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Do Radar/Laser Detectors Really Work? Are They Worth The $$$? -- plus -- Should You Hire A Personal Injury Attorney? If So, How Do You Select A GOOD One? -- plus -- Don't Like Getting Hit With Late Fees By Blockbuster? Here's Ben's E-A-S-Y Solution!!!
July 5, 2001
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Dear Ben: I saw one of your reports on News 8 At 9-Good Morning Texas (WFAA-TV/Channel 8) recently where you were talking about radar/laser detectors. Let me get this right: You don't think they're worth the money? They don't work as advertised? If not, how can they get away with it?
John in Arlington
Dear John: I do my best to adhere to the traffic laws of the great state of Texas and like everyone else, I want to avoid getting tickets on my record and suffer the financial consequences. But I've used radar detectors for over 20 years and frankly, old habits die hard. The TV segment you're referring to was made possible by Sgt. Harold Baxter of the Fort Worth Police Department's "Motor Jock" team (motorcycle detail). I actually took some of the top radar and laser detectors widely-available out to the Texas Motor Speedway and tested them. With Sgt. Baxter's assistance, I proved that the radar/laser detectors DO, in fact, alert drivers to the presence of laser/radar signals pointed in their direction. Unfortunately, it's too little, too late. The detectors all sounded off...about 1.0-1.5 seconds after "the cops" nailed us!
The bottom line? Even if you have reflexes as finely-honed as an NHL goalie, you're still going to get busted! The technology is so good nowadays even with the most expensive detection devices available about the only thing that will save you from a speeding ticket is driving the speed limit. A summary of the findings from my report, as well as some common-sense strategies to reduce the financial damage if you've already gotten a ticket are available on my website: www.bendover.com/tickets.asp
Dear Ben: I was involved in an auto accident this past December. I broke my foot and my car had $11,000 in damage. My foot is almost back to normal and my car is back from the shop, and the insurance company is discussing settling, but I don't know how to handle it. I want to get as much as I can, so I'd like legal help. I live in the Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas.
Pat C. in Dallas
Dear Pat: I'm a huge proponent of consumers doing things themselves and saving their money...except when it comes to important legal issues, like divorces, Wills and settling personal injury cases. There are so many questions and areas of cash that can be tapped that you have no idea exist, that in almost all cases, it's worth paying a good attorney (with your best interests at heart) a third of the total settlement, with the hope that their involvement will increase the total settlement and more than pay for their share of the pie. Not only will a competent personal injury attorney know where to find pockets of cash (like from your own insurance policy) but will know what's a reasonable amount to settle for, or even structure a settlement in a way that protects you from potential complications in the future. The key to the legal puzzle? Finding a "good attorney" that truly has your best interests at heart. There are too many points to cover here; find additional information about choosing an attorney on my website: www.bendover.com/legalchoice.asp.
Dose of Dover For The Week: Several weeks ago Blockbuster Video made headlines by settling over two dozen class action lawsuits over how it charges renters late-fees for tapes returned past the appointed deadline. With a significant amount of their revenues created by these late fees ($796 million last year to be exact) apparently Blockbuster is being politically incorrect by making too much money off of the laziness of consumers. Two points worth making: If you want to participate in the settlement and take advantage of up to $18 in coupons, you'll be able to get more information at your local Blockbuster store or go to their website and click on the section with the headline: EVF: Extended Viewing Fee litigation settlement: www.blockbuster.com. And as much as we like to pick on attorneys for frivolous litigation, this suit has to rate right there at the top of this category in my book. Seems pretty simple to me: If you don't want to get charged late fees, turn your damned tapes in on time! (Quit your whining and your silly lawsuits!!!)
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