Fallout From Tree Branch Versus Car Incident

Regarding “Fighting City Hall Over Tree Damage” by Brian J. Comer, July 22:

With all due respect to Comer, there are four additional things that we can learn from his experience with the tree versus car incident.

First, if you know that the trees on your street have a history of raining branches, you should consider parking in a safer spot.

Second, don’t blame your insurance company for the high deductible that you had agreed to pay.

Third, subrogation is a remedy that belongs to the insurance company and not its insured.

Finally, it should not have been a shock to anyone that the government coldly denied Comer’s claim. After all, who do you think was responsible for enacting the procedures for making claims against the government?

LAURENCE S. ROSS

North Hollywood

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After reading Comer’s essay about his successful battle against the city in Small Claims Court when a tree branch in front of his house hit his parked car, I had to wonder about responsible citizenship.

Comer succeeded only because his neighbors had noted problematic trees in the parkway and had shared the information with the proper authorities.

While Comer was caring for his “carefully pampered BMW,” his neighbors were acting as responsible members of a community.

Rather than a letter of apology to George Lucas, Comer should be writing thank-you notes to his neighbors.

KATE G. PRETORIUS

Redlands