California Personal Injury and Insurance Blog

World Malaria Day

First, I know this is off topic. But, its my little way of giving back.

Second, today is World Malaria Day. I know, every day is something day. I think yesterday was World Black Is Not Really A Color Day and Wednesday was World Be Kind to Fire Ants Day. But, Malaria Day is a bit different because, unlike arguing over black or being nice to a fire ant, you can do something to help.

Malaria is the leading killer of children in Africa and every 30 seconds a child died. Thus, while I wrote this post, 2 children died. But there is a solution. A simple insecticide treated net can protect a family of 4 from the mosquitoes that carry malaria for 5 years. The net costs a whopping $10. Now, I am the last to ask any of you to spend money as I know its tight. So, let me propose another idea.

Major League Soccer has teamed up with the UN’s Nothing But Nets Campaign. But, instead of giving money, all you have to do is play a 1 minute online video game: www.NothingButNets.net/game (Normally, I imbed links so you don't see them, but I want you to have this link so you can pass it on to your friends and family.) In the game, you deliver nets to families in Africa. (Okay, I found away around it and you don’t have to actually play the game and can send the net without playing.) You can do it for each email address you have. I have already played 5 times.

I ask that you all take a minute to go to the link and send a net. This is an easy way you can help someone. Over 7,000 people have already signed up. Will you join me? And when you do, please let me know.

The Health Insurance Crisis

Now, it is not often that I get political. And, it is not often that I post cartoons, but today seemed like a good day. Why? Because I received two today.

The first, found here, Download new_yorker_cartoon.pdf,  is a cartoon from "The New Yorker." Pretty funny.

The second one is a YouTube video. Yes, YouTube. This is brought to you by SickofBlueCross. It is a spoof of Monty Python's "Bright Side of Life."

Enjoy!

Buy Party of the First Part

Remember when I told you about that funny new book, Party of the First Part? I didn't tell you where you can get it. But, since I have received several emails from people asking, I thought I would tell you.

The book is now available at The Billable Hour, a website run by Lisa Solomon that sells humorous lawyer gifts. If you have a friend, associate, or someone else you want to buy a law related gift or card for, check out Lisa's website. (You can probably even find something for your favorite blogger!)

The New Commandments

The Vatican has now issued 10 commandments for driving. Some of them are interesting, some not so interesting.  I figure if they can take a shot at it, why can't I? I have probably seen more car crashes than everyone at the Vatican combined. So, here goes:

The California Personal Injury and Insurance Blog 10 Commandments of Driving:

1. Thou shall not speed;
2. Thou shall stop to assist broken down motorists or motorists involved in a car accident;
3. Thou shall keep thine vehicle in YOUR lane;
4. Thou shall obey all traffic signals and signs;
5. Thou shall not give anyone "the bird" or show other signs of aggression at other drivers;
6. Thou shall yield the right of way;
7. Thou shall keep thine eyes on the road;
8. Thou shall not read, put on make up or shave while driving;
9. Thou shall use turn signals;
10. THOU SHALL NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!!!

10 simple rules that will keep you, and everyone around you, safer in the car.

Want to know about an insurance company

Here is a helpful link I have found on the California Dept. of Insurance website. The link provides you with information on an insurance company. From the website itself:

Use a partial or full company name to search for an insurance company.

From there you will be able to access information about a company's location, former names of the company, agent for service of process, reference information (license status, company type, state of domicile), lines of insurance the company is authorized to transact, and complaint history.

This can be very useful to you. It is a good way to check up on your insurance company!

A new trick by insurance defense attorneys

The insurance companise have actually surprised me with a new trick. This one I admit I have not seen before, nor have I ever really contemplated it. The defense attorneys in a civil case want the plaintiff's attorney to shut down his website during the trial. They are concerned that jurors will not follow the judge's instructions and may google the attorney. If they do, they will find his website and read his articles about medical malpractice.

Here is a link to a story about this. Just so you can see the original sources, here is a link to Gerry's blog and his website.

I have to tell you that this is a new one. It shows creativity by the defense attorney, but also a lack of understanding of anything. First, the defense attorney is saying that people on juries cannot be trusted to do the right thing and follow the rules. I guess the insurance industry does not trust people to be honest. That is quite telling. Second, the defense attorney does not want any advertising done during a trial? Gerry's website is an advertisement for his services. Finally, should the defendant doctor take down his website? Maybe the defense firm, assuming they have one? How about the insurance company?

I think the defense attorney really did not think this through. He is calling in to question the ethics of anyone who might be on a jury. Now you know what the insurance companies really think.

Getting a quote for auto insurance

It is not often that I give insurance companies "props," so to speak. I am critical of a lot of what they do, although I do tell you when I come across something good.

Well, here is another good thing. Esurance has a great program to quote you. In about 3 minutes, I received a quote from them online and quotes from three of their competitors. Not bad. 3 minutes of my life and could have saved, well, nothing in this case. They were about $300 more per year than I am currently paying. However, it is well worth three minutes of your time to see how much you can save.

Caveat: I recommend you click on the apples to apples comparison instead of the other options. This lets you compare your current policy to their policy. If you do not have a policy, than you should read through the options and click on "standard."

Caveat 2: There is "agent" to help you and I don't always trust the people who are at a 24 hour call center, so it is best to call around as well.

Why we need auto insurance

Okay, this serves no other purpose than me finding it really funny. I am sure the people involved did not find it funny. Oh, and kids do not try this at home.

Here is a video of some kids trying to tow their own car when it gets stuck in the snow. Okay, its not really funny, but in a way it is.

I would love to see the insurance claim filed for this. At least it was all caught on video. That makes it a bit easier for the adjuster to believe!

New Podcast Released - Automobile Property Damage

Today, a new podcast goes live: automobile property damage explained. This podcast provides the basics of how to get your car fixed, where to get your car fixed and how to obtain a rental vehicle. I do not discuss total losses, and will save that for my next podcast, since it is a topic unto itself.  The podcast can be found at The Personal Injury Podcast.

Of course, if you have any questions, please email me. Also, I would love to hear your show ideas.

Your Personal Injury Attorney and Technology

There is an interesting article about the use of technology in trial. Basically, the article points out that personal injury attorneys are making use of technology and defense firms are not. Why? Primarily because the insurance companies are too cheap to pay for the technology.

How does this effect you? First, before you hire an attorney, you should ask them if they use technology in trial. It can make a difference for you. Second, if you are sued, this can work against you since your attorney won't be using every tool available to protect you. Finally, this can effect verdicts. You want to have every weapon possible and this is one more that will help you.