Kevin McManus Law - June/July 2025

If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else, it may seem as if you’ve acquired a new best friend — an adjuster from the at-fault party’s insurance company. If they are badgering you to sign release forms, make a recording, or even accept a quick cash payout, we have legal advice for you: Contact an experienced personal injury attorney first! SNEAKY TACTICS INSURERS USE TO CUT INJURY PAYOUTS The Lowball Playbook

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For me, a successful summer trip provides that kind of time and space to be present in the moment. The meaning of our trip to Atacama wasn’t just about the value of being silent. It was about the importance of creating space in your life, so you have the ability to think, reflect on what is important to you, and live a more intentional life. Throughout different faith traditions, in stories as old as time, people have traveled into the desert to find purpose, meaning, or clarity. That is no accident. The desert sky is endless, and there, you can truly hear your thoughts. We can’t all live like monks, but even a week there left me with greater clarity about life — about things that were going well, and others I might want to work on. To have that ability to separate from our culture — where everything is go, go, go all the time — and to simply slow down and be quiet, to me, that’s a successful trip! This summer, I hope you have a chance to enjoy a peaceful sojourn of your own!

Here are three common tactics insurance companies use to trick injured parties into undermining their own case.

Simple Summer Garden Pasta -Kevin McManus

SIGN THIS RELEASE A claims adjuster may pretend that signing a blanket release giving them access to all your medical records is a routine step. It’s not! Insurers often cherry-pick these records for evidence that you aren’t as badly hurt as you actually are. They may try to show you had a pre-existing condition or that the accident didn’t cause your injuries. Another common ploy is to ask an injured person to sign a release of claim or waiver. This is a legally binding document that gives up important legal rights and prevents you from filing additional claims in the future to cover expenses that should be compensated, including past and future medical bills, lost wages from work, pain and suffering, and any permanent impairments.

Inspired by TheKitchn.com

Ingredients •

4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 4 cloves garlic, minced

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1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper 1 lb angel hair pasta

1 cup fresh basil

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese Cooked, chopped chicken for serving (optional)

RECORD A STATEMENT Victims of an accident are not legally required to record a statement following an accident, especially not one requested by the at-fault party’s insurance company! The questions they want answered may seem innocent, but the insurance company will try to manipulate your words to reduce or deny your claim. SETTLE FOR CASH Insurance companies often pressure victims to accept a quick settlement before they know the full extent of their injuries. The allure of cash can cause injured victims to sign away further rights before they can possibly know their total medical bills, injuries, or other impairments, especially with brain or spinal cord injuries. Accepting a quick settlement will cut off future opportunities to seek further damages and lead to your receiving lower compensation than you probably deserve. Before you give in to any of these tactics, consult an experienced personal injury attorney to help you accurately assess what you are owed and get the compensation you deserve! If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

Directions 1.

In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper and toss until well coated. 2. Cover and let the mixture sit at room temperature while the pasta cooks. 3. Add pasta to a pot of boiling water and cook per package directions until al dente. 4. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water to add to the tomato mixture. 5. Coarsely chop the basil leaves. 6. Add the pasta, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil to the tomato mixture and toss again until combined. 7. Serving suggestion: Add cooked, chopped chicken for more protein!

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