Posted On: May 11, 2009, 2:39 pm CDT

Posted By: Wade Ebert

Seriously?

Since it appears you don't know how to work Google - Perhaps this will help.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Wade+Ebert+American+Auto+Body&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=

Many things for you to read there. I also encourage you to hire an attorney with whom you can consult and to read your state laws. Beyond that - To perhaps take a business law class, if not that, a real estate qualification test - that experiance will teach you an awful lot about "duty" to the consumer and basic "tort" and "contract" law.

I got most of my experience with the legal aspects of our industry by studying under an attorney (Patrick J. McGuire) who, on retainer provided monthly curricula and review for groups of repairers in our state.

I also was involved in my Father's successful litigation against State Farm insurance when he owned the shop. During and after that I was an expert witness in several aftermarket parts and diminished value cases.

I currently provide investigative services for attorneys amassing data regarding damage analysis and poor repairs.

I have worked directly with the Office of the Attorney General in our state on legislation written mostly by Mr. Pierson that was passed into law - and continue to work for enforcement of the consumer protection elements of same.

I have testified before several committees in both the House and Senate Chambers.

I am currently and have in the past, been consulted independently by several states' associations on matters of legislation and regulation.

I recently worked with OH attorney Erica Eversman in the development of the Model Code of Ethics which has been released to all state associations for implementation in their states.

There has always been a vacuum in this industry - which the lowest common denomiator has rushed in to fill. It is time we elevated the LCD.

I think if you would read more industry centric magazines and perhaps participate in an association you would be amazed at just how many people have (finally) come to know what I do.

I know I work for the Vehicle Owner.

I know the Attorney General knows I do too.

I know that "claims handling", "negotiating", and "representation" are not what I or anyone else can do legally - unless they are an attorney. I know what insurers do does not really concern me or how I repair the car - since I don't work for them.

I know the understanding of these concepts seems completely foreign and uncomfortable and I know the understanding took years to soak in. Now I get calls from attorneys to help them understand - and I know I've done it right when they call me back and say something like "You know? You are right - the way things have been influenced by insurers, I just haven't thought about it that way since they let me out of law school."

Read something and contact me with any questions you may have. Maybe you'll find what others have - a new way to look at an old business.

If you are near and want to pick my brain in public - I've been invited and I'll be speaking to a group of repairers on the IL side of the river just northeast of Saint Louis tomorrow night.