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Q: Seeking compensation after car accident; driver at fault, total loss of vehicle and injuries.

I was involved in an auto accident on April 23, 2025, where another driver, who was on the job, swerved into my lane causing me to veer into his lane to avoid a head-on collision. He then swerved back and hit the gravel, fish-tailing and colliding with the driver's side of my car, totaling my... View More

Emery Brett Ledger
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answered on May 16, 2025

Thank you for sharing the details of the incident. We understand how stressful and overwhelming a situation like this can be, especially when it involves injuries to both yourself and your family members.

Based on the information you've provided, your inquiry involves complex legal and...
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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Contracts, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Am I responsible for car accident damages if insurance lapsed without my knowledge?

I was driving a vehicle that was gifted to me, but it is in my ex’s name. I recently got into a fender bender and found out that the insurance coverage for the car was removed a year ago without my knowledge. The car was purchased for me in February 2023, and my ex had been paying for the... View More

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

If it’s in your ex’s name, it might be his car. However, you were driving. You had an accident. It’s your responsibility. It’s also your ex’s responsibility as the apparent vehicle owner who let you drive the car with his permission.

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Insurance Defense for Missouri on
Q: Cancellation options for AOB contract signed by non-policyholder in Missouri.

My brother signed an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form with a roofing company to repair the roof without understanding the implications. He is not listed on the insurance policy or the home mortgage, but the contract states they will retain 35% of the insurance payout if canceled. My brother wants... View More

Robert Grant Pennell
Robert Grant Pennell
answered on May 15, 2025

The roofing company's contract is not enforceable because it was signed by someone who lacks the authority to act on your parent's behalf. Your brother is not on the hook for anything because he has not breached the contract. If canceled, the roofing company is entitled to 35% of the... View More

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Q: Can I pursue action against a landlord for tenant's dangerous dogs?

I've experienced significant issues with dangerous dogs belonging to tenants of my landlord. Despite complaining, the landlord hasn't taken action beyond stating that the tenants aren't supposed to have dogs. The dogs have come onto my property, attacking my pets and nearly killing... View More

Jan F Hoen
Jan F Hoen
answered on May 12, 2025

Dogs are considered personal property. It is only when a person is injured that there can be a recovery for non-economic damages. You can only recover from the landlord if their homeowners’ policy liability coverage applies to the dogs. You can try sending a letter outlining your damages and the... View More

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Q: Can I pursue action against a landlord for tenant's dangerous dogs?

I've experienced significant issues with dangerous dogs belonging to tenants of my landlord. Despite complaining, the landlord hasn't taken action beyond stating that the tenants aren't supposed to have dogs. The dogs have come onto my property, attacking my pets and nearly killing... View More

Ross Cameron Hart
Ross Cameron Hart
answered on May 13, 2025

Without knowing more, I doubt that any action against the landlord would be successful.

I'm assuming the property is in Virginia and subject to the Virginia landlord tenant act. That act requires that the landlord give the tenant notice to remove the dogs - and then the tenant...
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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Insurance Defense for Maryland on
Q: Is citation TA-21-405(e(21)) correct and how will it impact insurance?

I received a citation from a Maryland State Police officer for failure to make a lane change, with citation number TA-21-405(e(21)). I can't find this specific citation in the Maryland code. During the incident, traffic was very heavy, and a convoy of trucks prevented me from safely moving... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on May 10, 2025

This is a moving violation. I believe it is 1 point unless it was an accident in which case it is 3 points. You should request a trial and not a waiver hearing and go to court. If the officer does not appear, you will be acquitted. If the officer is present, you can decide whether to have a trial... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Insurance Defense for Maryland on
Q: Is citation TA-21-405(e(21)) correct and how will it impact insurance?

I received a citation from a Maryland State Police officer for failure to make a lane change, with citation number TA-21-405(e(21)). I can't find this specific citation in the Maryland code. During the incident, traffic was very heavy, and a convoy of trucks prevented me from safely moving... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on May 11, 2025

This is a 3 point offense. Requests a trial, not a waiver hearing.

The correct citation is Transportation Code, Section 21-405(e)(2)(i):

(e)

(1) This subsection applies to a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle that is:

(i) 1. On a highway;

2. Using a visual...
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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Consumer Law and Insurance Defense for Hawaii on
Q: Should I hire an attorney after a rear-end car accident with minimal insurance coverage?

I was involved in a car accident where I was rear-ended by an at-fault truck driver, leading to severe damage to my passenger van and damage to the sedan in front of me. The at-fault driver's insurance has minimal coverage ($10,000 for the damaged cars), which won't cover the repair costs... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 8, 2025

A Hawaii attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I'm sorry about your accident, and the fact that your aggravation is compounded by minimal insurance coverage. It could be a difficult decision here, since the claim could be complex, in terms of involving UM... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Consumer Law and Insurance Defense for Hawaii on
Q: Should I hire an attorney after a rear-end car accident with minimal insurance coverage?

I was involved in a car accident where I was rear-ended by an at-fault truck driver, leading to severe damage to my passenger van and damage to the sedan in front of me. The at-fault driver's insurance has minimal coverage ($10,000 for the damaged cars), which won't cover the repair costs... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 8, 2025

Addendum - 'Sorry... When I answered a second ago, I meant "underinsured motorist" coverage, NOT "uninsured motorist" coverage. I should have proofread my response more slowly and thoroughly before uploading! Good luck

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Insurance Defense, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Apartment maintenance caused damage to my car; who is liable?

While the maintenance man at my apartment complex was using a weed eater near my parked car, he accidentally launched a rock that shattered my car's window. I tried speaking to the landlord/apartment manager, but she said there's no proof it happened and refused to show me security camera... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 8, 2025

Depending on the specific facts, it may well be that no one is responsible. It sounds like an accident. Your automobile comprehensive insurance coverage should cover the damage regardless of whether anyone is at fault.

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Car Accidents, Insurance Defense, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Am I liable for a lawsuit if driving for a bankrupt company?

I was driving for a company and performing my job duties when an accident occurred, resulting in both vehicles involved being totaled. The company initially said they would handle the situation, but it has since gone bankrupt. Now, I've received a lawsuit despite having personal insurance... View More

Emery Brett Ledger
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answered on May 8, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Navigating liability after a car accident while performing job duties can be complex, especially when the employer has declared bankruptcy. Here's an overview based on Washington State law:

1. Employer Liability Under Vicarious Liability...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Car Accidents, Insurance Defense, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Am I liable for a lawsuit if driving for a bankrupt company?

I was driving for a company and performing my job duties when an accident occurred, resulting in both vehicles involved being totaled. The company initially said they would handle the situation, but it has since gone bankrupt. Now, I've received a lawsuit despite having personal insurance... View More

Emery Brett Ledger
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answered on May 8, 2025

In California, if your partner or spouse—who is not listed on your auto insurance policy—drives your car with your permission and causes an at-fault accident, your insurance company may still provide coverage under the "permissive use" provision. However, there are important nuances... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Hit-and-run accident after police chase: delay insurance claim?

I was involved in a hit-and-run accident resulting from a police chase. The police have apprehended the driver at fault, but I am unsure if they have insurance. I hold comprehensive, collision, and underinsured motorist coverage, but I have not been in contact with the driver's insurance or... View More

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on May 7, 2025

There is no reason to delay. The determination of insurance coverage for the other driver could take a while. Also, people running from the police are more likely than average to not have any insurance. You should get your car repaired under your collision coverage. Since it wasn't your fault,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: How to seek compensation after an accident when the at-fault vehicle was stolen?

I was involved in a car accident two months ago in which the other driver was at fault, as indicated in the police report. The driver's insurance was with Progressive, but now they are stating that the vehicle he was driving might have been stolen, and therefore I may not receive any... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 7, 2025

Regardless of whether the vehicle was stolen, you can still sue the at-fault driver of the other vehicle for the injuries caused by his negligent operation of the vehicle. The other driver may or may not have sufficient non-exempt assets to pay the amount of any judgment awarded to you for your... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Personal Injury, Contracts and Insurance Defense for Georgia on
Q: Am I personally liable for a friend's injury on a rental boat in Georgia?

I was involved in an incident where a friend of mine was injured on a rental boat. He was pulling up the anchor and asked me to give it some gas to unstick it, but I gave too much throttle, and the rope caught around his finger, cutting off the tip. The rental agreement stated that misuse of... View More

Michael W. Horst
Michael W. Horst
answered on May 7, 2025

There is a difference between a claim and a lawsuit. If your friend is pursuing a claim, he can do that directly with the insurance company. However, if he is filing a lawsuit, you will be sued as the defendant since you are the alleged negligent party. Whenever a person is named in a lawsuit,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Collections, Consumer Law and Insurance Defense for Florida on
Q: How can I prevent a medical debt from impacting my credit report with a collection agency involved?

I was contacted by a collection agency about a medical bill I didn't know existed until recently. After verifying my insurance was billed correctly, I'm aware I owe this debt. I reached out to the collection agency to clarify whether they had been assigned the debt or if it had been sold... View More

Daniel Cohen
Daniel Cohen
answered on May 6, 2025

To prevent medical debt from appearing on your report, you have to obtain written assurance from medical office and the collection agency. Start by asking the collection agency in writing they will not submit the debt to the credit agencies when paying the debt. Second, pay the original creditor in... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Will signing insurance paperwork for an accident affect my girlfriend's DUI case in New York?

I want to know if signing a no-fault insurance law paper at the hospital after sustaining a head injury from an accident where my girlfriend, who is jailed for a DUI and involved in an ongoing legal case, hit two cars, will negatively affect her case. I do not intend to sue her, but I am concerned... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 4, 2025

I'm sorry about the accident you and your girlfriend were involved in. You really should consult with a criminal defense attorney here in terms of the specific elements that the DA looks at. She may already be consulting with attorneys for representation - this would be a question to pose to... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Will signing insurance paperwork for an accident affect my girlfriend's DUI case in New York?

I want to know if signing a no-fault insurance law paper at the hospital after sustaining a head injury from an accident where my girlfriend, who is jailed for a DUI and involved in an ongoing legal case, hit two cars, will negatively affect her case. I do not intend to sue her, but I am concerned... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 4, 2025

Addendum - 'Just an added point on deadlines. New York, like other no-fault jurisdictions, is unforgiving in its short timetables to apply for no-fault benefits. There is a time window of only 30 days from the date of accident to file. If you file for no-fault benefits, please DO NOT wait... View More

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5 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Will signing insurance paperwork for an accident affect my girlfriend's DUI case in New York?

I want to know if signing a no-fault insurance law paper at the hospital after sustaining a head injury from an accident where my girlfriend, who is jailed for a DUI and involved in an ongoing legal case, hit two cars, will negatively affect her case. I do not intend to sue her, but I am concerned... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on May 5, 2025

Sorry to hear what happened to you. in the application for no-fault insurance benefits, there's always a section which asks how you were injured. If the case against your GF went to trial and you were called as a witness, you could conceivably be questioned about your application (assuming it... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Insurance Defense, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Georgia on
Q: Served with damages complaint from collision; need advice on rights, obligations, and potential legal representation.

I was involved in a vehicle collision where neither party was seriously injured. Over a year later, I've been served with a complaint for damages from the other driver, claiming her insurance company mishandled her case. She states that suing me is necessary to sue her insurer. I have to file... View More

Michael W. Horst
Michael W. Horst
answered on May 4, 2025

Generally speaking, Georgia law provides 30 days to file a response to a lawsuit (known as an Answer). The 30 day "clock" begins to run from the date of service. Missing the 30 day deadline can bring with it dire consequences as then a default can be entered.

In your case, I...
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