Monday, May 31, 2010

How to Save Car Insurance Rate

Many people chose to ride or drive a car due to comfort and convenience it provides. It is also faster and easier means of transportation if compared to other vehicles. Nevertheless, like all others, there could be several legal ramifications once a car was involved in an accident. One of which is dealing with insurance companies. Hence, it would be very advantageous to drivers, specifically, to know the car insurance rates.

Having car insurance is required by most states. Typically, liability insurance is the most common type. In this type of insurance, the insurer pays the person you have caused damage.

Car Insurance Rate

In buying car insurance, your primary consideration should be the rate. Car insurance rates vary depending on risk. Insurance companies base their premiums on the risk factors. The higher the risk, the higher the premiums will be.

Premiums are costly, and it may be even higher than the cost of the car. It is due to high chances of cars to be exposed in danger. The insurer will be the one to determine how much you are going to pay using probabilities and statistics.

Insurance companies consider age, sex, marital status and the type of the car-should it be ordinary, sports car, among others. They also consider the profession, life style, financial status, driving status, and residence.

Rates may also rely on the automobile insurance company. The price depends on the brand name.

Car Insurance Problems

Aside from higher premiums, one problem that you will encounter in dealing with car insurance is the unlawful practice of discrimination on the basis of geographic location when providing loans or insurance coverage because of high risk or possibility of loss- also known as redlining.

Although such practice is considered illegal, discrimination still exists. Some insurance companies do not grant coverage because of racial differences.

Another car insurance problem is the practice of granting contractual clauses. These clauses limit the insurer’s responsibility and obligation to the insured, specifically, if that person was involved in a major liability.

Additionally, there are also some insurance companies who require high premiums or decline to cover persons with high-risk of exposure particularly those who drive sports car. Whereas, there are some who intentionally makes policies that are too complex, making others not to understand the payment and coverage clearly.

Also, one of the problems you may encounter in buying car insurance is the higher rate especially if your car is at higher risk, or has higher exposure to danger such as sports car. However, there are some ways you could do to save.

Ways to Save Car Insurance Rates
  1. Compare insurance quotes with other companies.
  2. If your car has a lower risk ask for discounts- it can be through driving less miles per year.
  3. You can also ask discounts if you are senior citizen.
  4. Take defensive driving classes.
  5. Install safety and protective devices in your car.
  6. Combine insurance coverage. There are some insurance companies who cut premiums up to 15%, and you can buy auto and home insurance to the same insurer to save.
  7. Raise deductible by increasing a collision deductible to your auto policy.
  8. Shoulder minor repairs or those that cost below $1, 000.
  9. Have a clean driving record for at least 36 months or three years. This will be helpful in lowering premiums.
  10. Chose a simple but decent car. The more expensive your car will be, the more cost to insure. Luxurious cars are also subject to theft.
Determining car insurance rate is a very important matter. Once involved in an accident, knowledge about it could be beneficial.


The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Job Termination Rights FAQ

One of the most common violations of employment rights is wrongful termination.

Wrongful termination refers to situations where an individual’s employment was terminated for unlawful and invalid reasons.

Wrongful termination is a result of not respecting or ignorance of job termination rights of employees.

Some of the most common cause of wrongful termination are:
  • Discrimination
  • Harassment
  • Nepotism
  • No due process
To understand wrongful termination, here are answers to some job termination rights FAQ:

How do I know if I was wrongfully terminated?

The best way to know if you have been terminated is to consult an employment law attorney.

There are instances where you might think that you are discriminated upon but it is not protected by law, so you were not really wrongfully terminated.

In another example, even if there is some justification in your termination, if the employer did not follow the company policy in your firing, then you may still have a wrongful termination case.

What laws protect me from wrongful termination?

Generally, the federal and state discrimination laws protect you from being a victim of wrongful termination such as:
  • Article VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Protects you from being terminated based on your sex, race/color, religion, and national origin.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Protects qualified employees from being terminated based on their disability.
  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – Protects employees aged 40 and above from being terminated based on age.
  • California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – State law that prohibits termination based on disability, age, sex, religion, national origin, and race.
Can at-will employees file wrongful termination?

Yes, there are three exemptions where at-will employees can file wrongful termination.

Here are three actions of employers that can be used a s cause for wrongful termination:
  • Breach of implied or express contract
  • Breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealings
  • Undermining or breaking existing federal and state laws
Are there options other than filing lawsuits?

Yes it is actually recommended that you exhaust other avenues before filing a lawsuit against your employer like:
  • You can negotiate for a fair severance package from your employer so that you will not be in too much difficulty after being terminated.
  • Some employers also stipulate in employment contracts that all employment disputes must first be resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes like mediation or arbitration.
  • If the case is still not resolved by then, then a lawsuit can be your last recourse.
You should have a lawyer with you in any of the steps above.

What can I get from filing a lawsuit?

You most likely won’t be able to get your job back as the court does not have the power to reinstate you.

However, you will get compensation for damages, which may include:
  • Back pay
  • Economic damages such as lost income
  • Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering
  • Contributions to pension account
  • Punitive damages of the employer’s actions were reckless, malicious or intentional
Consult your Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for more details.


The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.




Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Understanding the Advantages of Class Action Lawsuits

When a company performs actions that could lead to injury (physical or otherwise) to a lot of people, then a class action suit could be in the making.

In California, class action lawsuits can be filed for personal injury, employment issues, and other cases where the members suffered similar harm from the company.
Some of the most common causes of class action lawsuits are:
  • Misleading information about consumer products that lead to injuries
  • Defective products that lead to injuries
  • Employment Discrimination
  • Sexual Harassment in the workplace
Before a class action suit can be certified and approved by the court, the lead plaintiff and his representative must first prove certain elements like:
  • Number of members – The plaintiff must prove to the court that because of the large number of people affected, it is more practical to combine the claims together instead of individual regular lawsuits.
  • Commonality – There should be common damages experienced among the members of the lawsuit. Aside from that, the law in question should also be the same for all involved.
  • Typicality – The lead plaintiffs should have the same claims and arguments as those members that they are representing.
  • Adequacy of Representation – The lead plaintiffs and the lead lawyers should prove to the court that they will protect the interest of the class.
  • Viability of defendant – it is not really a requirement but before filing a class action lawsuit, it is important to determine if the company have the means to pay for the damages.
But why should you file a class action lawsuit instead of an individual lawsuit?

Here are its advantages:
  • Consistency – Because there are a large number of affected people who sustained the same type of damages under the same conditions, it gives your arguments more consistency and credibility.
  • Extends statute of limitation – Because there are a lot of people involved in the lawsuit, the time limit can be extended beyond that of an individual lawsuit.
  • Fewer obligations – there is little required from members of the class action suit aside from having similar experiences.
  • Savings – members of the class action suit can share the litigation costs.
  • Contingency basis – Most class action suit are taken by lawyers in a contingency basis so members do not even have to make payments because the lawyers will just take a percentage of the settlement or awarded damages. It also guarantees that the lawyer will be working hard for the case since they will only earn once you win the case.
Notifications are usually sent out to possible members of a class action lawsuit.

Once you receive one, it will be up to you to decide whether to pursue it individually or join the class.



The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Dangerous Roadway Designs Leading to Vehicle Accidents

Road design is crucial in maintaining safety on the roadway. In fact, some of the most fatal vehicle accidents are caused not by driver negligence or auto defects, but by dangerous roadway designs. This is because such designs do not only endanger the life of a single driver, but all the motorists that pass by that certain road. Some of the dangerous roadway designs today that may cause vehicle accidents include:
  • Insufficient road banking or curve – Whenever roads or highways turn, there is a slight curve or banking of the road to accommodate to vehicles when making turns. However, if banking designs are not perfect, vehicles may get off the road and turnover, which may cause injuries.
  • Ineffective guard rails and road barriers – Guard rails are especially important for bridges and flyovers. Road and highway administrators should ensure that these rails are able to withstand the force coming from a speeding vehicle.
  • Good entrance and exit ramp design – Entrance and exit ramps are helpful in accommodating in the merging of vehicles in freeways. Ineffective ramps may cause dangerous accidents especially for speeding automobiles.
  • Lack of road warnings – The purpose of road warnings is to inform motorists of certain dangers on the road. Some warnings include signs for slippery roads, sharp turns, accident prone areas, and railroad tracks.
  • Indistinguishable road markings – Aside from signs, markings on the road should also inform drivers regarding intersections, lane merging and emergency bay areas. If the paint used in such markings is easily washed off, drivers may not recognize them.
  • Inappropriate location of traffic control devices – Traffic control devices should be placed in locations suitable for their function. For instance, traffic lights are best positioned in intersections.
  • Road design not suitable for traffic density – During road construction, administrators should consider how many vehicles pass by the area. This will give them an idea of a suitable road width.
  • Roads with poor visibility – Roads on hills and mountains often have this kind of problem. Drivers should be able to see incoming traffic even though they are driving along these kinds of roads.
Every driver should not only be aware of his driving attitudes and vehicle, but also the characteristics of the roads he is passing by. In some cases, it takes more than one person to monitor all these three factors. Drivers should never get tired of checking such things because it works for their own benefit.


The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Air Disasters: Surviving a Plane Crash

A lot of people are afraid of flying and no one can really blame them. People are more vulnerable to accidents up in the air than on land because of its unstable condition and lack of definite traffic flow. But passengers can keep in mind some plane crash survival tips to keep themselves safe the next time they decide to fly.
  • Emergency exits – As soon as you board the plane, check the two emergency exits nearest to your seat. Plan your escape route. Count the seats between the exit and your own seat so that in case of smoke that may impair your vision, you’d be able to feel and count the seats.
  • It is actually safer at the back – Some organizations concerned with aviation safety claim that there are no safe seats. However, in 2007, Popular Mechanics made a study that looked at the survival data from plane crashes since 1971. It was found that people in rear seats or behind the wing's trailing edge were safer by as much as 69 percent. Sitting by the doors may result to getting sucked out of the cabin of a pressurized plane. So maybe it would be smart to sit at the back of the plane instead.
  • The proper attire – Long sleeves and pants can provide better coverage in case of a fire compared to ordinary T-shirts and shorts. Choose a closed-toe shoe instead of sandals or slippers because it will help protect your feet from glass or metal shrapnel. Remember also to remove pencils, pens, eyeglasses, and high-heeled shoes since their sharp tips may harm you or the other passengers.
  • Pre-flight instructions – Listen carefully to pre-flight instructions. Putting the seat belt on as tightly as possible is just the initial precautionary step in keeping yourself safe.
  • Getting ready for impact – The proper crash position according to the Federal Aviation Administration is to “extend the arms, cross hands, and place them on the seat in front.” Your head should be placed against the back of the hands. Feet should be tucked under the seat.
  • The “Golden Time”: The first 90 seconds or the first two minutes of the plane crash is considered as the “golden time.” Try to stay calm and move fast within this first minute. That includes moving far away from the plane as swiftly as possible.
It will also help if the family can work together to save one another. In case of fire, remember to keep your head down, cover your mouth and nose, and hold a wet cloth over your mouth. And remember to keep both hands free and never try to save your belongings.


The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Class Action Lawsuit: Making Someone Pay for Your Injuries

Mass personal injuries, or injuries caused to multiple victims, are most commonly caused by two kinds of tort cases – personal injury accidents and product liability cases. People who suffered injuries because of these two reasons may sue the responsible party by filing a product liability or personal injury class action lawsuit. The following are some steps you may consider when filing a class action lawsuit for product liability or personal injury:

Product liability

There are two instances where a defective product can cause injuries to its consumers. The product may have been recalled already but yours were not recalled, or the product does not have any known defect when it injured you. Whichever situation you are in, you are definitely not alone. Once you have gathered several other plaintiffs who suffered similar injuries from the same product defect, this is when you will need to determine certain factors such as:
  • The manufacturer did not put enough labels or instructions that the product has the potential to cause injuries. This may also mean that the manufacturer was not aware of the possible harm that its products can cause.
  • Your injuries were directly caused by the product defect. You have to prove that your injury was not caused by your own negligence.
  • The product was not the only one that has defects. Because you were not the only one complaining, you will have a stronger complaint against the manufacturer.
  • If the product has already been recalled, you have to prove that you were not informed about it. If you were injured several months after the recall was conducted, that means the manufacturer did not inform every consumer about it.
Personal injury

One of the most common causes of mass personal injury is a car accident. If a single driver was responsible for the injuries of several people in a vehicle accident, he would be held liable for the injuries he caused. In such situations, some courts prefer to receive personal injury class action lawsuits rather than multiple complaints. This would enable them to process and evaluate the complaint faster for everybody’s benefit. Other factors that you may also consider include:
  • Possible parties that may also be responsible for the accident
  • The extent of injuries and expenses each complainant has suffered
  • Additional evidences against the responsible party
  • Hiring a lawyer who specializes in personal injury class action lawsuits
Whether your injuries were caused by a defective product or a personal injury accident, you have the right to recover your monetary damages. And because you are not alone in your endeavor, you should file a product liability or personal injury class action lawsuit in order for you to receive the compensation payments you all deserve.



The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Common Accidents along Los Angeles Freeway

Los Angeles is one of the busiest districts in California as many people go there to relax and to work. With this crowd, accidents are almost always certain to happen as a single act of negligence can trigger a series of catastrophe.

Freeways in Los Angeles often witness vehicular accidents that victimizes just about anyone including cautious drivers who just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

These accidents have claimed many lives including children and passengers who are defenseless to such mishaps caused by negligent drivers.

These reckless drivers often cause:
  • Head-on collision. This happens when a driver from the other lane suddenly crosses the divider and drives directly onto the approaching vehicles. Many noted wrong way drunk drivers and those who fell asleep while driving have caused these accidents.
  • Rear-end collision. This type of collision occurs when a vehicle suddenly speeds up or fails to yield to traffic lights causing his vehicle’s front bumper hit the backside of the preceding vehicle. These accidents can inflict serious injuries especially when it involves high speed and the other vehicle is moving slow or is stationary.
  • Side collisions. Accidents in parking lots and intersections usually results to the damage of the front end of one vehicle and to the side of the other. Side collisions, also known as T-bone collision, endangers occupants more as only the side door o their vehicle are the only thing that protects them from being crushed by the other vehicle.
  • Rollover accidents. SUVs and bigger vehicles are prone to be involved in rollover accidents as they have higher center of gravity which makes them lesser stable as compared to other vehicles such as sedans.

The above accidents can cause serious injuries that would need intensive therapy and medications. A person involved in any of the above accidents can suffer from:
  • Head and brain injuries. The impact of the head to the steering wheel or to any hard surface can result to damages to the brain. Brain damage may leave a person with permanent disability, memory losses, and other neurological problems.
  • Paralysis. This condition usually results from spinal cord injury because of the impact or when the person was thrown from the vehicle and damaged his spine.
  • Amputation. In serious crashes, a person’s limb may be trapped or badly crushed and so rescuers and medical professionals won’t have any other choice but to cut off the affected area.
  • Blindness and eye damage. Pieces of broken class and mirrors can get into one’s eye which may damage his eyes. Some of the victims undergo operations to regain their sight but there are those who suffer from permanent damages and even blindness.

The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Best Tips to Prevent Swimming Pool Injuries and Accidents

Swimming is one of the most loved hobbies especially during hot seasons. Every summer, many families and groups of teenagers go to resorts, waterparks and beaches to escape the heat and have a good time. However, one thing that frightens everyone in this kind of season is for them to acquire swimming pool injuries.

Swimming pool accidents happen because of a variety of reasons. If you are planning to go to a resort or waterpark, consider these tips in order for you to avoid having swimming pool injuries:

  • Diseases from the swimming pool – Bacteria is more active during warm weather. Because of this, be sure that the water in the swimming pool is clean and was treated carefully to prevent acquiring diseases from it. To lessen any diseases or skin infections from spreading, make sure no one in the pool has an open wound or is discharging body fluids due to sneezing or coughing.
  • Chemical exposure – The amount of chlorine and other chemicals should be carefully regulated in proportion to the amount of water.
  • Injuries caused by electrical shock – Water and chlorine are two good conductors. Because of this, make sure the pool is not near any sources of electricity. Electric shock may cause mild to severe brain damage.
  • Problems with food – In most cases, food going to the swimming pool cannot be prevented. If this happens, make sure no one would eat the food to prevent possible poisoning due to the mixture of certain chemicals.
  • Sunburn – Sunblock lotion is a popular way to prevent getting sunburns. However, because sunblock also has chemicals, be sure to apply just the right amount.
  • Dangers of pool toys – Toys such as basketball hoofs, water guns, etc. provide entertainment to everyone. Just make sure that the toys that will be used are specifically for swimming pool activities.
  • Injuries caused by inflatable swimming pools – If you choose to take the children at your backyard and inflate a small swimming pool, it would save you hundreds of dollars. However, small swimming pools may not be durable and balanced enough to support a certain number of children.

Preventing swimming pool injuries is a difficult task if you are the only one aiming to achieve it. To lessen the burden, share to others what you have learned so suffering swimming pool injuries would not anymore be something to be frightened of. Once you have study and practice these reminders, spending your time at the resort or in a swimming pool would be much more fun.

The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.
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Los Angeles Lawyers - Mesriani Law Group

Mesriani Law Group is composed of a team of expert lawyers and experienced litigators based in Los Angeles and specializing in four major areas of law: personal injury, employment and labor law, social security and disability, and business and corporate law.

With more than 15 years of experience, the firm offers an innovative way of providing legal service by combining its unique business structure with cutting-edge technology, thereby giving its clients a fast, efficient and reliable service.

Over the years, it has built its reputation as one of the leading law firms in Southern California, which has represented thousands of clients in various state and federal courts and obtained millions of dollars in claims.

Expert lawyers of the Mesriani Law Group have represented clients in personal injury cases involving car and vehicle accidents, slip and fall cases, dog bite incidents, among other; employment and labor cases that deal with discrimination and harassment, wage and hour law issues, meal and rest break cases, and wrongful termination; social security and disability issues that deal with SSDI and SSI benefits and disability claims; and business and corporate matters involving the drafting and formulation of employment manuals, business contracts, trademark and copyright issues, and employment policies, among others.

The Mesriani Law Group has a wide range of legal resources as we work with the best lawyers and litigators in each state across the United States. We offer a unique attorney directory where you can find a lawyer's location and area of practices. For more information contact Mesriani Law Group at 310-826-6300 or visit the main office at 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 810 Los Angeles CA 90025.