Holland & Usry, PA - January 2024

Check out our January newsletter!

Crucial Tips for Safer Driving TEENS BEHIND THE WHEEL

Share local teen driving statistics. Understanding the context of teen driving in South Carolina can highlight the importance of focused awareness. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, in 2020, there were 20,302 crashes involving drivers ages 15–19. Of these incidents, 88 of them resulted in fatalities and emphasized the need for continued efforts to enhance teen driver safety. Set clear expectations. Active parental involvement is crucial in shaping responsible driving behavior. Establish clear expectations for your teen regarding curfew, passenger limits, and adherence to safety protocols. Regularly discuss their driving experiences, address any concerns, and offer constructive feedback to reinforce positive habits. Limit distractions. The prevalence of smartphones and in-car technology underscores the importance of addressing distractions. Educate your teen about the dangers of texting, calling, or engaging in other distracting activities while driving. Emphasize the significance of keeping their focus on the road to mitigate the risk of accidents. Teen Driving Awareness Month provides an opportunity for parents and our community to actively engage in promoting safe driving practices among our teens. By imparting essential skills, fostering a defensive driving mindset, and staying informed about local teen driving statistics, we can collectively contribute to a safer driving environment for young motorists in South Carolina and beyond.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 2,800 individuals in the U.S. aged 13–19 were killed and 227,000 were injured in car accidents in 2020. When you do the math, this means that eight teens a day died in 2020 as a result of automobile accidents. January is Teen Driving Awareness Month, a crucial time for parents, educators, and communities to come together to instill responsible driving habits in young drivers. As our teens take the wheel and hit the road, it becomes our collective duty to ensure they do so with the proper knowledge and skills. Let’s take a look at some essential tips for parents and teens to promote safe driving practices for everyone. Maintain safe following distances. One fundamental rule that applies to all drivers is the importance of maintaining a

safe following distance. Emphasize to your teen the significance of keeping a distance that allows for a clear line of sight and reaction time. Encourage them to adhere to the three-second rule — select a fixed object on the road, and when the vehicle ahead passes it, count “one-thousand- one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand- three.” This ensures an appropriate gap for varying driving conditions. I’ve come to notice that many people feel if their eyes are on the road and they are free of distractions, they will be able to stop on a dime if they ever had to, no matter how closely they are following. However, what happens when the person in front of them is also following too closely? This can be a recipe for disaster! Avoid making assumptions and trusting other drivers. Instill in your teen the importance of avoiding assumptions and placing trust in other drivers. Teach them to anticipate potential risks, be mindful of blind spots, and not solely rely on signals. Emphasize the unpredictability of traffic situations and the need to stay vigilant and focused at all times. Cultivating a defensive driving mindset enhances their ability to respond effectively to unexpected scenarios. Utilize defensive driving courses. Consider enrolling your teen in a defensive driving course. These programs provide valuable insights into hazard recognition, proper reaction techniques, and overall safe driving practices. Defensive driving courses empower teens with additional skills beyond basic driver’s education, contributing to their preparedness for various road scenarios.

Do a good deed! Be part of a solution! We’re here for you and your family and friends to answer questions about these cases:

• Wrongful death • Serious accident injuries • Work injuries

• Family law —

small fee required, we’ll explain when you call.

Give the gift of peace of mind, and make sure callers tell us you sent them so we can thank you! Call 864.898.6458.

864.582.0416

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Innovative Family Movie Night Ideas

Outdoor Movie Night Take your movie night under the stars by setting up an outdoor screening. All you need is a projector, a white sheet or screen, and comfy outdoor seating. Enjoy the fresh air, watch the stars above, and immerse yourself in the magic of outdoor cinema. Themed Movie Night Select a theme for your movie night. It could be based on a film genre, a specific actor, or a series. For example, a “Harry Potter” theme could include all the movies from the series along with themed snacks and decorations. Classic Film Night Introduce your children (or spouse) to classic childhood hits or rediscover them together as a family. From “The Wizard of Oz” to “E.T.,” these movies offer timeless entertainment for everyone. Costume Movie Night Encourage your family to dress up as characters from the movie on deck for the

night. It adds a layer of fun and immersion to your film-watching experience. Movie Bingo Create bingo cards with scenes, quotes, or characters from the film you’re about to watch. As you watch the movie, mark off the items on your bingo card as you see them. The first person to get bingo wins a prize. Movie Trivia Night After watching the movie, have a trivia game based on the movie you just watched. Whoever answers the most questions correctly gets to choose the next movie! With these creative ideas, your family movie nights will become even more special. Whether you’re enjoying the great outdoors, dressing up as your favorite characters, or challenging each other to movie trivia, these memorable experiences will bring your family closer together while creating lasting memories.

Family movie nights are a cherished tradition in many households, offering a chance to bond over cinematic adventures and entertainment. While the classic movie night with popcorn and your go-to films is always enjoyable, why not shake things up with creative and unique ideas to make these evenings even more memorable? Here are some imaginative ways to enhance your family movie night experience.

TESTIMONIALS “Contacting Rob was the best thing we could have done! He knew exactly what to do and took the stress off us. It was obvious that he cared about us and how we were doing. He is a good man and a great lawyer. I highly recommend Holland & Usry.” -Patricia J.

www.bhollandlawfirm.com

Navigating the Aftermath A Hit-and-Run Success Story

The Fortunate Twist in the Case The turning point in Rod’s case came with an unexpected advantage, thanks to our legal insight. While the workers’ compensation insurance company anticipated repayment from the third-party settlement, it failed to acknowledge a crucial legal fact: For third-party settlements involving uninsured motorist coverage, the law stipulates that workers’ compensation is not entitled to repayment. Armed with this knowledge, we confidently asserted Rod’s position to the insurance company attorney, emphasizing that he owed nothing in repayment. The result? Rod received a substantially larger sum from his settlement, demonstrating the profound impact of legal expertise in securing a favorable outcome!

After our client parked his car at work and began walking toward the office, Rod was struck by an unknown vehicle. The vehicle fled, leaving Rod with a broken right arm and wrist. The resulting injuries were deemed “significant” and “complicated” by his surgeon, and he underwent four operations. Initially, Rod represented himself in court, but he soon realized the complexities of his case and the challenges posed by dealing with the workers’ compensation insurance company. He then took a courageous step and sought our services. This decision proved to be crucial, especially considering the intricacies of Rod’s case and the unexpected positive outcome we helped him achieve. The Complexities of a Work-Related Car Accident Following the work-related incident, Rod’s treatment expenses were covered by workers’ compensation. However, the situation got a bit complicated because it also involved a car accident case, referred to as a “third-party action” in workers’ comp

terminology. A third-party action arises when someone outside the workplace injures an employee. While having a third party involved may offer the potential for a larger settlement, it also introduces additional complexities and risks: • Settling the third-party action incorrectly can result in the loss of workers’ compensation rights. • Repaying the workers’ compensation insurance company becomes necessary upon settling the third-party action, adding another layer of complexity and exposing the injured party to the insurance company’s efforts to maximize its gains. Crucial Events in the Car Accident Case For the car accident aspect of the case, securing insurance coverage was a critical step in obtaining a settlement for Rod. Fortunately, he had uninsured motorist coverage (UM), which covered him, even though he was a pedestrian when the accident occurred.

*Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different, and all cases depend on unique facts and laws.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” –2 Corinthians 5:17 Good News

Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a zesty dish that combines salmon with the vibrant flavors of garlic and lemon!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs salmon fillets • 4 cloves garlic, minced • Juice of 2 lemons • 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on the baking dish. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the salmon. 4. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Serve and enjoy!

864.582.0416

* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

101 W. St. John St. Suite 206 Spartanburg, SC 29306

INSIDE this issue

1

1.

Crucial Tips for Safe Teen Driving

2.

How to Elevate Your Family’s Movie Nights

2

2.

Testimonial

3

3.

The Complexities of a Hit-and- Run Case Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon Meet Kupata, Georgia’s Street- Roaming Pup Hero

3.

4

4.

If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email Rob@bhollandlawfirm.com .

The Stray Dog Who Captured the World’s Heart Kupata’s Road to Fame

We often think dogs live the good life, as they seem to do nothing but play, eat, and sleep. Yet, some dogs are busy at work, some

Now, after tireless days of guarding his street, Kupata has his own doghouse provided

without being asked to do so! Take Kupata, the stray dog in Georgia, for example. This street-roaming pup takes it upon himself to guard a crosswalk all day, every day. In the town of Batumi, this stray stays by a single crosswalk and forces traffic to stop to allow pedestrians to cross the street. He’s especially protective of children! If Kupata sees a car isn’t slowing down, he’ll bark at the driver as they drive away and run to protect the person crossing the street. One local even shared that Kupata will cross the road with children and stay at the park to protect the youngsters. Kupata, which in English means “sausage,” has become a staple in the community due to his hard work, and locals all pitch in to care for and feed the stray dog. His consistently round belly shows just how loved he is. You’ll even see a massive painting of the beloved animal on a nearby building.

by the city with an accompanying star on the road with his name on it. Kupata’s dedication made him go viral on social media, and now travelers from all over the

world come to see Kupata. Don’t distract him, though. He’s busy at work!

Sadly, even though Kupata

remains cherished by his community, thousands of stray dogs in the country need shelter, food, and companionship. According to activists, around 500,000 stray dogs and cats roam the streets of Georgia. While stray animals may get a bad reputation for being dangerous or unfriendly, Kupata proves that even these furry friends deserve love and recognition.

www.bhollandlawfirm.com

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

www.bhollandlawfirm.com

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator