How Is My Auto Insurance Rate Determined?

Found on  Auto repair and service article directory

There is a specific method that insurance companies use to calculate your car insurance rates. It is much more complex than some of the most complicated calculus equations. Powerful computer systems are used to determine a driver’s calculated risk. After a driver’s liability profile has been determined, then it is compared to all of the historic records in the auto insurance company’s database. A mere mortal could not possibly assimilate the insurance rating system in its entirety, but a sound comprehension of the fundamentals is all that is necessary.
 
The Elements of Identifying a Car insurance Price

State law regulates automobile insurance, so the state that you dwell is the most critical element in determining the cost of automobile insurance. For instance, the state of Hawaii has very liberal liability laws and a deluge of uninsured motorists. North Dakota, on the other hand, has considerably more conservative laws and fewer uninsured motorists. As a matter of fact, North Dakota has less motorists period. If there is a lower number of automobiles on the road, then there is less likelihood that an accident can happen. As a result, the average insurance premiums paid in Hawaii are almost three times greater than the insurance costs paid in North Dakota. Besides your state of residence, the principal factors the have an effect on your rates are more personal and statistical. They include your age, your gender, and your marital status. Other aspects that come into play are your driving record, your credit history, where you reside, and the make and model of your car.
 
Why Do Age, Gender and Marital Status Impact My Rates?

The auto insurance company’s objective is to figure out how much calculated risk you are as a driver. Because they have years and years of data that they have collected, they comprehend that drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 are involved in a larger amount of mishaps, those between the ages of 50 to 64 are in the fewest quantity of mishaps, and starting at the age of 65, people begin getting in far more mishaps yet again. Additionally, by the time they reach the age of 75, they are normally in auto mishaps more so than the younger group of motorists. Statistically, females are in fewer accidents than men. Gender is particularly crucial about individuals under the age of 25. Youthful men are in far more automobile mishaps than youthful females. Statistics additionally show that this risk is partly offset, amazingly, by marriage. Time has revealed that married men ages 18 to 24 are in fewer accidents than single men.

Various Factors that Come Into Play

An individuals driving record is an very crucial factor in determining the price of car insurance. The insurance companies comprehend that if you are in one accident, there is a higher chance that you will be in a another incident. If you have a second accident, after that there is an even increased probability that you could be in a 3rd and so on. If you are in many accidents in a short time period, your automobile insurance rates will go sky-high. An individuals credit history is also a really critical factor in calculating their insurance price. This is controversial, but the insurance companies have historical data showing that, as a whole, people with a lower credit rating cost more to insure. Where you dwell is an crucial factor as well. Your city of residence signifies how much traffic you could experience on a everyday basis. Also, some metropolitan areas have a higher quantity of car thefts than other metropolitan areas. One last factor taken into consideration is the make and model of your automobile. It is known that similar automobiles get into a lot more accidents, some automobiles sustain more damage, and some vehicles cost much more to repair. These are all vital aspects in determining the total amount of calculated risk you present to the insurance company.

How Does This All Sum Up?

After taking all of these factors into consideration, the insurance company assigns you a “rating factor”. This factor is then multiplied with the “base rate” for every kind of protection you have selected. As an instance, an auto insurance plan may be priced at $300 for somebody with a “preferred rating”. Even so, if your rating factor is 1.4 because you pose a larger risk to the insurance company, you will be billed $420 for the same coverage. This is determined by multiplying $300 times the rating factor of 1.4. It is really vital to understand that not all insurance companies use the same basic criteria to ascertain insurance charges. Companies weigh various calculated risk factors very differently. That is why it is very vital to compare rates from multiple companies for your car insurance. One company may determine a rating factor of 1.5 for you though another company may offer you a much lower rating factor or even a preferred rate. The only way to get the very best automobile protection for the least amount of money is to compare quotes. There are many websites accessible that make that significantly less difficult and much less time-consuming by providing several car insurance rates from various insurance companies.

 

Some more great info about car insurance brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

A checklist to save on car insurance

By Tara Baukus Mello • Bankrate.com

 

Thanks to the economic downturn, more Americans than ever are looking for ways to reduce their expenses. For many, car insurance is one area that can represent savings, either by changing coverage on an existing policy or switching carriers entirely. Still, in some instances you may want to spend a little more to ensure you have adequate coverage.

Here are four changes you may want to make on your car insurance policy based on recent trends that affect auto insurance.

Check your annual mileage estimate on your policy. Since insurers rate a big part of your risk on how many miles you drive, tell your car insurance agent right away if you are driving less and your policy rate will go down without changing any coverage. At a time when many people are unemployed or have switched jobs after a layoff, the number of miles you originally estimated when you got your policy may be radically different from what you drive currently. Even if your work situation hasn't changed, you may be able to reduce your annual mileage by carpooling or taking public transportation.

Keep your credit score as high as possible. An increasing number of auto insurers are using financial credit scores as one of the factors in assessing risk and setting rates. For these companies, the higher your credit score, the lower your auto insurance premiums. If your credit has been tarnished recently, you could end up paying more when your next premium comes due, so do everything you can to keep your score as high as possible and to get it back up as quickly as you can. If you know your credit has improved, don't hesitate to ask your insurer to rate you again, since the company may not do it when your premium comes due.

Get adequate uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The number of uninsured and underinsured drivers is on the rise, primarily due to the increase in unemployment. Unless you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your policy, you will be stuck with the repair bill on your car and potentially your medical expenses, depending on your health insurance coverage. Spend the extra money to get as much of this coverage as possible, since even a minor fender bender in a parking lot could result in repairs that cost thousands of dollars.

Tread carefully if you drop collision coverage. Americans are keeping their cars longer -- another result of hard times. While an older car is generally cheaper to insure, some people consider dropping collision coverage altogether to save even more money. However, remember that a lack of collision coverage means you'll need to foot the entire repair bill for your car if you are at fault. Spending the extra money on collision coverage may be a better choice if it will be challenging to get the funds to repair or replace your car after a collision.

Read more: A checklist to save on car insurance http://www.bankrate.com/finance/auto/a-checklist-to-save-on-car-insurance.aspx#ixzz1CXcn4160

Brought to you by Car Reapair Salinas

Press Release: Marietta Estate Planning Lawyer Urges You to Add Estate Planning to Your List of Resolutions This Year

January 28th, 2011 • View Comments • Filed Under • by ABMN Staff

 

Atlanta, GA, January 28, 2011 –(PR.com)– While many people focus on getting out of debt or getting organized for the New Year, estate planning is an equally important personal finance goal that should make every adult’s to-do list.

That’s because according to Atlanta estate planning lawyer, Steve Worrall, far too many area residents are without plans to protect their family, wishes and assets should something unexpectedly happen to them. A recent Lawyers.com survey further reveals that only 35% of adults have a basic will or other estate planning documents in place should death or incapacity occur.

“Contrary to popular belief, estate planning isn’t just for the rich,” says Worrall. “At a bare minimum, every adult needs a basic will, power of attorney and health care directives in place to avoid a legal and financial nightmare if something unexpectedly happens to them,” he adds.

So what are these documents and how do they help you in a time of emergency? Worrall explains the following:

• Will- A will is a document that specifies what should happen to your assets if you pass away. A will may also contain guardian nominations to dictate who will care for your minor children if something unexpectedly happens to you.

• Trust- A trust is a legal entity that can hold title to property. With your assets securely placed in a trust, you can minimize your financial exposure to lawsuits, divorce and bankruptcy while alive. Upon death, a trust will keep your affairs private and out of the probate court. It also allows a great deal of control for people who do not want their inheritance going outright to their heirs if something unexpectedly happens.

• Power of Attorney- A power of attorney or POA gives explicit permission for someone to access your personal accounts, pay your bills and handle all other financial and legal affairs if you are incapacitated in an accident but do not die. Under the current privacy laws, even a spouse may have a hard time accessing personal information without such documentation in place.

• Advanced Health Care Directive- Also known as a living will, this document specifies your healthcare wishes if you are incapacitated in an accident and unable to speak for yourself. Such wishes may range from whether you want certain medications administered to when (if at all) to start life support in critical situations. This document also allows you to appoint the person best suited to carry out such wishes should incapacity occur.

“Accidents and serious illness happen every day without warning,” says Worrall. “That’s why it’s so important for any adult who has not tackled their estate planning to add it to their resolutions this year. It will save their family from years of headaches and thousands of dollars in unexpected costs should the unthinkable happen.”

Found on AmericanBankingNews.com

 

Brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

Finding The Best Price For The Best Car Insurance Coverage

Published by Craig Thomas at 9:19 am under Car Insurance

 

When searching for auto insurance a consumer’s highest priority is in finding the most coverage for the best price available. With more and more insurance companies offering customized options, and online purchasing it forces insurance companies to offer competitive costs and coverage.

Consumers need to anticipate what types of coverage will best fit their needs. Collision Insurance, which pays for damage to the vehicle and any other vehicle or object a policy holder has an accident with; Comprehensive Insurance Coverage, which pays for damage or loss to the vehicle from other sources other than collision, like fire, theft, etc.; and Medical Coverage, which pays for limited medical expenses for a policy holder or a passenger that is injured in an accident.

When examining policies do not forget to examine options such as towing and rental car coverage. Insurance policies for auto are setup to usually pay a specific daily amount for a rental car when the policy holder’s vehicle is in repair. This period of time can vary from policy to policy.

The overriding factor in a changing economy is obviously the price. The most private and quickest way to find accurate policy quotes is to go on the internet and browse various insurance companies. You can conveniently compare policies side by side.

Find out what kind of reputation the company has while investigating insurance options. How long has the company been in business? Look for companies that have consistent, exemplary customer service. When you feel you will be getting excellent customer service, you may be willing to pay a little more for coverage. The key to building an auto insurance policy that fills all of your needs is finding the right combination of coverage, cost and customer service.

For insurance coverage that fits your needs and excellent customer service, get competitive Houston auto insurance quotes here.. This article, Finding The Best Price For The Best Car Insurance Coverage has free reprint rights.

From your friends at Car Repair Salinas

Understanding Car Repair Estimates

Understanding car repair estimates is a challenge for most people, whether we drive a classic Ford pickup or a new BMW convertible. For many of us, the whole reason we have brought our cars into the shop in the first place is that we don't understand enough about it to do the repair on our own.

So, when we get some estimate from the shop full of jargon and language that is hard to understand, it only tends to reinforce that feeling that brought us here.

Get a handle on these things by making sure you understand an estimate before you authorize a shop to do any work. Get the estimate in writing and make sure it is clear and easy for you to understand. If there is something about it that is not so easy, get some help with it. Do not be afraid to ask questions. In fact, this is the best way to work through an estimate when it is being presented to you by the shop manager. It is his or her job to help you understand exactly what is going to be done to the car and why.

What Car Estimates Should Include

There are certain standard elements that should appear in all car shop estimates regardless of the type of work that is going to be done. Some sort of reference to the car appears at the top, of course. Maybe it will be reflected in a make, model year, paint color, and mileage. After that, the important parts come. The parts to be used and the prices for those parts need to be shown. Those parts should be specified as to whether they are OEM, aftermarket, remanufactured, or used parts. Any one of these types could be appropriate depending on the specifics of the job. But if you are unsure, please don't hesitate to ask.

The next element is usually labor charges. In most cases these will be broken down into units of time. Tenths of an hour are pretty standard in car repair shops, so don't be surprised if that is what you see. Miscellaneous charges will also probably be listed. This could include things like shop supplies or oil disposal, for example. Flat fees are added in as well; these are fees that not broken down into increments of time. A shop could be running a special advertising some flat rate for a certain type of work. That is where it would appear in the estimate. Finally, some sort of summary of charges wraps it all up for you - which is one of many useful car insurance tips.

Breaking Through Car Shop Lingo

It is hard for those of us who are not car people to understand what is being described in these estimates. But once again, it is the job of the manager or the person presenting you with the estimate to make sure that you understand it. Take time to read it over before you leave the shop, and do not walk out until you know exactly what is going on, especially the work that is being done and the prices being charged. This receipt of the estimate is your perfect chance to clear up any misunderstanding and get the message delivered in simple language that you understand.

Car shop managers deal with customer every day. You won't be the first one they've had to explain an estimate to, and chances are if the day is young, you won't be the last today, either. It is important to know what you are getting into before surrendering the keys. Understand car repair estimates completely and totally before you allow the shop to do any work on your car.

Article found on Car Insurance Quote.

Brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

Most common car repair scams

by Anthony Megna

 

Car repair scams can be avoided if some precautions are taken before the car goes into the shop. For instance, checking with the local BBB, or Better Business Bureau can guide the repair-seeker to those mechanics who will give legitimate service. Also, get a referral from friends and relatives as to who they use for their car repair, and that can be a big help.  But what are some common car repair scams?

Probably one of the most common car repair scams today is the "check engine light" ripoff. The check engine light on the dashboard of most modern autos is nothing but an "idiot light", or an indicator that something is about to go wrong with the vehicle, or has. It doesn't mean that one can't drive their vehicle, it is just an indication. The most common reason for this light to be set off is a mal-functioning oxygen sensor. It just means that an incorrect amount of oxygen is allowed into the fuel injectors, essentially the wrong mixture of gas and oxygen is being ignited. It's nothing serious, and the fix should be less than $100! But the amount of people who have paid a lot more than this is astounding, some as high as in the thousands! Unscrupulous mechanics have even gone so far as to say the entire fuel injection system has broken, along with other expensive parts.  But they don't stop there, as they don't even replace those parts! They just SAY that it's broken, write up a huge repair bill, and pocket the difference. If there is any suspicion about the repair bill, get another opinion, or one can always take the vehicle to a reputable car dealership. The hourly rate will probably be more expensive than a neighborhood mechanic, but at least there is an insignificant chance of being robbed.

Another car repair scam involves the shaky front end. Most of the time when the front end of the car is shaky, or wobbles, then either the shocks and struts need to be replaced, or the tires could be out of balance. But time and time again huge repair bills are generated by thieving mechanics stating everything from broken axles to bad tires. The price for balancing the front tires is usually less than $20, unless those are specialty wheels that are on the car. If the shocks are to blame, then many big name auto chain stores have sales, such as Sears, or Pep Boys. Stay away from the unknown small-time mechanics when it comes to these repairs, one is better off with the specialty stores that specialize in these type of repairs.

In order to get the basics of how an automobile works, there are many books and guides on the subject.  The local library is a great place to start if one doesn't have access to the internet, and it's free! So do a little homework on the most common car repairs before shopping around, or before the car acts up. A little prep-work goes a long way for the wallet as well as for peace of mind.

Learn more about this author, Anthony Megna.

 

From Car Repair Salinas

10 Things Your Mechanic Wants to Tell You

Find out what auto experts wish their customers knew about car repairs

By Amanda Greene Posted January 14, 2011 from WomansDay.com

 

 

Failing catalytic converter? Warped brake rotor? It sounds like you need a mechanic. But if you're in the habit of dropping off your car and bolting, it's time to take pause. The auto technicians who save the day have a few things they'd like you to know. From the best ways to report car problems to how you can find a trusted repair shop, we talked to car experts across the country to find out what they wish their customers would do.

1. "My car died" isn't the most helpful explanation you can provide.
While auto technicians are always happy to diagnose your car's problems, giving them as many details as possible is the key to an efficient repair. "The more details a car owner can provide about a particular problem, the less they'll pay in diagnostic time," says Tony Molla, a technician who is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). He encourages car owners to have answers to the following questions when they drop off their car: When does the problem occur? Are any dashboard lights illuminated? Can you describe what the car is doing or not doing when the problem occurs? Is the problem intermittent? Are there any unusual noises, odors or vibrations when the problem occurs?

2. Leave the diagnosing to us.
Doing your research and coming to the repair shop with all the details about your car is great. But don't be so informed that you distrust your mechanic. "Sometimes a little knowledge is dangerous," says Gus De Ipola, owner of APA Automotive Center in Woodland Hills, California. "It's especially frustrating when a customer comes in having incorrectly diagnosed a problem and orders a specific repair. He may be wrong, but he doesn't want us to argue with him."

3. If you don't have an appointment, be prepared to wait.
Minor repairs or safety checks can be performed while you wait, but according to Molla, it's best to have a scheduled appointment. "It allows the shop to prepare in advance and allows enough time to do the job properly. If you drop by unannounced, you're probably going to have to either leave the vehicle or wait while they work your repair into the day's schedule." Can't wait to make an appointment? Molla recommends avoiding repair shops' two busiest times: first thing in the morning, when everyone drops their car off, and around 5 p.m., when they pick it back up.

4. Pay attention to your warning lights.
"They're called warning lights for a reason," says Michael Anderson, proprietor of Wagonwork Collision Center & Consultants in Alexandria, Virginia, and member of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), an organization for auto business owners. Letting your car deteriorate because you don't want to take the time to handle the problem when it first appears will only make things more difficult down the road. If you get your car serviced regularly (consult your owner's manual for a recommended service timeline) and bring it in right away if you see a light come on, you can prevent larger repairs later on.

5. You may actually be the one to blame for certain car problems.
Worn-out brakes? Troubled transmission? You may actually be the one at fault when it comes to some automotive issues. Thanks to the way we drive, we often unknowingly inflict damage upon our vehicles. De Ipola notes that hill driving can wear down brakes, stop-and-go traffic can cause overheating and flooring it as soon as the light turns green can wreck a transmission. To prevent future problems, pay attention to road conditions, slow down for speed bumps and keep clear of the curb when parking—knocking into it can really mess up your car's alignment, says Molla.

6. We wish you knew more about your warranty.
"It would be helpful if the customer would read their warranty to understand the limits of what is covered and who must do the service," says Howard Fleischman, owner of Community Tire and Auto Services in Arizona and member of the Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals Network (NARPRO), an organization for family-owned auto repair shops. He adds that many people leave the dealership believing they can only go there for services covered by the warranty, but often "that's simply not true." According to Fleischman, a qualified repair facility can perform all manufacturer maintenance to support warranty requirements. One thing to note: Most warranties cover breakage, not wear, so if your brakes are worn out from overuse, you might not be covered.

7. We like coming in under our estimate!
Think all auto technicians are out to swindle you? An honest repair shop aims to give you the best deal possible. "We shop the competition to be sure we're in the right ballpark for maintenance costs," says Fleischman. "For repair estimates we make an educated guess, but if we miss the mark and cut ourselves short, we just live with it. If it's the other way around, we love the expression on our clients' faces when we come in under estimate!" And don't expect a very accurate estimate online or over the phone. "Oftentimes the vehicle owner just doesn't have enough information, so an accurate estimate can’t usually be given on the Internet or over the phone," says David Kusa, owner of Autotrend Diagnostic in Campbell, California, and an ASA member. The bottom line: Feel free to use the Web or call your shop to get a ballpark estimate for your repairs, but don't expect to nail down an exact figure until you bring in your car.

8. Do your homework—it will pay off.
To be sure you're seeing a trusted auto technician, look for credentials, such as Better Business Bureau ratings, ASE certification and AskPatty.com or NARPRO approval, says Fleischman. He also recommends checking out the shop you're considering on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Look for positive comments, but also note how the shop responds to negative ones. "If they don't reply to social media, they may not respond to customer concerns at their counter," he says.

9. It's best to have an exclusive relationship with your mechanic.
Once you've found a mechanic you trust, stick with him. "Auto repair is very much a relationship business," says Molla. "Having a vehicle history with one repair shop will allow them to keep track of what work is done, and as mileage builds, they can recommend various periodic maintenance services that will keep your car running efficiently." Plus, the more familiar your mechanic is with your car, the more likely he or she will notice when something seems off—which could prevent a major headache down the line.

10. Not every shop can accommodate your problem.
Don't get frustrated if you bring your vehicle to get serviced only to be told the facility can't help you. "Some repair shops only offer a limited menu of services. Some specialize in certain types of service, while others only service certain makes and models," says Molla. "Full-service shops do exist, but it's not unusual for them to refer a specific problem to a specialist, just like doctors do." When considering a new repair shop, be sure to ask the service desk what types of repairs they typically handle so you don't show up only to be turned away.

 

Great Advice...Gar Repair Salinas

Auto Bits: Tips on buying a used car

GateHouse News Service

Posted Jan 17, 2011 @ 08:00 AM

.fb_ltr { padding-top: 10px; }

Tip of the Week Here are the top items you should inspect when buying a used car: 1. Look for paint and body repair. Evidence of bodywork could mean the car has been in an accident. 2. Check for fluid leaks. Any leaking fluid, from oil to windshield washer, could mean the car needs a costly repair. 3. Look at the engine. Does it sound smooth or rough? Does it smoke excessively? 4. Evaluate the overall wear and tear on all parts of the vehicle. Is the wear commensurate with the age and mileage on the vehicle? 5. Has the car been driven by someone who smoked in it? Transported pets or small children in it? All those things can leave odors behind in the vehicle - smells you might have to live with or go to great lengths to eliminate as the new owner. 6. What was the primary usage of the vehicle and are most of its miles highway or local driving? 7. Are all accessories in working order? The sunroof is great ... unless the motor to open it doesn't work. 8. How is the drivability? Do the brakes squeak? Does something in the passenger cabin rattle? Does the steering vibrate? - ARA The List According to Autodata Corp., here were the top-selling vehicles of 2010: 1. Ford F-Series 2. Chevrolet Silverado 3. Toyota Camry 4. Honda Accord 5. Toyota Corolla 6. Honda Civic 7. Nissan Altima 8. Ford Fusion 9. Honda CR-V 10. Dodge Ram Did You Know Japan’s top-selling vehicle of 2010 was the Toyota Prius. - Junior Damato, Talking Cars columnist GateHouse News Service Brought to by Car Repair Salinas

How to Hire a Defense Lawyer

If you have suffered a loss of any kind or a personal injury then you may need the services of a defense lawyer. Here’s how to hire one and what you need to look for before hiring said lawyer.  

Sad though this may be, the personal lawsuit is a common fact of life in the USA. Being charged with a crime is probably one of the most stressful things that can happen to an individual.  A person facing criminal charges risks severe penalties, including even jail, and  having a criminal record can seriously affect your future relationships and job prospects.

If a lawsuit is brought against you it is important that you get the best possible representation you can afford. Going to court is not to be taken lightly and, although you do have the right to defend yourself, it is much wiser for the average citizen to turn to a professional to help them through this ordeal.

Why you need a Defense Lawyer

Remember that the police are well trained to get information they need to make a criminal case against you. A criminal defense lawyer will act as your insulation from the police and will protect your rights and will prevent you from saying things that could incriminate you. They will use their expert knowledge and experience of criminal law to protect you from criminal charges.

A good criminal defense lawyer may help you achieve some or all of the following:

1. Reduce your criminal charge to a lesser offense (for example, reduce a felony to a misdemeanor)
2. Lessen the severity of the punishment for the crime
3. Reduce or eliminate jail time (via probation or fines)
4. Help you develop a sound defense strategy.

What to Look for in a Defense Lawyer

Experience: There are many different kinds of criminal charges including felonies, misdemeanors, drug charges, white collar crimes etc., so it is important that you chose a lawyer who has experience in your particular charge. Don’t be afraid to ask pertinent questions such as how many jury trial they have litigated and how much of the criminal case they will actually handle. Often the length of time a lawyer has been practicing is less important than the type of crime he is experienced in handling and, of course, his acquittal rate.

Fees: It’s no secret that hiring a lawyer is expensive, so it is important to know how they intent to charge for their services. Most criminal defense attorneys bill their time either hourly, or by a flat fee arrangement.  A retainer fee for most felony cases may start around $5,000 but can be as high as $25,000 for sexual assault cases or homicide. Some attorneys may have a payment plan to help you handle these charges.

Don’t panic if you feel you cannot afford to hire an attorney, you may be able to receive a state or government-appointed attorney to representation you in your case. The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution grants those facing criminal charges the right to counsel if they cannot afford to hire a private attorney.

Qualifications & Knowledge: It’s important that the attorney you hire has the necessary skill level needed to defend the case. You may need someone familiar with crime scene. investigations, witness, victim and police interviewing, and with extensive knowledge of the use of polygraphs, sketches, photographs, and video evidence.

Because laws differ from state to state make sure the lawyer you chose has experience with the state and local rules of court. Don’t hesitate to check their qualifications and as questions regarding their skill levels in dealing with your particular charge.

At the very least, the lawyer you chose should belong to the County and State Bar Associations. If he belongs to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), his State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, or to the ABA’s Criminal Justice Section this is even better.

How to Find a Defense Lawyer

Referrals – If your county is served by a public defender’s office, sometimes a defender’s office will be willing to suggest a competent  defense lawyer. A friend or family member may have used a defense lawyer, but bear in mind that his case could have been very different to yours.

Professional Organizations: Each state has organizations of criminal defense lawyers. Some of those organizations offer referral services.

Directories: There are a number of online directories which include criminal defense lawyers, including Lawyers.com and FindLaw.

From Lawyer Salinas

Jones Act Lawyer In California Straight Talk: When An Injury Changes or Ends Your Career

 by: William Turley

 

Jones Act cases are complex and often rife with emotion. When the stakes are high, your ability to make a living may be in jeopardy. The injuries you suffered my be serious and permanent. You may never be able to go back to work aboard a vessel again. When this happens to you, the job of your Maritime Lawyer is to maximize your compensation in your Jones Act Seaman case. Your Jones Act Lawyer may very well determine your future.

If you have suffered a serious Seaman injury, don't delay in contacting a Maritime Lawyer. Many injured Seaman think that they can handle their case themselves. For these folks, it is usually an issue of cost. They figure they can save themselves 33% or more if they handle their case on their own. What these injured Seaman don't understand is that an experienced Jones Act lawyer can advocate for them throughout the entire process to maximize their chances of getting all of the benefits they deserve.

Chances are if you are acting as your own lawyer you are going to leave a lot of money on the table. Much more than the 33% or so you are going to potentially save in attorney fees.

The insurance company wants to limit the amount of compensation it pays to you, the injured Seaman. The insurance company uses the complexity and the expense of the system to limit your recovery. They use smoke and mirrors to create battle after battle that you must have the ability to fight before the court. These tactics are precisely designed to keep injured Seaman like you from getting the compensation you deserve.

Make no mistake about one thing. The insurance company is going to hire a top notch defense lawyer. What most folks seem to overlook is the law is a set of rules. It's similar to showing up at an NFL stadium on Sunday. Sure you can put a team on the field. But if your team has never even played football before and doesn't know the rules; what chance are they going to have of actually beating a NFL team? It is the same with Jones Act lawsuits.

Here is the deal. If you are a seriously injured Jones Act Seaman, if there is a question about whether you are going to be able to return to work due to your injuries, if your ability to earn a living is in jeopardy, you need a seasoned Jones Act Lawyer to represent you. Otherwise, you are risking you and your families future.

Disclaimer:

This article is not legal advice. I am simplistic in order to achieve clarity. Your situation or case may differ from the circumstances described herein. You are strongly advised to hire a California Jones Act Lawyer if you are a seriously injured Jones Act Seaman.

About The Author

Bill Turley is a California Jones Act Lawyer and San Diego Maritime Lawyer. Bill has the most comprehensive California Jones Act Lawyer and Califoria Maritime Lawyer websites in California = => http://www.turleylawfirm.com/library/san-diego-jones-act-lawyer-san-diego-jones-act-attorney-straight-talk.cfm

The author invites you to visit: http://www.turleylawfirm.com   Brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

The Legal Underground's Tort Reform Glossary

In this lawyer’s opinion, the debate over tort reform has bogged down as the result of too much legalese. As an aid to non-lawyers everywhere, I’ve prepared a short glossary to help keep track of the terms used most often in the tort reform debate.

Advocates of tort reform may not agree with some of my definitions. This illustrates an important feature of the tort reform debate: It’s impossible to please everybody.

1. Trial Lawyer. A trial lawyer is any lawyer who appears in court, no matter whether he’s appearing for the plaintiff or the defense. In the tort reform debate, however, the term is often used pejoratively to refer only to those lawyers who file lawsuits, that is, “plaintiffs’ lawyers.”

2. Plaintiffs’ Lawyers. Plaintiffs’ lawyers are a subset of trial lawyers who always appear for the person who has brought the lawsuit. The use of the word “person” is intentional, since lawyers representing corporations that bring lawsuits, though technically lawyers for the plaintiff, are not plaintiffs’ lawyers. They may, however, be “class action lawyers.”

3. Class Action Lawyers. These are lawyers who are trained to work on class actions. The term can refer to the lawyer appearing either for the plaintiff or the defense. In the tort reform debate, however, some exclude from the definition any lawyer who appears for the defendant in a class action. This exclusion is made most often by “tort reformers.”

4. Tort Reformers. These are people who are often employed by industry groups to defend their clients’ reputations when under attack by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, or class action lawyers. Most often, tort reformers are neither lawyers nor “attorneys,” though they are often Republicans.

5. Attorney. An attorney is any lawyer who wishes to sound more important than he actually is. Though attorneys often do not like to admit it, all attorneys are lawyers, and all lawyers are attorneys. This is true even if the person in question is a “defense attorney.”

6. Defense Attorney. This is a lawyer calling himself an attorney who represents the corporations being sued by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, or class action lawyers. Though the defense attorney often pretends to be a tort reformer, he secretly recognizes that without lawsuits, he’d have nothing to do. It is every defense attorney’s fervent wish to receive an assignment to defend a “mass tort.”

7. Mass Tort. A mass tort occurs when a number of injury claims (for example, claims for harm caused by a prescription drug) are filed one by one, individually, which tends to create a huge amount of work for all types of lawyers, including defense lawyers. This is not a problem for the defense lawyer, of course, unless he is already busy working on a “class action.”

8. Class Action. A class action is the type of lawsuit a little guy uses to try to get the attention of a giant corporation after being harmed or cheated. According to tort reformers, class actions are a legalized form of extortion carried out by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, and class action lawyers. Class actions are often cited as Exhibit A in the movement for “tort reform.”

9. Tort Reform. Tort reform is any new law proposed by tort reformers to change the civil justice system, even if the change improves the civil justice system only for large corporations. Though some charge that tort reformers improperly use the word “reform,” tort reformers don’t care. They are also perfectly content to gloss over this point in their “tort reform radio spots.”

10. Tort Reform Radio Spot. This is an ad, paid for by tort reformers, which espouses the view that most of life’s problems are caused by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, and class action lawyers. Persons from these three groups find these radio spots more offensive than Howard Stern, and often turn them off immediately.

This brief glossary of tort reform terms should be used frequently and often during the rest of the political season. Following the presidential election, it can be placed in a drawer. But it shouldn’t be misplaced, since it may become necessary again in 2008, perhaps sooner.

In this lawyer’s opinion, the debate over tort reform has bogged down as the result of too much legalese. As an aid to non-lawyers everywhere, I’ve prepared a short glossary to help keep track of the terms used most often in the tort reform debate.

Advocates of tort reform may not agree with some of my definitions. This illustrates an important feature of the tort reform debate: It’s impossible to please everybody.

1. Trial Lawyer. A trial lawyer is any lawyer who appears in court, no matter whether he’s appearing for the plaintiff or the defense. In the tort reform debate, however, the term is often used pejoratively to refer only to those lawyers who file lawsuits, that is, “plaintiffs’ lawyers.”

2. Plaintiffs’ Lawyers. Plaintiffs’ lawyers are a subset of trial lawyers who always appear for the person who has brought the lawsuit. The use of the word “person” is intentional, since lawyers representing corporations that bring lawsuits, though technically lawyers for the plaintiff, are not plaintiffs’ lawyers. They may, however, be “class action lawyers.”

3. Class Action Lawyers. These are lawyers who are trained to work on class actions. The term can refer to the lawyer appearing either for the plaintiff or the defense. In the tort reform debate, however, some exclude from the definition any lawyer who appears for the defendant in a class action. This exclusion is made most often by “tort reformers.”

4. Tort Reformers. These are people who are often employed by industry groups to defend their clients’ reputations when under attack by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, or class action lawyers. Most often, tort reformers are neither lawyers nor “attorneys,” though they are often Republicans.

5. Attorney. An attorney is any lawyer who wishes to sound more important than he actually is. Though attorneys often do not like to admit it, all attorneys are lawyers, and all lawyers are attorneys. This is true even if the person in question is a “defense attorney.”

6. Defense Attorney. This is a lawyer calling himself an attorney who represents the corporations being sued by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, or class action lawyers. Though the defense attorney often pretends to be a tort reformer, he secretly recognizes that without lawsuits, he’d have nothing to do. It is every defense attorney’s fervent wish to receive an assignment to defend a “mass tort.”

7. Mass Tort. A mass tort occurs when a number of injury claims (for example, claims for harm caused by a prescription drug) are filed one by one, individually, which tends to create a huge amount of work for all types of lawyers, including defense lawyers. This is not a problem for the defense lawyer, of course, unless he is already busy working on a “class action.”

8. Class Action. A class action is the type of lawsuit a little guy uses to try to get the attention of a giant corporation after being harmed or cheated. According to tort reformers, class actions are a legalized form of extortion carried out by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, and class action lawyers. Class actions are often cited as Exhibit A in the movement for “tort reform.”

9. Tort Reform. Tort reform is any new law proposed by tort reformers to change the civil justice system, even if the change improves the civil justice system only for large corporations. Though some charge that tort reformers improperly use the word “reform,” tort reformers don’t care. They are also perfectly content to gloss over this point in their “tort reform radio spots.”

10. Tort Reform Radio Spot. This is an ad, paid for by tort reformers, which espouses the view that most of life’s problems are caused by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, and class action lawyers. Persons from these three groups find these radio spots more offensive than Howard Stern, and often turn them off immediately.

This brief glossary of tort reform terms should be used frequently and often during the rest of the political season. Following the presidential election, it can be placed in a drawer. But it shouldn’t be misplaced, since it may become necessary again in 2008, perhaps sooner.

In this lawyer’s opinion, the debate over tort reform has bogged down as the result of too much legalese. As an aid to non-lawyers everywhere, I’ve prepared a short glossary to help keep track of the terms used most often in the tort reform debate.

Advocates of tort reform may not agree with some of my definitions. This illustrates an important feature of the tort reform debate: It’s impossible to please everybody.

1. Trial Lawyer. A trial lawyer is any lawyer who appears in court, no matter whether he’s appearing for the plaintiff or the defense. In the tort reform debate, however, the term is often used pejoratively to refer only to those lawyers who file lawsuits, that is, “plaintiffs’ lawyers.”

2. Plaintiffs’ Lawyers. Plaintiffs’ lawyers are a subset of trial lawyers who always appear for the person who has brought the lawsuit. The use of the word “person” is intentional, since lawyers representing corporations that bring lawsuits, though technically lawyers for the plaintiff, are not plaintiffs’ lawyers. They may, however, be “class action lawyers.”

3. Class Action Lawyers. These are lawyers who are trained to work on class actions. The term can refer to the lawyer appearing either for the plaintiff or the defense. In the tort reform debate, however, some exclude from the definition any lawyer who appears for the defendant in a class action. This exclusion is made most often by “tort reformers.”

4. Tort Reformers. These are people who are often employed by industry groups to defend their clients’ reputations when under attack by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, or class action lawyers. Most often, tort reformers are neither lawyers nor “attorneys,” though they are often Republicans.

5. Attorney. An attorney is any lawyer who wishes to sound more important than he actually is. Though attorneys often do not like to admit it, all attorneys are lawyers, and all lawyers are attorneys. This is true even if the person in question is a “defense attorney.”

6. Defense Attorney. This is a lawyer calling himself an attorney who represents the corporations being sued by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, or class action lawyers. Though the defense attorney often pretends to be a tort reformer, he secretly recognizes that without lawsuits, he’d have nothing to do. It is every defense attorney’s fervent wish to receive an assignment to defend a “mass tort.”

7. Mass Tort. A mass tort occurs when a number of injury claims (for example, claims for harm caused by a prescription drug) are filed one by one, individually, which tends to create a huge amount of work for all types of lawyers, including defense lawyers. This is not a problem for the defense lawyer, of course, unless he is already busy working on a “class action.”

8. Class Action. A class action is the type of lawsuit a little guy uses to try to get the attention of a giant corporation after being harmed or cheated. According to tort reformers, class actions are a legalized form of extortion carried out by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, and class action lawyers. Class actions are often cited as Exhibit A in the movement for “tort reform.”

9. Tort Reform. Tort reform is any new law proposed by tort reformers to change the civil justice system, even if the change improves the civil justice system only for large corporations. Though some charge that tort reformers improperly use the word “reform,” tort reformers don’t care. They are also perfectly content to gloss over this point in their “tort reform radio spots.”

10. Tort Reform Radio Spot. This is an ad, paid for by tort reformers, which espouses the view that most of life’s problems are caused by trial lawyers, plaintiffs’ lawyers, and class action lawyers. Persons from these three groups find these radio spots more offensive than Howard Stern, and often turn them off immediately.

This brief glossary of tort reform terms should be used frequently and often during the rest of the political season. Following the presidential election, it can be placed in a drawer. But it shouldn’t be misplaced, since it may become necessary again in 2008, perhaps sooner.

Email me at eschaeffer-at-riverbendlaw.com

Car Care Myths

ShopSmart Magazine Gives Tips On How To Save Money Caring For Your Car.

 

(CBS)  A trip to the mechanic can be daunting. Especially if you don't know an axle from your elbow. Jody Rohlena, Senior Editor for ShopSmart Magazine debunks some car care myths that can end up costing you money.

You've probably always heard to warm up the engine before driving. But actually it's not necessary. Modern cars warm up quicker when driven. And the sooner they warm up the faster they deliver the optimum fuel economy, performance and emissions.

Premium grade gas is better for your car right? Actually most cars run fine on regular gas. Using premium in those cars does little more than cost you around an additional 20 cents per gallon. It won't hurt, but it won't improve performance either. A higher octane number just means that the fuel is more resistant to pre-ignition problems, which is why the hotter running, high compression engines found in many sports and luxury cars are designed to use it.

Change your oil every 3,000 miles is what the oil companies and oil change shops like to tell you. The truth is cars can go 7,500 miles before they need an oil change. Changing oil more often doesn't hurt the engine, but it can cost you a lot of extra money. Stick to the service intervals in your car owner's manual unless your car is being driven in severe conditions. Then, 3,000 miles is recommended.

Inflating tires to the pressure on the tire's sidewall is not recommended. That's the maximum pressure that the tire can actually hold. Instead, look at the automaker's recommended pressure which can be found on a sticker in the glove box or on the doorjamb or fuel-filler door. Check the pressure when the tires are cold, after the car has been parked for a while.

A dealership is not the only shop that can perform regular maintence to keep a car's factory warranty valid. As long as the maintenance items specified in the vehicle owner's manual are performed on schedule, any auto repair shop can do the work, and often for less money. Just keep the receipts to back you up in case of a warranty dispute on a future repair.

Dishwashing and laundry soaps should not be used to wash your car. If you like to wash your car yourself, always use a product formulated for that purpose. Household detergents can strip off a car's wax finish, which reduces the paint's protection.

Radiator coolant does not need to be replaced with every oil change. Most owner's manuals recommend changing the coolant every five years or 60,000 miles. Of course, if the level in the coolant reservoir is chronically low, check for a leak and get service as soon as possible.

For more information on money wasting car care myths and other consumer topics, click here.

Jody Rohlena & Erika Wortham

 

From Car Repair Salinas

Do you need an extra car repair policy?

By Jay MacDonald • Bankrate.com

 

Highlights

• MBI is an insurance contract, unlike a manufacturer or dealer warranty.
• MBI isn't new, but it has gained traction during the recession.
• Some of these extended service contracts duplicate your warranty coverage.

Want to keep costly auto repairs from breaking your budget after your manufacturer's warranty expires? One option may be mechanical breakdown insurance, or MBI, a little-known insurance product that acts like an extended warranty on new and used vehicles but with several advantages, including payment terms, that may make it a good choice for some.

Unlike a manufacturer or dealer warranty, MBI is an insurance contract between the car owner and the insurance company, overseen by state regulators and backed by state insurance guarantee funds. Think of it as auto repair insurance. Policies are available through licensed property and casualty insurance agents, credit unions, finance companies and online.

MBI isn't new, but it has gained traction during the recession as drivers keep their vehicles longer between purchases.

"We're getting more and more requests for it," says Michael Randles, president of Insurance Center Associates of San Pedro, Calif., which sells several MBI products. "I think people want to insulate themselves against future problems. They aren't getting a new car every two or three years now, and because of that, they want to get a five- or six-year, 100,000-mile policy."

A vehicle must meet certain conditions to qualify for MBI. For instance, Geico offers MBI only to its auto insurance customers, and only if the vehicle is less than 15 months old with fewer than 15,000 miles and the owner is the first title holder. Customers pay a flat $250 deductible, can renew MBI coverage for seven years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the policy is not transferable.

On the other hand, Mercury Insurance Group offers MBI on new (seven years, 100,000 miles) and used vehicles (five years, 100,000 miles) to all drivers, with deductibles as low as $25, and the policy is transferrable.

While MBI policies vary widely in price and terms, some advantages over extended warranties may include:

Broader coverage: MBI typically offers bumper-to-bumper repair coverage except for maintenance and normal wear and tear. A manufacturer's extended warranty may be limited to certain systems, such as the drive train.

Payment plan: An MBI policy may offer a periodic payment plan similar to your auto insurance; it may even be included in your auto premium if it's written through your insurer. Warranties usually involve an upfront fee included in the purchase of a new or used car. If the MBI fee is included in the vehicle financing, you could be paying interest on it. A pay-as-you-go MBI policy also may allow you to drop coverage at any time.

No in-house requirement: Manufacturer and dealer warranties typically require that repairs be performed in-house or at an authorized facility. MBI policies typically allow you to choose your repair shop, which comes in especially handy for out-of-town breakdowns.

advertisement

Transferable: MBI policies may be transferable; dealer warranties often are not.

Less risky than dealer warranties: In most cases, a dealer warranty is only as good as the dealership behind it. "With insurance, you have an agent and the state on your side," Randles says. "If it's not an auto manufacturer and it's not an insurance company, stay away. If a dealer or dealership group goes out of business, you're stuck."

Randles says cost is another reason to purchase MBI from an insurance agent instead of a dealer. "We both get paid a commission, but it's a point of profit for them. If this policy is $1,000, they might charge you $2,000 or $3,000 for it," he says.

On the other hand, some insurers such as Mercury will give you the less-expensive, new-car rate if you purchase MBI 30 days before your warranty expires.

Jack Gillis, director of public affairs at the Consumer Federation of America and author of "The Car Book," calls MBI a statistical sucker's bet.

"Most consumers won't ever need to use it," he says. "Many, many warranties today last five years, which is longer than most people keep their cars. A lot of these extended service contracts are duplicative of what is covered by your warranty, and they happen to be one of the most profitable after-market items that dealers sell."

His advice? "Put that same money in a savings account and in the event that you have a catastrophic repair that isn't covered by your warranty, then you've got it to draw on. Statistically speaking, you'll really be building up your down payment for your next car."

But Randles, for one, is glad he had a Mercury MBI policy on his 2005 Ford Explorer when its transmission hit the skids 18 months ago. Cost to Mercury: $5,600. Cost to Randles: a $50 deductible plus transmission fluid.

"It was huge," he says. "I was counting my lucky stars that I had the coverage."

Read more: Do you need an extra car repair policy? http://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/do-you-need-extra-car-repair-insurance-1.aspx#ixzz1Aw7q5X00

Brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

Service showdown: Repair facilities vs. dealerships

Written by Warren McCord

Tuesday, 04 January 2011   Q: The maintenance program that came with my new car from the dealership a few years ago is running out, and I would rather not go to the dealer for future service and repairs. If I take my car to an independent shop, how can I be sure that my “baby” is serviced correctly? And will the manufacturer’s warranties stay intact? A: I will answer your last question first. Yes, as long as the minimum requirements stated by the manufacturer are met, no matter where you have your vehicle serviced or repaired – even if you do it yourself – the warranty will stay intact. There is even a law (the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975) to support this. As for your car’s lifespan, it is more likely your vehicle will last longer and cost less to repair and service over its lifetime if you take it to a qualified repair facility other than the dealership. The manufacturer’s dealership network is there first and foremost to sell new vehicles and to get them through the warranty period with as little cost to the manufacturer as possible. The hope is that once the warranty has run out, you will purchase a new vehicle. This does not take into account the vehicle owner who wants to get 15-20 years of reliable service from his or her vehicle. As I mentioned, the manufacturers require minimum service items to be performed to keep the vehicle under warranty. The key word is “minimum.” What we see is manufacturers deleting certain service items from their schedules. For example, transmission fluid changes are not done because the transmission fluid is called “lifetime fluid.” In reality, there are no lifetime fluids unless you use the manufacturers’ warranty period as the life expectancy of the vehicle. Changing transmission fluid periodically extends the life of the transmission by many times. A repair facility whose sole purpose is to service and repair your vehicle will have a vested interest in keeping your car reliable for many years. Also know that a repair facility serious about providing high-quality care for your car has access to technical information available online to all automotive professionals. These resources help the technician stay current on the areas of the vehicle that can be troublesome and what can be done to help them last longer (such as changing transmission fluid). Because of the cost to access this information, many repair facilities choose not take advantage of these resources, and that sets some facilities apart from others. Qualified repair facilities will have: ASE-certified techs who are current (a voluntary certification); access to information to correctly service and repair your vehicle; correct and current equipment; ongoing training for their techs; insurance that covers your vehicle while it is in their possession; warranty for parts and labor; and clean, neat and well-organized work spaces. Also keep in mind that any repair facility certified by the American Automobile Association is a good place to start. Area AAA representatives inspect each facility quarterly to ensure that it has all the qualities stated previously. They also check to make sure the majority of the facility’s customers are satisfied. Another way to identify a good repair facility is to ask friends who have a similar year, make and model. Is their repair facility keeping their cars reliable? Are they serviced or repaired correctly the first time without having to take them back for multiple appointments? If the main reason for using a facility is its low prices, it may not be the best choice. This usually means that the business does not have the financial resources to pay for insurance, equipment, training, information or qualified technicians. The Internet can be useful to find information about local repair facilities and customer testimonials. No business gets only good reviews, but when the majority of them are positive, it’s typically a good sign. Warren McCord is an ASE-certified master technician and owner of Dean’s Automotive Inc., 2037 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View. For more information, call 961-0302 or e-mail McCord at djmccord@att.net.   From Car Repair Salinas

Emerald Auto Repair San Francisco Gives Brake Care Advice

San Francisco, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) January 06, 2011

No vehicle will stop effectively with worn brake pads. Nobody wants to go through a wall before they learn their brakes are bad. Emerald Auto Repair offers drivers some tips about the problems that can occur in a car's braking system.

The most common problem that happens with automotive brakes is simply wear and tear on the brake pads, shoes, rotors, or drums. When a driver uses the brakes, the brake components push together to create friction, which causes the wheels to slow or stop. This friction slowly causes wear and will eventually result in the need to replace some elements.

It's time to have the brakes inspected when they begin to make a screeching noise, grab, or pull the car to one side. Other signs that brakes are worn include brake pedal vibration felt when braking and having to depress the brake pedal further than usual.

Replacing worn or contaminated brake pads or shoes is the most common brake maintenance procedure. The do-it-yourselfer can often purchase brake pads for $20-50 per pair, depending on the model of the car and the type of pads or shoes used. Brakes are always maintained in pairs, so if the right or left front brake is squealing, the pads on both the front right and left sides must be serviced. Emerald Auto offers free brake inspections.

Rotors and drums also require maintenance. If they are not overly worn or damaged, Emerald Auto Repair can professionally "turn" them. In this process, the grooves and rough spots that occur with normal wear are ground away.

If rotors and drums are worn or damaged too deeply, they cannot be turned and must be replaced. Like the brake pads and shoes, rotors and drums are always repaired in pairs.

Like most other car parts, there are also mechanical and hydraulic parts that can go bad and need replacing. The master cylinder regulates and pushes brake fluid to the rest of the braking system. When this part fails, the brakes will not engage and the pedal will push all the way to the floor.

Brake boosters may also give out which can cause the brake pedal to go all the way to the floor or cause the pedal to be too firm. The booster uses a vacuum to multiply the force exerted on the pedal to be enough to stop the car. If the vacuum is leaky or non-existent, the typical pressure applied to the brake pedal will not have the appropriate effect on the braking system. A service garage will be able to test the brake booster.

For additional information about Emerald Auto Repair San Francisco brake repair or other services, call them at (415) 666-2828 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (415) 666-2828      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit their website at www.emeraldautorepairsanfrancisco.com/.

About Emerald Auto Repair
Emerald Auto Repair is a family-owned and operated San Francisco auto repair shop specializing in brake repair, clutch replacement, and auto body work located in the Richmond District. Jim Gavney has over 20 years experience and his crew members have a least five years experience. They are skilled in all aspects of auto repair and utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools.

###

For the original version on PRWeb visit: www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/1/prweb8049270.htm

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/01/05/prweb8049270.DTL#ixzz1ANT6mRcv

Courtesy of Car Repair Salinas

Why You Need an Aggressive Military Lawyer to Represent You in Military Court

When you are accused of a crime in a civilian court, and you are a first time offender, you can often be let off with probation or even with a slap on the wrist in some cases. However, when it comes to military court, it’s a completely different story. Civilian court can seem like a walk in the park compared to its military counterpart. Even  if you are a first time offender, military courts are known for throwing the book at the convicted. It doesn’t matter if you are in the Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force, if you are accused of a military crime, you need to contact an aggressive military lawyer who can defend you adequately against strict military justice.

 Your Rights as the Accused

You must understand that military courts handle the rights of the accused in a way similar to civilian courts. That means you have the right to remain silent, the right to military counsel, and you have the right to know why you’re being accused. You should exercise all of these rights the moment you are accused of any crime. Even the slightest statement can give someone the wrong impression that could be used against you in military court. For that reason, exercise your right to silence except to ask for your court provided military counsel.

 You typically won’t have a choice in which lawyer is assigned to your case, but you do have the right to select a particular lawyer. That person will then assist you with your proceedings, provided that lawyer is available at the time of your trial. It’s recommended that you ask for the most aggressive lawyer out of the pool available. You want the most aggressive because of the severity of the punishment that’s likely to be handed down should you be convicted of the crime against you.

 Depending on the severity of the crime you are accused of, you could be facing a court martial that could end with disastrous results. Or you may just have to pay a fine or take a pay cut, or you could be dishonorably discharged. And, in worst cases, you could face a stiff prison sentence.

 Regardless of what you’re facing, an aggressive lawyer who knows his or her way around a military courtroom is your best chance of coming out of this situation with a slap on the wrist.

 So if you are a member of the armed forces, and you are governed under military law, if you are ever accused of a crime, take advantage of your right to remain silent and ask for the most aggressive military lawyer who will help you beat the charges you’ve been accused of.

Why You Need An Aggressive Military Lawyer To Represent You In Military Court was written by: articles

Tags: aggressive military lawyer, military court, military courts, military lawyer

 

This info comes to you by Lawyer Salinas

Sleep Dentists Make Resolution of Increased Sleep Apnea Awareness in 2011 Using Concerto

Written by: David Castillo on January 6th, 2011

 

[http://www.marketwire.com/">Marketwire press release] — While some of us are trying to quit smoking (again) or lose that extra 10 to 20 extra pounds (again), a group of dentists across the country are making a New Year’s resolution to save lives. How so? They are committed to increasing the awareness of sleep apnea in American society and are partnering with Concerto Internet Marketing to do so.

Traditionally, sleep apnea has been the exclusive responsibility of M.D.s; that is, your family physician and specialists like neurologists and pulmonologists. Screening for these patients has been somewhat difficult because the average family practice doctor usually doesn’t ask (for a variety of reasons) whether or not a patient has the symptoms of sleep apnea such as chronic snoring.

Once a patient is identified as being a sleep apneic (a person who suffers from sleep apnea), he or she is usually put on a CPAP machine at night without delay, and until recent years, there wasn’t much else on the radar in the way of alternative sleep apnea treatment with the exception of surgical solutions.

Then, dentists entered the fray, having insight into the concept of occlusion (how your teeth come together), and how the position of the jaw can influence the airway. They began offering oral sleep apnea and anti-snoring devices that helped patients who couldn’t tolerate CPAP treatment and who didn’t want surgery.

Since then, awareness of sleep apnea has been growing slowly but surely as studies such as one in the journal SLEEP in 2008 that showed that loud snorers were 10 times as likely to have atherosclerosis. That’s energized doctors and dentists alike.

“I now always discuss, in my report and with my patients, whether they had loud, steady snoring. If they did, I recommend treatment, usually with an oral appliance, sometimes with CPAP,” said Dr. Lisa Shives, a sleep expert who authored an article about snoring for CNN Health.

“As a dentist, I feel like I have an opportunity to bridge the gap so to speak, and help catch more cases of sleep apnea,” says Corpus Christi sleep dentist Dr. Don Lowrance. “They’re in my chair, and it doesn’t take that much time to ask some simple questions that tell whether or not a sleep study is warranted.”

“‘Has anybody ever told you that you snore?’” asks Omaha sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Roger Roubal. “It’s a simple question, but by asking it, we’re potentially saving lives in the dental office.”

Twenty years ago, dentists formed the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, a dental off-shoot of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which has been around since 1975, and its numbers have grown steadily since then. The AASM boasts a membership of more than 8,000 physicians, researchers, dentists, and other health care professionals. They are committed to promoting a high standard of care for sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

Even Dr. Oz has jumped on the sleep apnea bandwagon, recently in his show, explaining the difference between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. According to Dr. Oz, the best solutions are to lose weight and then consider surgical solutions; secondarily, Dr. Oz mentioned CPAP and finally oral appliances to pull the mandible forward.

But most doctors, much less this small group of dentists, don’t have their own T.V. shows, so their plan of attack to build sleep apnea awareness involves a grassroots campaign, and of course, the Internet. That’s where a Colorado Internet marketing consultant has found a niche market. Jonathan Fashbaugh has been marketing dental practices online since 2004, and in 2009, he discovered that he suffered from sleep apnea. He noticed that his clients were offering dental sleep apnea treatment and began to help these dentists promote their sleep apnea and snoring services more aggressively, alongside their more mainstream cosmetic dentistry services.

“It’s almost funny calling what my clients and I are doing ‘marketing,’” says Fashbaugh. “We’re spreading the word that snoring is a symptom of a deadly disease, and that by treating it, you can vastly improve your quality of life. More than 18 million people suffer from sleep apnea according to the AADSM. In my opinion, sleep apnea is every bit as important as any specific type of cancer or multiple sclerosis. It’s just not as popular a cause.”

“I’m seeing a growing demand in my patient base, but a lot of the appliances I’m making are for CPAP patients that can’t stand their mask and whatnot, so they’re going to Google and looking for other options,” reports Dr. Mark Weiser, a Santa Barbara dentist who treats sleep apnea and snoring.

While not all of Jonathan Fashbaugh’s clients (his company is called Concerto Internet Marketing LLC) offer sleep apnea treatment, the majority do, and are promoting it as a primary service, even going so far as to have websites dedicated to sleep apnea treatment. They’re getting the word out to patients by marketing their practices on the search engines like Google, and through other online tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and an online patient management company called DemandForce. Whatever it takes, this group of dentists and others nationwide are determined to make 2011 a banner year for sleep apnea awareness.

 

Brought to you by Dentist Salinas CA

5 Easy Step s to Save You Money With Car Repair

5 Easy Step s to Save You Money

Not taking proper care of your car can cause many issues and add up quite a bit financially in the long run. That’s why learning regular car maintenance can be one of the easiest ways to ensure you have fewer problems with your car and, along the way, prevent accidents. Here are some of the best (and easiest) ways you can keep your car running smoothly:

Spend time getting to know your car

The more you know about your car, the more likely you are to take care of it and keep it running well. First, read the owner’s manual to find out how often you should check certain parts of the car, and what products are recommended for use with it. You could also find an online guide or ask your mechanic about tips for basic car maintenance.

Check your fluids often

Checking these even once a week can help save you unneeded wear and tear over time. Here are a few of the most common you should check:

Antifreeze and coolant – Wait for the engine to cool off by letting your car sit for 10-15 minutes after running it. Even driving your car for a short time can cause the coolant to become hot, which will burn you if you’re not careful. If the overflow tank is in a normal range and the fluid is to the top of the radiator, your coolant is at the correct level. A professional should also flush your coolant during a yearly maintenance appointment.

Oil – This is one of the most important things to check each week and luckily, it’s extremely easy to do. Simply pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, put it back in, and check where the oil level is. If it’s too low, you can add a quart of oil (the correct brand will be listed in your owner’s manual). If you notice the oil is a very dark color, you should take your car in for an oil change. Most cars have a gauge or monitor that will tell you when your level is getting low and it’s time for a change.

Windshield wiper fluid – Although this isn’t a necessity, it’s a nice thing to have to help your windshield stay clean. This should be checked often, especially if you notice the level is going down quickly; you could have a whole in the compartment that holds it.

Other fluids (transmission, brake, and steering) – Transmission fluid keeps your vehicle running smoothly and should be checked while the car is running. Brake fluid can be checked by removing the dipstick or cap, depending on what type of car you have. Finally, steering fluid should be checked if you notice a grinding or squeaking noise when turning the wheel.

Check other “hot spots”

In addition to the above list, there are several other things that can be checked to help your car run smoothly, including:

Tire pressure – When your tires or under- or over-inflated, they’re likely to wear out more quickly. To help prevent this, purchase a tire gauge that you can use to check the pressure. If they are under-inflated, visit a gas station, as most have air stations that you can use to fill up the tire. While doing this, check for tread wear. If you see the wear is uneven, your car may need to be realigned.
Windshield wipers – If you notice your wipers aren’t cleaning efficiently, it’s time to replace them. Replacement wipers can be found at your local car repair shop or at stores like Wal-Mart and Target. You can choose the right option for your car by selecting the year, make, and model.
Battery – Last but not least, check your battery to make sure the electrolyte level is normal. If you find acid deposits on the battery, clean them with a mixture of warm water and baking soda. If you see it’s leaking acid, it’s probably time to get the battery replaced.

Don’t ignore bad brakes

If your brakes are especially squeaky, check the potential problem before letting it get too far. Look through the wheels on your car to see your front brakes. If the pad thickness is thinner than a quarter of an inch, you should replace them. If you feel grinding when you press on the pedal, your brake rotors may need to be turned or replaced.

Learn how to change a tire

Instead of calling AAA if you get a flat tire, learn how to change on yourself. Ask a friend or family member to spend a few minutes teaching you how to change the tire – if it happens to you again, not only will you not panic, but you’ll save yourself money by doing the quick and easy job yourself.

Brandon Adams is the author of many popular articles on the automotive repair industry. Finding the right auto repair shop in Austin TX and mechanic is important for a successful outcome.

 

Car Repair Salinas

Walnut Creek Dentist: Teeth Whitening Seems Safe Enough...is It?

By: Best Dentist Walnut Creek

 

Whitening Safety Tips

Teeth Dazzling smiles seem to be within everyone's reach, thanks to the booming teeth whitening

business. From over-the-counter whitening strips to dentist office professional treatments, there seems to be no reason to put up with stained or darkening teeth. Side effects aren't common when these products are used as directed, but can occur. Before you embark on a do-it-yourself whitening regimen, here are some teeth whitening safety

tips to keep your mouth and gums healthy.

See Your Dentist First:

Get a professional cleaning and mouth exam, even if you decide to whiten your teeth at home using over-the-counter strips or gels. It could be that all you need is a thorough cleaning to restore your teeth's sparkling good looks. The exam can also detect any cavities. Getting the cavity treated first is crucial to keep teeth whitening safe. Your dentist will assess the health of your gums. If they are inflamed, it’s wise to postpone the whitening. Ask your dentist for advice about which over-the-counter system to use. Ask your dentist how much lightening you might expect. Teeth do darken with age, and the range of color varies from person to person.

Shop Wisely for Teeth Whitening Products:

At-home teeth whitening products contain peroxides, typically carbamide peroxide, in various concentrations -- often 10% to 20% or so. Choose a product with a mid-range bleaching agent -- not the lowest concentration and not the highest. If you tolerate it well but aren't getting the lightening effect you want, you can choose a higher concentration. Some home teeth whitening products have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Follow Directions to the Letter:

Leaving the strips or gels on longer than advised can irritate the gums. More isn't better and could lead to problems. For instance, many over-the-counter teeth whitening strips suggest using for 30 minutes a day for about two weeks. Using longer can increase the risk of gum inflammations and later problems. After the teeth whitening session, avoid acidic beverages such as soda or sports drinks for a couple of hours to protect your teeth.

Be Realistic:

To be on the safe side, pregnant women or nursing mothers should postpone teeth whitening. Crowns won't whiten, as products caution. So if you have crowns that show when you smile, teeth whitening might produce an uneven appearance of color.

Be on the Lookout for Sensitive Teeth:

Mild and temporary tooth sensitivity can occur with many teeth whitening products. If inflammation or sensitivity are bothersome, discontinue the treatment and speak with your dentist. If the trays don't fit well, they can irritate the gums. If you notice that effect, it's also wise to stop the teeth whitening product. If your teeth and gums are in good shape, sensitivity is less likely to be an issue.

Don't Become a Whitening Addict:

With the affordability and variety of do-it-yourself teeth whitening products, some consumers think more is better. How much is too much? After following the directions for whitening, and getting a good result, a once a month preventive or touch up session is usually enough. When your teeth reach a realistic shade, you only need to repeat the multiple bleaching sessions about twice a year or less.

P.S.: Was this article helpful or beneficial to you? Let us know by emailing us! Also, if you have someone you care about and you think this would be beneficial to them, "pass it on"! By the way, make sure you don't miss out on the FREE dentist buyer's guide you're now entitled to!

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

 

About the Author:
If you're looking for the BEST dentist for you or for you and your family in the Walnut Creek area, then http://www.BestDentistWalnutCreek.com is THE resource for you!

You're entitled to your FREE buyer's guide which will cover important decisions, topics and questions, such as:

7 health conditions your dentist may detect first
Quiz: Dental myths and truths
What you may not know about tooth loss
Tips for getting your kids to brush and floss
Do you know what to do in a dental emergency?
5 things your dentist wants you to know
Think you're too old for braces? Think again!

Go to http://www.BestDentistWalnutCreek.com NOW

Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Walnut-Creek-Dentist--Teeth-Whitening-Seems-Safe-Enough---is-It-/1941573#ixzz1A0R3sq8t
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives

From Dentist Salinas CA