those needs will be. If you suffered a severe injury after a car accident, it is almost always a grievous mistake to go against the insurance company alone. You can end up with a low settlement that doesn’t pay you nearly enough for your medical bills and other losses. Let an experienced personal injury attorney handle the insurance negotiations so you can rest and heal. Contact us at Steffens Law Offices with all your questions and concerns! “Let an experienced personal injury attorney handle the insurance negotiations so you can rest and heal.”
–Bill Steffens
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PAW-SOME ADVENTURES
Gear Up Your Pup for a Hiking Adventure
you likely may avoid trails with terrain that could harm your dog’s paws, having boots in your pack is, at least, a proactive measure for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring your canine companion’s paws are protected if needed. Waste Bags Be responsible out on the trail. That means bringing poop bags. Attach them to the outside of your backpack or tote bag for convenient access once your dog has completed its business. The “leave no trace” practice will help maintain the pristine beauty of the trail for everyone to enjoy. Emergency Harness Preparedness is critical, and an emergency harness adds an extra layer of safety. A proper harness will allow you to carry your dog on your back in an emergency. This versatile harness ensures that you can provide assistance in challenging situations.
hydrated. Packing more water than you think may be necessary is crucial, especially on a trail where natural water sources may be scarce. An ample supply of dog-friendly food is also essential, with the quantity adjusted based on the hike’s duration. A collapsible bowl will be handy for feeding your canine companion during breaks. First-Aid Kit Safety should always come first. A dog first-aid kit is indispensable for addressing unexpected issues on the trail. These compact kits typically include dressings, bandages, and tools for removing ticks or thorns. Being prepared for minor injuries ensures you can safely complete the hike without making any injury worse. Boots While some dogs may resist wearing boots, they can be a lifesaver in challenging terrains. Opt for boots that protect without compromising comfort. Though
Setting out on a hiking adventure with your furry friend is a rewarding experience, but ensuring their safety and comfort on the trail requires careful consideration of essential gear. Before heading out, consider your dog’s unique needs and preferences so it’s an enjoyable and bonding adventure for you both. Here’s an introduction to some must- have hiking gear for your canine companion. Food and Water One of the most important aspects of hiking is staying well-nourished and
Financial Freedom Starts Here THE CASE FOR CRAFTING A MONTHLY BUDGET
Unique budgets keep track of subscriptions. There are more streaming services than ever; the average household has four. Even companies outside of streaming services have started using subscriptions to make money. BMW is trying to get car owners to pay a fee to get heated seats — for $18 per month. It’s easy to sign up for a service — or a one-month free trial — and forget the expiration date, even if it takes a small chunk of your paycheck every month. A unique monthly budget ensures you’ll see those subscriptions so you can cancel them accordingly. Unique budgets help you identify poor financial decisions. Evaluating your monthly expenses ensures that you examine your spending habits. Standard monthly budgets don’t scrutinize the nuances of your spending, only the total. For example, you might waste a lot of money on gas station snacks and not realize how much it adds up each month.
Many monthly budgets take a one-size-fits- all approach, but every month is different. It’s essential to make a unique budget every month. Doing so has several benefits, but all help you save money. Refining your budget month-to-month will help you pay closer attention to your finances while adjusting for any and all unusual circumstances. Unique monthly budgets are versatile. It allows you to allocate money for events like baby showers, weddings, spur-of-the- moment donations, and holidays. Setting a budget without monthly evaluation often leads to going over your allocated spending — and incurring a bank service charge. Unique budgets let you plan for sudden expenses. If your car breaks down, how will you pay to have it fixed? If you have to cut your expenses, unique budgets can help ensure everything is paid for. You can also leave a little extra room, just in case — a short-term emergency fund, if you will.
A unique monthly budget puts those small or unnecessary purchases into perspective. Now that you know why making a unique budget is so important, it’s time to make one. Creating a budget every month may sound intimidating, but it’s easy once you set down a basic framework. Your bank account will thank you.
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The Amazing Aztec Nation:
TAKE A BREAK BLOOM
3 FASCINATING FACTS
CINCO COMIC DERBY EMERALD GEMINI GRADUATION LILY MEMORIAL MOTHER
The Aztecs were an expansive and vibrant nation when the Spanish arrived in the New World around 1519. They had a rich culture, innovative agriculture, and one of the world’s most impressive cities. Many fascinating facts about them are not taught in school, so prepare to be amazed.
They worshiped chocolate. Chocolate was hugely important to the Aztecs — the delicious substance was part of many religious and cultural ceremonies. It was also used as currency to buy everything from food to clothes. As a result, only royals consumed chocolate because they were literally eating money.
RENEWAL VETERANS
The most popular method for drinking chocolate was a cold and frothy concoction of ground chocolate, seeds, and
Citrus BBQ Chicken
spices sweetened with honey. Royalty emphasized frothiness and used various techniques to maximize it. For example, they poured cold cocoa while standing up into a cup on the ground. They built floating gardens. Aztec agriculture relied on floating gardens. They would create tiny islands called “chinampas” near modern-day Mexico City. Chinampas were built by braiding reeds with stakes underwater. These aquatic fences accumulated mud and vegetation until they became visible on the surface. The Aztecs built canals around them for transportation. Why did they go through the trouble? Chinampas offer several benefits. First, they’re fertile and can grow anything from beans to flowers. They also allow people to take advantage of the river and maximize their limited space. Furthermore, they promote bio-diversity, which is helpful for everyone. For these reasons and more, chinampas are still used around Mexico City and the country’s southern areas. Their capital city was an ancient marvel. When the Spanish arrived, Tenochtitlan was among the world’s largest cities. It had a population of over 200,000. Only Paris and Constantinople were bigger. This ancient capital of the Aztecs was also built in the center of a lake. Boats surrounded the city and were used for trade, transportation, and agriculture. The Spanish drained the lake to expand the city’s borders, but the lake’s wet soil remains, and Mexico City sinks a little each year. Unfortunately, the Aztec Empire fell after disease ravaged their population and the conquistadors betrayed and murdered their leadership. That’s not to say the Aztecs vanished. While their reign ended centuries ago, their legacy lives on in Mexico.
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika • Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 skin-on chicken leg and thigh pieces
• 1 1/3 cups ketchup • 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Juice and zest of 1 orange • Juice and zest of 1 lemon • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Directions 1. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Combine all other ingredients in a small bowl. 2. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce and add the rest to the plastic bag. Toss to evenly coat the chicken and marinate overnight. 3. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add remaining sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer to thicken sauce, about 10 minutes. Set aside. 4. On grill set for medium-high heat, arrange chicken skin side down. Cook until grill marks form, about 4 minutes. Flip chicken, cover grill, and cook until a thermometer inserted into thighs reads 165 F, about 20–25 minutes. 5. Serve with remaining sauce.
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(308) 872-8327 www.SteffensLaw.com PO Box 363 Carnegie Prof. Bldg. Broken Bow, NE 68822
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Why Consulting a Lawyer Is Crucial After a Car Accident
1
Paws and Paths!
2
A Personalized Monthly Budget Can Transform Your Finances
Citrus BBQ Chicken
3
Lesser-Known Aztec Facts That Will Amaze You
Prepare Your Financial Road Map
4
Your Estate Planning Checklist
Living Will or Advance Health Care Directive A living will or advance health care directive articulates your preferences regarding medical treatment in case you become unable to communicate. This document guides your family and healthcare professionals on decisions related to life- sustaining treatments, organ donation, and other critical matters. Financial Power of Attorney Designating a trusted individual as your financial power of attorney is essential. This person will manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Choose someone reliable and trustworthy to handle your finances. Take your time with this decision, as this person will control your finances. Beneficiary Designations Many assets, such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and bank accounts,
Estate planning is a crucial part of financial management that ensures your hard- earned assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass. Creating a strategic road map for transferring this wealth, minimizing taxes for those beneficiaries, and providing security for your loved ones is incredibly important. To start this journey, you must understand what documents are essential. Here is a checklist of important documents you should include in your planning. Last Will and Testament The foundation of any estate plan is a last will and testament. This document outlines how you want your assets distributed and who will be responsible for executing your wishes. You don’t have to be retirement age to write yours. It’s best to be prepared as it allows you to appoint a guardian for minors. It must be clear and concise in your will to avoid misunderstandings and legal complications.
allow you to designate beneficiaries. Regularly reviewing these designations ensures that your assets go to the intended recipients without going through probate. Revocable Living Trust This last document is not necessary for everyone, but a revocable living trust can be a valuable tool in estate planning. It enables you to transfer assets into the trust during your lifetime and specifies how those should be distributed after your passing, avoiding probate.
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