Ask a Question

Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Questions Answered by William John Light
2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Responsibilities after bicycle hit-and-run for 911 dispatcher and hospital?

A passerby called 911 after I had a hit-and-run accident while on my bicycle, which resulted in major injuries that required hospitalization in the ICU for 8 days. The 911 dispatcher sent EMT and fire department personnel but did not notify the police. I contacted the police 8 days later after... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 24, 2025

You have no case against the dispatcher. The dispatcher also caused you no damage. If you, or anyone in your household, carries automobile insurance which includes uninsured motorist coverage, you can make a claim against that insurance policy. Talk to a personal injury attorney to discuss your... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft and Banking for California on
Q: How to verify legitimacy of email claiming to be from Federal Reserve Bank?

I received an email from someone claiming to be Mr. Powell, Chief Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank, stating that I owe a lump sum of money. The email includes his contact information and offers three methods for me to receive funds but requests my bank account and routing number. There were no... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 22, 2025

The Federal Reserve Bank doesn't collect money from taxpayers. That's the IRS. If you must, the contact info for the Federal Reserve for the western US is here:

federalreserve.gov/aboutthefed/federal-reserve-system-san-francisco.htm

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Consumer Law and Insurance Defense for California on
Q: Is it worth pursuing a personal injury claim against Vons? Offered $25,000.

I was shopping at Vons in the discounted section next to the swinging employee doors. Without warning, the door slammed open, and an employee hit me with a metal cart, causing me to fall. The emergency room physician ordered MRIs of my head, neck, and back, revealing several injuries, including a... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 16, 2025

Money damages are based on a lot more than what you have posted, so no one can give you an accurate response. Age, part and future medical expenses, past and future pain and suffering, permanent disability, past and future wage loss, etc. are all things that attorneys would consider in trying to... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: How long to draft a demand letter for a personal injury case?

I have a personal injury case, and my attorney has had all the necessary information to complete a demand letter since December 10, 2024. Despite following up several times, including a follow-up 4 weeks ago, the demand letter has not yet been drafted. My attorney mentioned he is busy, and I have... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 12, 2025

It depends on the case. Demands letters can be complex, with full argument and evidentiary support for all material facts that support liability, full sets of medical records and billing, and support with comparable cases which have settled or gone to verdict. Without knowing what your attorney... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Surgeon performed unauthorized colpocleisis at California hospital without my consent. How can I sue them?

I went into the hospital to have a vaginoplasty division, but the surgeon performed a colpocleisis without my consent, even though there was no reason for it. I have not been able to get the hospital to address the issue at all. What can I do to sue the hospital, given I don't have the money?

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 11, 2025

You will need to retain a medical malpractice attorney. If you had recurrent proplapse, colpocleisis might have been the best available option, but it would seem that your surgeon should have obtained consent before proceeding. I review of your medical records by a surgeon and attorney to... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Bankruptcy, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death for California on
Q: Explore legal options for compensation from 1997 accident.

In 1997, my stepmother, brother, and I were hit by a drunk driver in Galt, CA. Unfortunately, my stepmother and brother were killed, and although I survived, I've had to undergo several surgeries since the accident. My mother sued and was awarded damages, but the driver filed for bankruptcy,... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 10, 2025

That was 28 years ago. Any statute of limitation has long since expired. Your mother likely sued for wrongful death of your brother, and was likely awarded the policy limits of the drunk driver. Even if you were within the statute of limitations, there is likely no other money to collect. It is... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Is it legal to install a security camera in a shared garage despite policy prohibitions?

I rent an apartment with a shared garage, and I'm considering installing a security camera in the garage. However, there's a policy in place that prohibits surveillance devices. There are currently no other security measures in the garage. Is it legal for me to set up a camera without the... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 10, 2025

A policy is not a law, so violation of a policy is not illegal. However, it is illegal to record another person who has a reasonable expectation of privacy, like in their home. Whether that applies to a common garage is unknown, but since there is a policy that prohibits surveillance devices,... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Entitlement to new insurance rates after state limit changes post-accident.

I was in a car accident on May 23, 2024, and suffered knee contusions, strained back muscles, and whiplash. The insurance company is offering me $15,000 as a settlement; however, since then, the state insurance minimums have increased from $15,000 to $30,000. Am I entitled to the new rates or the... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 6, 2025

Any policy issued in 2025 has to comply with the new rates. Since the policy with which you are dealing was issued in 2024, it can be a $15k/$30k policy. A consultation with an attorney may be appropriate to help determine if there are other potential sources of recovery.

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Wrongful Death and Personal Injury for California on
Q: How to sue truck driver & company for wrongful death in CA?

I would like to know how to pursue a lawsuit against a truck driver and Pacific Green Trucking Inc., as the driver was involved in an accident that killed my fiancé last year in August. The accident occurred in Long Beach, CA, at the intersection of West Anaheim St & Hayden Avenue. The truck... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 5, 2025

I am sorry for your loss.

If you have a wrongful death attorney, then you already know how to sue. However, a fiancé does not have standing to sue for wrongful death in California. That right belongs to the deceased's children, if any, or her parents, or her siblings.

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Is driver liable if my relative was backed over in 7-Eleven lot?

My relative was backed over in a 7-Eleven parking lot. Video footage from the store exists, but it has not yet been obtained. She sustained injuries that required immediate medical attention, including emergency room care and surgery. She is currently hospitalized and undergoing further treatment,... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 2, 2025

The driver is probably liable, but your relative's conduct would have to be examined. There are hypothetical situations in which your relative might be entirely at fault. However, liability is not binary, yes or no. It is on a scale from 0% fault to 100% fault. All of the facts of the... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Contracts and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Settlement delay after automobile accident case in California.

I won a settlement from my automobile accident injury case, and it's been 6 weeks without receiving my settlement check. My lawyer initially told me over the phone it would take 3 to 4 weeks, but I haven't received any updates. I was informed that the delay is due to the liens department... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 26, 2025

Yes, its normal. The chance that another another will want to take over now is almost 0%, unless you want to pay an hourly fee, which would almost certainly be prohibitively expensive. There are no steps you can take. This is in the hands of the companies asserting the liens and medical billing... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Car accident with minor damage and large injury claim

While at a stop light, my car rolled slightly and scratched the car in front of me, causing minimal damage. The other party is now claiming $250,000 for bodily injury and loss of enjoyment of life. My insurance is reviewing the claim and suggested I might need to hire a lawyer. There is no... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 25, 2025

There is nothing to do now except allow your insurer to handle the claim. Attempts to transfer assets into other names will be deemed fraudulent. Further, based upon your description, such efforts are completely unnecessary. The amount for which a case settles compared to the original settlement... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Insurance Bad Faith and Insurance Defense for California on
Q: Can't verify insurance carrier's license and getting no response. What to do?

I am a claimant involved in a situation where a second-party adjuster, supposedly acting on behalf of a security guard company's carrier, reached out to the business owner of a restaurant I was at. This adjuster claimed to be opening a claim on behalf of the security guard company mentioned in... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 23, 2025

You can hire an attorney to help resolve your dispute with the security guard company, or file a complaint with the superior court over what ever your dispute is with the security company. If an an adjuster for an unlicensed insurer or adjusting company is engaged in attempting to investigate or... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Can I pursue a malpractice case due to infection after surgery and doctor relocation?

I underwent three surgeries, one of which resulted in an amputation due to a MRSA infection and sepsis. These complications arose after a mini procedure was performed on an open wound by a physician’s assistant at the doctor's office. Two days later, I was hospitalized with a severe... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 21, 2025

No one can answer your question without more information. Lots of people get infections from proper procedures. Sometimes procedures are performed improperly, leading to infections. You will need to get a full set of your medical records (not the patient portal, but the full set), and ask a... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death for California on
Q: Can I pursue wrongful death and malpractice for antibiotic poisoning in CA?

I am considering pursuing a wrongful death and malpractice case after the passing of my mother, Margaret Lu, in November 2024. She was admitted to the emergency room and then the hospital, where she was wrongfully administered antibiotics, leading to antibiotic poisoning and severe complications.... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 21, 2025

Yes, you can sue. Contact some medical malpractice attorneys to discuss your potential claims. These case require expert testimony that the antibiotic was improper, or negligently administered, and that the antibiotics took your mother's life. Medical malpractice cases are among the hardest... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Concern over missing Proof of Service of Summons in eviction case

I hired a new lawyer just 24 hours before my first court appearance for an eviction case. During this appearance, the judge confirmed my jury trial request and granted my lawyer 30 days to prepare, despite the landlord's objections. I assumed that the absence of a Proof of Service of Summons... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 19, 2025

You appeared at the hearing. That is a general appearance, and absence of Proof of Service of the Summons is not in issue. If you think that picking at every minor detail is how attorneys present a case, or a defense, you are going to be very disappointed.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Legal Malpractice and Insurance Bad Faith for California on
Q: Can my former lawyer share court details with an insurance agent?

I recently let my lawyer go because I felt she wasn't representing me properly; however, she is still representing my sister. After this, I attended court with my sister, and I found out that my former lawyer had contacted the insurance agent about what was said in court. I feel this may have... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 14, 2025

What was said in court was a public record. A "feeling" that communication with an agent/adjuster may have adversely affected your settlement is not nearly enough. You need evidence that you were harmed. What was said in court may have affected your settlement, but the attorney... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Wrongful Death for California on
Q: If my settlement is for wrongful death can they take the amount from the at fault driver I received?

They said it’s because he was underinsured. What makes him underinsured? The claim is not for underinsured claim. I had to let my lawyer go because she was not fighting for my best interest and pressured me to sign when I didn’t feel comfortable about it and now I have a settlement from my... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 13, 2025

If your parents are deceased, and you are making a claim for their insurance, it’s an underinsured motorist claim. Ask the insurance adjuster with whom you are dealing so you can confirm. You shouldn’t be doing this by yourself. First, you are acting as an attorney for your sister. That’s... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Insurance Defense and Wrongful Death for California on
Q: Can a different insurance company take the amount I received from the at failt drivers ins. Out of the settlement

My parents died in an accident we were in abs their insurance wants to take the settlement amount I received from the at fault driver out of their settlement they are saying the driver was underinsured that’s why. It is for a wrongful death settlement they said it’s the law they have to take... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 11, 2025

If you have a wrongful death case, and you don't have an attorney, you are being foolish. If you have an attorney, ask him this question. If you are making a claim against your parents underinsured motorist coverage, then yes, amounts paid by the at fault driver's insurance are... View More

View More Answers

6 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury for California on
Q: If auto insurance adjuster put aside $25,000 for medical bills, can I request that sum be paid to me and pay the bill?

I was in an auto accident (not at fault), my car was totaled. Their insurance already paid me out that portion. They set aside $25,000 for medical bills. Do I have any authority to request that amount be paid to me, and take care of the medical bills myself? They keep telling me they will pay... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 11, 2025

You can request. It can refuse. Until you get a judgment against its insured, the insurance company owes you nothing. You negotiated a foolish deal. Your claim is much more than medical expenses. You reserved nothing for pain and suffering, or past or future wage loss, probably to save on... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.