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from July 2021 Southeast Edition

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AGA responds by saying Allstate itself admits it is unable to present evidence of specific windshields that should have been repaired, and this is an attempt to introduce irrelevant discovery issues and “vague oblique implications of spoliation into the trial…”

Allstate asks the court to exclude evidence of its new policy language in a fifth motion in limine. The motion details what the policy’s limits of liability were at the time the complaint was filed, versus how they, the insurer, changed them in September 2019. The motion argues the new endorsement is not relevant to this claim.

Allstate’s limit of liability changed in September 2019. As detailed in court documents:

Allstate Limits of Liability Prior to September 2019

Limit of Liability

See Allstate vs. AGA, Page 18 When drivers in Warner Robins, GA, and surrounding areas have an accident, they rely on the community’s first responders to be there to help them to safety.

And when they are driving a late-model vehicle with numerous airbags, advanced technology or electric/hybrid engines, the rescue can be more challenging.

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) First Responder Emergency Education (F.R.E.E.) program helps prepare local first responder teams to rescue accident victims from these late-model vehicles. The program provides education and live demonstrations on working with high-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alternative fuel vehicles.

Five Star Collision Centers, at 999 Russell Pkwy in Warner Robins, hosted first responders May 22 from Warner Robins Fire Department, Houston County Fire Department, Crawford Fire Department, Monroe County Fire Department and Macon-Bibb County Fire Department for a special NABC F.R.E.E. education and guidance program.

“As a member of the community, we want to give back where we live and do business,” said

Charel Lock, operations manager for Five Star Collision. “We are big advocates of training for our team members, and any time we can help provide training to help others advance their skills, we are there. We all want to help make drivers safer on the road, and our first responders are critical to that.”

Through a partnership with the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) and HURST Jaws of Life, the NABC F.R.E.E. event showcased the female-led extrication education team providing the demonstration, highlighting the role women play in emergency rescues.

GEICO donated the vehicles for the hands-on demonstration and HURST Jaws of Life provided the tools and instructors. Five Star Ford provided a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle for demonstration. Axalta and Paint Master provided a cookout for the first responders.

“Giving back to the community and helping first responders save lives is a tremendous investment of time and resources,” said George Avery, program manager for NABC F.R.E.E. “Thank you to HURST Jaws of Life and GEICO Insurance, whose support made the event possible. A special thanks to Charel Lock for hosting the event and coordinating all the details to make the event a success.”

Source: NABC

Classic Car Museum Owner Sentenced in Wire Fraud Scheme

by Steven Symes, Motorious

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia said Ricky V. McLaughlin, who operated McLaughlin Motor Car Museum in Parkersburg, WV, has been sentenced by a judge to 87 months in prison.

McLaughlin was on trial for what prosecutors said was a wire fraud scheme designed to defraud people who wanted to buy classic cars from the museum.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, for more than four years, McLaughlin stole money and defrauded 17 different customers out of more than $1 million. In court filings, it was detailed out how the man would buy, restore and then sell classic cars, particularlyPontiac Trans Ams. However, at least some customers never received the car or the title after making payment.

Even worse, prosecutors alleged McLaughlin would sometimes sell the same car to multiple customers. In a scheme we’ve also seen, he would sell vehicles which were on consignment, then refuse to send the sale proceeds to the owners. In addition to serving more than seven years in prison, McLaughlin has been ordered to pay more than $700,000 in restitution to his victims. Obviously, that amount doesn’t cover all the money lost, so not everyone will be made financially whole.

If you’re not infuriated reading about this case, likely you haven’t been swindled or know someone who has. These sorts of schemes happen far too often, so it’s great to hear about this man facing consequences.

It also highlights the value of working with established classic car dealers which have known reputations. You might pay a little more than for the “sweet” deal through another place, but you’ll actually get the car without having to go to court and engage in an expensive, exhausting legal battle.

No matter how you’re purchasing a classic car, or any vehicle, always proceed with caution. It seems the schemes have only increased recently, so do all you can to not become the next victim.