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Today’s speaker Michael B Goldstein was introduced by PP x2 Chris Gaynor. Mr. Goldstein is an attorney who has been practicing since 1993 and is the founder of his law firm, Michael B. Goldstein, a law corporation, in 1996. Since that time, he has represented thousands of clients, winning tens of millions of dollars in restitution for them. As a lead attorney for the firm, he conducts depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and trials. He interviews prospective clients and witnesses, negotiates case settlements, makes court appearances and drafts legal pleadings. He has three children, including one with special needs, and spends much of his free time with his family. He also serves as a mentor and a coach to other lawyers and business professionals.
Michael's talk focused on what do you do in the case of an auto accident. In the case of an injury you need to contact any attorney. The minimum amount of state required liability insurance is increasing from $15/$30K to $30/$60K in the future. It is a well-known fact that 50% of drivers are not insured so you need to plan for having an accident with an uninsured driver. For older autos that do not have backup cameras it is a good idea to purchase and install one. This can be done at Best Buy. When an accident occurs take photos of everything including potential cameras in the area and obtain all information from the other driver while also obtaining pictures of the conditions of all autos involved. Don’t plan on your memory of the event. Observe and take note of any business and homeowner security cameras in the area of the accident. If injured, you need to call police and report the accident. You need to call your insurance company and report the accident. DO NOT ADMIT FAULT!! Let the insurance companies figure it out unless it so obvious. If you are not at fault for the accident or, your fault is less than 50%, your insurance rates should not increase. Do not post anything including photos on social media following an accident and, if you are claiming injury don’t go out and do something that contradicts the type of injury you have. For instance, don’t go lifting heavy objects if you are claiming a back injury! Duh.......
It was an interesting presentation and helpful to be reminded what to do if involved in a vehicle accident. Vehicle accidents are still one of the largest causes of personal injury and death in the nation. Drive safely.
Shout out to Guests of Rotarian PP Ed Gauld who brought his friend of a 100 years, Ted Smith. Also visiting today, Sarah Huang, President of the UCLA Rotaracts.
Thank you to Janet Schwartz for greeting, Nanci Cohen for leading the pledge, PP Gordon Fell for the “Thought of the Day” centered on quotes from famous people and, PP Ed Gauld for leading the song, “Over There.”
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