Get free answers to your Insurance Defense legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Your current state is Virginia
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

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... View More
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

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.
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

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
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

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
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

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... View More
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

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
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

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... View More
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

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
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

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
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

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.
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

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... View More
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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... View More
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.