Robinette Law - September 2022

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September 2022

FROM THE DESK OF

Jeffery L. Robinette

It’s Not a Mere Mistake or Accident!

Everyone is in a hurry and many people drive right on the edge of the boundaries of their rights. Drivers’ speed, distraction, weather, and negligence cause collisions and wrecks every day. When a significant auto collision occurs causing serious personal injuries, it is evident that the person who caused the collision violated the motor vehicle safety laws and is guilty of careless, negligent conduct. It is important to never refer to the conduct of the at-fault driver who caused your serious injuries as a mere mistake, or the auto collision as an accident. When you’ve been injured, you know it was not just a little accident. If the collision was truly an “accident,” then the law may not hold anyone responsible. The law requires that legal liability be established on the basis of fault, referred to as negligence.

Keep Your Family’s Legacy Alive By Sharing Life Memories

I remember when my grandparents retired. They had so much free time on their hands, which was great! But I noticed their engagement with the outside world began to decline. I heard the same stories from them countless times, and I felt that they needed more social interaction. So, I started asking them about their lives growing up. As you get older, your short-term memory may decrease. For example, you could forget about the errands you need to do that day, if you turned all of your lights off before going to bed, or where you placed certain things. Although short-term memory declines, your long-term memory is sharper than ever. I saw my grandparents instantly light up when I showed interest in their lives and their previous experiences. The opportunity to learn more about history from a personal perspective provided me with so much insight into the past, and I’m thankful I could hear my grandparents’ stories. Sharing your past experiences with your loved ones will make you feel valued and appreciated. In addition, it helps you keep your mind engaged and active. Here are four discussion topics you can talk about with loved ones.

WV Uniform Crash Report Replaces Uniform Accident Report

For many decades, law enforcement officers used the Uniform Accident Report form to annotate information about the auto collision. Now, every police force must use the revised form: State of West Virginia Uniform Traffic Crash Report.

Now, even police officers must recognize they are investigating car “crashes,” not mere “accidents.”

Take care and stay safe!

-Jeff Robinette

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Your Childhood

Friendships and Relationships

You can share what life was like when you were a child and compare it to your grandkids or children’s childhood experiences. What was your favorite subject in school? What did you do for fun? Do any memories stand out to you? Sharing these stories with friends and family can be both fun and nostalgic.

This topic is all about celebrating the ones who made an impact on your life. Talk about how you met your spouse and best friends. This will allow you to show appreciation for the ones you love. In addition, you can share funny stories you have with your friends and significant others and share what the value of friendship means to you.

Changes Over the Years

Your Life Journey

You saw the evolution of technology. You witnessed the advancement from thick, bulky TVs and computers to slim ones, and the progression through vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs, and music streaming services. You even endured

Although the above topics discuss many different subjects, this one is about putting it all together and into perspective, and you have a chance to acknowledge all of the successes you’ve accomplished in your lifetime. Discuss the most significant event

some of the most challenging times in American history — the Vietnam conflict, Desert Storm, the Challenger explosion, and 9/11. Share your experiences and opinions about these times and how society is changing. You may have older mementos you can look at together. Perhaps you have stories that go along with these items or memories about the different eras of the 21st century.

that happened in your life, what life lessons you have learned, and what others can take away from your journey. Sharing stories with older adults is an enriching experience for both of you. You can even ask your loved ones about their experiences in life and connect on a deeper, more intimate level. Who knows, you may learn something new and gain more of an appreciation for your lineage!

What to Know and How to Spend Time Elsewhere Teenage Self-Esteem vs. Social Media

It even matters how your teen is using social media. Is your teen interacting or only looking? A 2015 study found that social comparison and feedback seeking by teens using social media were linked to depressive symptoms. Additionally, a 2013 study showed that older adolescents who used social media passively, such as simply looking at pictures, reported declines in life satisfaction. In contrast, participants who used social media to interact with others and post their own content didn’t experience these declines. The Alternatives Instead of staring at a screen, encourage your teens to spend time face-to-face with their classmates and friends; that’s especially important for teens who are vulnerable to social anxiety. Remind your teen that certain behaviors aren’t okay on social media: gossiping, spreading rumors, bullying, or damaging someone’s reputation (online or otherwise). Even if these activities can seem harmless at first, they are extremely damaging and hurtful to the people involved. Face-to-face contact is one of the most promising ways to deflect the negative aspects of social media. Don’t miss a chance to give your teen the one-on-one time that they may need.

According to Mayo Clinic, nearly 97% of kids aged 13–17 years old use social media, whether it’s YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or another platform. Although these platforms come with major benefits — such as staying in touch with distant family and friends — it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your teen’s social media usage. Research shows that using social media more than three hours a day can increase risk of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. Here’s why — or at least, a few expert theories. The Proven Risk Factors Social media affects everyone a little differently. For teens, thankfully, there are some studies about these differences. Beyond simply the number of hours spent on social media, there are other ways that researchers have noticed the negative impact of social media on teens. A 2016 study of more than 450 teens found that greater social media use, nighttime social media use, and emotional investment in social media (such as feeling upset when prevented from logging on) were linked to worse sleep quality and higher levels of anxiety and depression.

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Exploring the Harmful Effects of DEET Ditch the Itch Safely

When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, itchy insect bites can really put a damper on the experience. Not only are bug bites itchy and annoying, they can potentially cause some serious illnesses such as Zika, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Keystone virus. When choosing a bug spray, it’s important to choose one that does not contain DEET. Here’s why: DEET can cause skin irritations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

slurred speech, and tremors. In a case study conducted by Human and Experimental Toxicology, even children who were briefly exposed to DEET experienced seizures because of the product. DEET may be linked to Gulf War syndrome. Gulf War syndrome is a multisymptom illness experienced by many who served in the war. The symptoms include headaches, fatigue, skin conditions, and respiratory disorders. Although these concerns initially involved those who served in the Gulf War, this syndrome is now potentially linked to a combination of pesticides, including DEET. What can you use instead?

(CDC), DEET, when applied to the skin for an extended period of time, can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, redness, and swelling in some people. Other people who were exposed to high concentrations of bug sprays containing DEET have even experienced skin and mucous membrane infections, skin rashes, and blisters. DEET has been linked to seizures and brain malfunctions. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), high concentrations or ingestion of DEET can cause nervous system impairment, which leads to seizures,

The next time you reach for bug spray, consider one of the many DEET-free products available on the market to help you enjoy nature without the bugs. There are various options, but one of the most well-known DEET-free bug sprays is Picaridin. It’s a synthetic compound found in black pepper that is proven to be very effective and is definitely worth checking out. Fleas, mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks, be gone — safely!

Inspiration Corner

No-Fuss Chicken and Rice Soup

Inspired by RecipeTinEats.com

Ingredients

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 3 carrots, sliced • 3 celery ribs, sliced • 2 chicken bouillon cubes • 1/2 tsp dried parsley

• 1/4 tsp pepper • 4 cups chicken broth • 4 cups water • 1 1/4 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs • 1 cup uncooked white rice • Salt, to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the carrots and celery, then sauté for 1 more minute. 2. Add the bouillon, parsley, pepper, chicken broth, and water. Stir, then add the chicken thighs. 3. Cover and simmer on medium-low for 30 minutes, then add the rice. Stir, cover, and simmer for 15 more minutes. 4. Remove the pot from the heat and transfer the chicken to a large bowl. Shred the meat and add it back to the soup. Discard the bones. 5. Stir, salt, and serve!

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of Jeffery L. Robinette PAGE 1 4 Discussion Topics to Share Lifelong Memories PAGE 1 Is Your Teen’s Self-Esteem Dropping? PAGE 2 The Harmful Effects of DEET PAGE 3 Inspiration Corner PAGE 3 No-Fuss Chicken and Rice Soup PAGE 3 A Dog’s Loyalty Has No Limit PAGE 4

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Eva’s Stand-Off With a Mountain Lion This Belgian Malinois Needs a Cape made food scarce in some areas. Their preferred prey is deer, but these conditions probably made the sudden appearance of a slender woman look like an attractive option. The mountain lion growled and took a swipe at Wilson’s left shoulder. As it lunged at her, Wilson screamed and shouted for Eva. At the distressed call of her owner, the dog came running back to Wilson’s aid. Without hesitation, Eva leapt between Wilson and tackled the wild cat. During the short tussle, the mountain lion managed to get its jaws around Eva’s head, but Wilson fought to free her dog by throwing rocks in an attempt to break its hold. When that didn’t work, she ran back to her truck and managed to wave down a passing motorist. With their combined efforts — and a crowbar and lots of pepper spray — they were able to scare the mountain lion away. Wilson, though wounded, managed to carry Eva back to her truck and raced her to an animal hospital. Unfortunately, while Eva survived the initial attack, she passed away due to her injuries on June 8, 2022. Wilson said she would do anything for her dog, and that day, Eva proved she would do the same for Wilson.

A commonly uttered phrase among dog lovers is that we don’t deserve them. This comes from the fact that dogs often give their all to protect their owners, even if that means putting their own lives at risk. Dogs seem to be instinctively wired to protect their humans — and it’s more proof they really are our best friends. In May 2022, Erin Wilson pulled off at a roadside picnic area and headed down a path toward the Trinity River in California with her Belgian Malinois, Eva. As Wilson walked down the slope, the dog ran ahead. Suddenly, Wilson turned around and realized she was being cornered by a mountain lion. These attacks are incredibly rare due to the mountain lion’s reclusive and shy nature. In fact, since 1890, California has recorded only six fatal mountain lion attacks. However, recent drought conditions have

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