Success + exotic car = Sued?

[DeletedUser2]

They avoid flashy cars and camouflage their wealth to the general public.

so some friends took me aside once and said, if people know you have money, you become a target. in 3rd world countries. you or your family gets kidnapped for ransom. people target you, your rooms at resorts etc

I don't do flashy. BIG target. when you have kids. you almost want to be invisible.

Z

 

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[Vigilante]

I was rolling like a big man at a casino a few years ago, and made myself a target for an attempted scam. This isn't limited to the car you drive. It's the watch you wear, it's the champagne you order, and the average bet at the blackjack table.

That's why when you see me on the beach, you'll never know. The richest guy I will EVER know sat down on the beach chair next to me wearing a pair of board shorts and a ratty tee shirt. He could have paid for people to carry him to the beach in a roman chariot.

At some point, displaying the gold doesn't satisfy any more. Giving it away never gets old, though.

 

[dknise]

Little tip for everyone here on the forum... invest in getting a car dashboard cam. The third time we took out my mentor's 458 Italia, a car at a red light put their car into reverse and backed up into his car. If it weren't for the on board video we had of the incident, he would have been held responsible.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

You can't live your life in fear.

If you want to own one of these cars, do it. Experience it. Enjoy the thrill of ownership and the thrill of walking out into your garage and say "Yea baby, that shit is mine!"

As for the title of this thread, it's part of the reason why I sold my Lambo nearly 2 years ago. That thrill wore off. As I mentioned elsewhere, the day I knew it was time to sell was when we had 4 or 5 days of consecutive sunshine and 80 degree weather. Instead of driving the Lambo, I opted for the truck.

The car simply added too much drama in my life... from the retarded street racers in their fart can Hondas to the tailgators, to the haters who smash your windshield in while you take a bathroom pitstop.... the drama of ownership simply exceeded the thrill.

Almost 2 years later I must say, I don't miss it. Of course, that could change in the future -- sometimes when I see one of these cars in person, the bug enters my mind for a minute or two and then disappears. At the moment, the only car that remotely interests me is the Aventador Roadster and I'm not the type to pay over MSRP for a car.

 

[RHL]

Little tip for everyone here on the forum... invest in getting a car dashboard cam. The third time we took out my mentor's 458 Italia, a car at a red light put their car into reverse and backed up into his car. If it weren't for the on board video we had of the incident, he would have been held responsible.

Some scumbag tried this when I was out test driving a sports car last year. Backed her beat-to-hell 10-year old Escalade with a "Safe Auto" insurance bumper sticker right into the car at a red light. Got out screaming at me about how I didn't know where I was going, I better be able to pay for this (What, a whole $3,000 for the car? Lol) etc.

Sadly for her, the young woman in my passenger seat with the Russian accent wasn't my wife or girlfriend: She was the sales rep from the dealership. When our cards were on the table, that we were unrelated parties with no interest in lying about what happened, slimeball bolted screaming "I aint got no insurance." iPhone 5. Prada bag (probably fake). Escalade with giant rims. No insurance.

Maximum sidewalk.

Police caught her like 3 blocks later, she got thrown in jail for resisting arrest, and got about $1,500 worth of tickets for driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance, driving without updated registration, driving with a motor vehicle inspection, and a bunch more.

Too bad the dealer had to claim the damage against their own insurance; given that it was Friday evening, doubtless the perp's $60 net worth had already been reduced to zero by the purchase of a pile of lotto scratches.

The moral of this story is that I have a 2 mile commute to work in a crime free area, but I either bike or take my Honda Insight rather than my Viper or Corvette. Guess why.

 

[healthstatus]

Is it just best to make a lot of lawyer friends LOL! ? ( Joke with some truth behind it )

I worked for a guy that hired the best attorney's in town to do little (really little) jobs for him, since he was now a client, he never got sued by those attorney's so he had the best at his disposal and everyone else had the leftovers....

 

[MJ DeMarco]

for the title of this thread, it's part of the reason why I sold my Lambo nearly 2 years ago.

I still frequent the Lambo forum and one of the long time regulars there posted this in reference to an incident where a photographer trailed a Lambo for 45 minutes.

The post was worth a post here as it marks a significant reason why I no longer drive anything exotic. After I sold the Murci, I expected my opinion to change after 6 months, perhaps a year. I can't go without a Lambo can I? Several years later and my opinion has not changed.

...you have crossed the line of simple common sense... When I drive my car, and someone pulls up next to me, films me, honks, waves etc, I have no issues with it. However follow me for an hour and we would have problems. I have had people several times attempt to follow me home, even following me through the gates of my property. The driver of the car does not know you, all he knows is that you were following him at great lengths, even when he attempted to evade you. The world is full of crazies, and who knows what was running through his head as to what your thoughts and intentions were. I would have handled things differently, as I would of called the police myself, and then used your own footage against you as at that point it would of been unedited and shown you yourself breaking the law and driving recklessly. I think the possibility of filing harrasment charges would exist as well. Im not an attorney, but I would consult one.

I myself used to be open to photoshoots, video collaborations, car shows whatever.. But as the years have gone by Ive noticed a trend amongst many so called Carparrazi. Entitlement. They act as though you OWE it to them to give them your time, answer their questions, allow them to document your every move. As an example I had a well know photog and Youtuber film my GTT with me. I allowed them to do so, and they profited from it. On the flipside, when I asked for some help, they declined, saying they would not be able to do so. This same person recently contacted me saying they were working on a wonderful new project, I would love it, and can they have my vin #... Ya no.. These photogs take pictures of our belongings, which we work hard to attain for their own personal gain. They feel this is their entitlement. The funny flipside of it is, have you ever seen what happens when you repost one of their pictures on FB without giving them proper credit? They blow their minds.

I now do whatever I can to keep my cars to myself, will never attend a car show etc. I do everything I can to stay out of any public situations. I know many like me who now do the same. Inmo, this video will hurt you Jason, as your audience may deem it funny, but the people with whom you are attempting to set yourself up with as a serious Automotive Photographer and videographer will not. Sure, some of your car owning friends who know you may disagree, but rest assured should it happen to them, by someone they dont know, the tables would be turned.. The reality is the few dollars you earn in the short term, will be peanuts compared to the loss of your reputation.

As exotic owners, I think if you dont agree with this video, you should flag it on Youtube and it will be pulled. Otherwise soon you will have every kid with a camera doing all they can to incite similar situations in an attempt at becoming YOUTUBE sensations..

The video that prompted the response

And yes, I've had people follow me home, straight into the gates of my gated community. It isn't cool, nor is it flattering.

 

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[throttleforward]

We had a call in my EMS system where a city bus ran into the back of the car in front of it at very low speed. There was virtually no chance that anyone was hurt. When the medic got to the bus, literally everyone on the bus was complaining of neck and back pain, and that everyone wanted to go to the hospital. When the medic informed the bus passengers that 1) everyone would have to be put on a hard backboard with a neck collar to "protect" their "damaged cervical spine", that 2) because this was now a mass casualty scene everyone would have to wait quite a bit of time on those uncomfortable backboards for ambulances, and 3) that they had up to 3 days to get evaluated in the ER if they were planning on suing the city, suddenly no one wanted to go to the hospital.

So yes, people act differently when they see dollar signs.

 

[JEdwards]

What a asshat, Ok I am going to let you follow me for 45 minutes then pull over and let you take pictures.. That guy is going to get his a$$ beat sooner or later. I hope sooner.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

PEOPLE F*ckING LEAN ON IT

I remember once going to a Sonic in my Diablo. A group of teens where standing around talking. We ate in the center atrium area while I could keep an eye on the car. One of these assholes decides to lean up on my Lambo while chatting. Of course the douche had one of those wallets with a chain hanging off it. I could have murdered the punk. The sad thing is, you don't do this to ANY car, let alone a 6-figure exotic. I was cordial when I asked him to GTF off the car. He acted shocked ... like he didn't realize that respecting other people's property was apart of his lexicon.

 

[Kak]

Little tip for everyone here on the forum... invest in getting a car dashboard cam. The third time we took out my mentor's 458 Italia, a car at a red light put their car into reverse and backed up into his car. If it weren't for the on board video we had of the incident, he would have been held responsible.

F*ck that guy. I would sue him into bankruptcy. Piece of shit. Some people don't deserve to live.

On another note. What kind of dashcams do y'all use?

 

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[Lathan]

a car at a red light put their car into reverse and backed up into his car

You mean he intentionally backed in to the 458? That is absolutely disgusting. Do you care to share more? Did you guys pull to the side of the road with the other car and ask him what the hell his problem was? Did he feel like an idiot when you told him it was on film?

 

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[RHL]

I love giving to charity. One of my farther off dreams is to help fund a boarding school in the lower income area where I grew up to help some of the people there break free of the toxic crime-and-debt environment.

For me though, with the cars, I live in a fairly rural area. Nobody here has exotics, I could look like the big man on campus with a Corvette Grand Sport or an M3. My problem is that I don't love to be seen stuntin around town in cars, or to be photographed in cars, or to feel rich because I have cars, but that I love fixing and driving cars. I do all my own work, clutch, diff, valves, everything, just so I can carve up the lonely road along the river.

That's why this is all so sad-It's just a hobby that happens to cost a lot, so I have to do less driving than I want to keep a low profile.

 

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[nitrousflame]

On another note. What kind of dashcams do y'all use?

My most recent dashcam purchase, and the one I use in my daily car is this one:

http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2013/3...ull-hd-car-camera-from-the-team-behind-t.html

My only complaint is that it takes 5-10 minutes for it to warm up enough inside my car for the camera to turn on when it's -20F out. Not that you have to worry about such things though.

 

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[Kak]

Lmao, nope I'll worry that it melts into a puddle on my dash in July.

 

[throttleforward]

That's why I stick with planes

 

[jon.a]

We drive a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500. In this small town, too many know where we live. Even a Vett would be awkward in the drive.

 

[mayana]

Its almost like you cant even enjoy yours success fully or live out some of your "monetary dreams" without the fear of someone trying to take everything you have worked hard for from you. Really disappointing. People who create value in society should be respected.

It's exactly like this, not even almost. People are always jealous of even the smallest difference between you and them, so I totally agree with the idea of keeping a low profile. Learn how to enjoy the fruits of your labor discreetly, or in places where you don't stick out like a sore thumb.

This is something that has been on my mind a lot lately.

 

[parkerscott]

Some scumbag tried this when I was out test driving a sports car last year. Backed her beat-to-hell 10-year old Escalade with a "Safe Auto" insurance bumper sticker right into the car at a red light. Got out screaming at me about how I didn't know where I was going, I better be able to pay for this (What, a whole $3,000 for the car? Lol) etc.

Sadly for her, the young woman in my passenger seat with the Russian accent wasn't my wife or girlfriend: She was the sales rep from the dealership. When our cards were on the table, that we were unrelated parties with no interest in lying about what happened, slimeball bolted screaming "I aint got no insurance." iPhone 5. Prada bag (probably fake). Escalade with giant rims. No insurance.

Maximum sidewalk.

Police caught her like 3 blocks later, she got thrown in jail for resisting arrest, and got about $1,500 worth of tickets for driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance, driving without updated registration, driving with a motor vehicle inspection, and a bunch more.

Too bad the dealer had to claim the damage against their own insurance; given that it was Friday evening, doubtless the perp's $60 net worth had already been reduced to zero by the purchase of a pile of lotto scratches.

The moral of this story is that I have a 2 mile commute to work in a crime free area, but I either bike or take my Honda Insight rather than my Viper or Corvette. Guess why.

Absolutely sickening, and im going to bed pissed now. This is just one story, and to think there are millions upon millions of similar situations like this, and that people are actually responsible for the actions is disgusting. Very few people in this world have integrity nowadays. I could probably go through a list of several hundreds of acquaintances from highschool, and very very few would make the cut for outstanding character and good morals.

 

[nitrousflame]

Little tip for everyone here on the forum... invest in getting a car dashboard cam. The third time we took out my mentor's 458 Italia, a car at a red light put their car into reverse and backed up into his car. If it weren't for the on board video we had of the incident, he would have been held responsible.

I will second this and I don't even drive anything fancy. I've had a dashcam for about two years now and it has caught quite a few things. I honestly almost feel naked driving without one now.

 

[Esquire]

From the perspective of a trial lawyer, I agree that anyone with money has a bulls eye on their back.

One of the very FIRST things I want to know before filing a lawsuit is whether the judgment is collectible. If the person I am suing in judgment-proof or otherwise eligible for bankruptcy, there is no point or purpose in pursuing it.

So yes, if people know you have money, you are at increased risk for litigation. No doubt about it.

My advice ...

Think like a lawyer. Be super cautious about doing anything that exposes you to potential liability. Anticipate frivolous nuisance suits -- if you have a bulls-eye on your back -- someone will take a shot.

There are people out there who are out looking for a reason to sue ... looking for a reason to get fired and scream discrimination or sexual harassment ... and who will lie and cheat to extort money from you.

Think about those bus accidents where on-lookers to the accident run into the bus after the accident and fake injuries.

Nothing wrong with a healthy sense of paranoia.

Anticipate the avenues of attack -- cover your a$$.

 

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[RogueInnovation]

You all know what the answer is already.

Don't let the gremlins get you down! There is so much to be enjoyed, never be afraid of a few set backs! Don't act like a scared little flower with your money! Act like badass flower that lights on fire when the night comes!

If someone does something, what you do back is all about ATTITUDE!!!
If you whine and complain, isn't that doing what gremlins want?
You NEED your candy car, because it will get you up and motivated to HELP more people!!!
Zoom zoom zoom, is your mindset in business, and zoom should be how you feel when you step into the driveway.

Yes everyone has it tough, but it isn't because you bought a car, instead of groceries for all the poor people in your neighborhood. Its because its tough to be positive!!! And you are around to show them how! To live as what you are!

Don't cower! Bravely face your choices, as it is the only way we grow!

 

[oldscool]

Wealthy is relative, define wealthy? What kind of wealth are we talking?

There comes a point when a person is just loaded. Sure they dont need certain items, but, they buy them because they can. When a person is wealthy they certainly dont worry about lawsuits because they own the best legal team money can buy, so, lawsuits come with the territory,(usually they are a client of the largest firm in the state).

Someone once said, "there's rich, and, then there's barely rich".

 

[SBS.95]

The video that prompted the response

Oh man this makes me angry. What an self entitled douche. You stalk a dude and almost cause multiple accidents while filming from you piece of shit $25,000 Subaru- and then have the F*cking nerve to call the cops on HIM?

I shouldn't have watched that video, this type of behavior is infuriating.

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

Where does a Corvette rank in terms of being harassed by spectators?

No comparison although the new one (right now) is a real head turner and is sure to cause some rubber-necking.

 

[Guest]

You guys will enjoy this video, It's worth the six minutes I promise.

EDIT: Spoiler Alert
If you don't have time this is basically what went down

Some rednecks in a truck started following a guy and his female passenger in their bimmer
They even confronted and harassed the guy and his passenger at stop.
They proceed to follow them and talking crap during the whole recording.
Bimmer guy decided to drive down a desolated road and came to a dead end.
Rednecks pulled up their truck right behind the car and grabs a bat...
Now you have to watch the video starting at 4:00.

 

[Vick]

meh.

When I buy a Lambo. They can all kiss my a$$.




bitches.

 

[jazb]

I think the real beauty of being in fastlane is knowing you could buy multiple super cars, but choose not to.

 

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[Guest]

I think the real beauty of being in fastlane is knowing you could buy multiple super cars, but choose not to.

This thread pretty much confirms my doubts of owning a supercar and the headaches with it when I make it to fastlane.

I'd probably get a sleeper car such as an Alpina B6 Coupe, not that I won't be a head turner either

 

[chrisbiz4444]

Success + Exotic car = Sued?

(How do you protect yourself and your assets)

This question may puzzle many of you at its face value. However there is much more substance to this question.
After speaking to many wealthy and successful mentors I have learned many of them want to keep a low profile. They avoid flashy cars and camouflage their wealth to the general public. After asking the reasoning for this their response was " Once people know you have money they will become sue happy". I can understand the logic behind this thought process and its truly disgusting to think people can behave in such a way.

This bothers me, like many here I have a passion for exotic cars. They are art in my opinion and I know many of us here aspire to own one. The reason I took this topic to the fastlane forum is because I have noticed many people here are exotic car owners. What better place to learn the truth right? Is it true that people will become sue happy out of jealousy or spite? Or is this simply a myth? What are your experiences as an exotic car owner? And if the ladder really is true how do you protect yourself from sue happy haters?

 

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