Source: https://lajewishlawyer.com/lawyerblog/
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 18:52:27+00:00

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Should I Keep My Child’s Car Seat After A Car Accident?
Many car seats need to be replaced if they were in a vehicle that was involved in a car accident. Even if the child was not in the car seat during the crash, the force of the crash could cause damage to the car seat, loosen a screw, weaken a part, etc. Most insurance companies will replace car sears right away and will reimburse for same-like model. The old car seat can also be recycled.
Insurance Code § 11580.011 requires insurance companies to replace a car seat or reimburse the claimant for the cost of purchasing a new car seat if it was in use by a child during the collision or if it sustained a covered loss while in the vehicle. The claimant has the option to give the replaced car seat to their nearest California Highway Patrol office.
If the insurance company refuses to pay for a replacement, under California Civil Procedure Code § 340, a lawsuit must be brought within three years of the date of the incident.
Do I Have To Reimburse My Health Insurance From My Settlement?
After an accident, the injured victim will seek medical treatment. Emergency care, medical imaging, and surgeries can cost a lot. When health insurance is available, these expenses will be covered by the health insurance company. This creates a lien, which is a legal right that a creditor has in another’s settlement until that debt is satisfied. The lien is created for the expenses provided for the medical treatment to the injured victim and is attached to the settlement or judgment.
Liens are formed in three ways. First, they can be made by contracts as treatment is sought with a medical provider. These are agreement made to pay the medical provider from the settlement funds. Second, liens are created through statutes. For example, California Civil Code § 3045.1 places a statutory lien for any emergency care rendered by a hospital. Private health insurance companies, on the other hand, are contractual. Within the policy, the insurance companies have a contractual subrogation right for reimbursement for all payments made towards medical treatment where a third party is at-fault and there is a recovery from the third-party.
Although there may be a lien on a settlement or judgment, these liens can be reduced. Some examples of reduction are for costs, attorney fees, or public policy, such as the made whole doctrine which limits the lien claimant’s reimbursement where the injured victim has not fully recovered by the third-party settlement or judgment. Other policies such as the common fund doctrine limits an insurance company’s ability to recover funds from the injured victim’s settlement or judgment by implemented a pro-rated share of the fees and costs among the lien claimants. The doctrine is incorporated into insurance contracts. Though, insurance policies covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) are not provided discounts for attorney fees.
Other reductions can be made for unrelated charges, unreasonable charges, reduction for comparative fault, apportionment for claimants, and deductions for our-of-pocket payments.
In short, regardless if the claim is reported to the health insurance company, there is a contractual duty by the victim to repay the amount paid by the health insurance company.
Dealing with private health insurance liens can be tricky. But there are many tactics in reducing the total lien amount. Work zealously and diligently in negotiating the final lien amount early on in the case to ensure maximum recovery. Lawyers are not experts in math, but they are experts in the law. An attorney should be consulted.
Am I Required To Stay At The Scene?
California Vehicle Code § 16028 states in pertinent parts, “…[e]very person who drives a motor vehicle upon a highway shall provide evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle that is in effect at the time of the demand is made. The evidence of financial responsibility may be provided using a mobile electronic device. However, a peace officer shall not stop a vehicle for the sole purpose of determining whether the vehicle is being driven in violation of this subdivision…” California Vehicle Code § 20002 further states that everyone involved in an auto collision must also “…[p] resent his or her driver’s license, and vehicle registration, to the other driver, property owner, or person in charge of that property.
What Is The Minimum Amount Of Information I Must Exchange?
6. Proof of financial responsibility/insurance.
What Other Information Should I Gather?
16. Driver’s date of birthday.
What Happens If I don’t Exchange Information At The Scene Of An Accident?
If at at-fault driver flees the scene of an auto accident, whether there is injuries or property damage, they can be charged with California Vehicle Code § 20002(a), a misdemeanor commonly known as “hit and run.” The party that flees the scene of an accident could face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00. the Courts tend to be very hard on hit and run cases because this type of behavior shows conscious disregard for the safety and public of others, a willful and intentional unlawful act.
Do I Need To Report The Car Accident To The Department of Motor Vehicles?
What If I Don’t Want My Insurance Rates To Go Up?
The non-fault driver should not have an insurance rate increase for reporting the incident to their insurance carrier. This should apply even if they are using their collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, or underinsured motorist coverage. However, some insurance companies have complete discretion to remove any applicable discounts, such as good driver discounts or no accident discounts. As a result, the non-fault party’s insurance may still increase. Unfortunately, whether or not the insured is at fault, the incident must be reported to the insurance, or the Department of Motor Vehicles will report it through their internal reporting process.
If I Am Not Hurt At The Scene Of The Accident, Should I Still Exchange Information?
What Happens If I Get Bit By A Dog?
Call 9-1-1 and wait for ambulance and emergency personnel to arrive at the scene to assess and address any injuries. No one should take any risks with their health. Many puncture wounds could cause severe injuries such as amputation, and often dogs carry various illnesses. Seek medical attention immediately following a dog bite.
Get the information of the owner of the dog and any witnesses that saw the attack. In California, it is mandatory to exchange information.
A police report can be made at the nearest police station near you.
Some incidents are required to be reported to public law enforcement so that they can properly investigate the incident. The report can be incident to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/biteintro.htm and/or the Los Angles County Department of Animal Care and Control at http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/.
The victim should check their homeowner’s insurance company to see if they cover dog bite attacks. It depends whether the dog bite happened on private or public property, and the breed of the dog.
Do I Have To Report An Auto Accident To The Dmv?
California Civil Code § 1714(a) says in relevant parts, “…[e]veryone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself.” This statute is the foundation of negligence law in California and binds all California vehicle driver’s to legal responsibility for causing an auto collision. If someone is involved in an auto accident, California law requires that the parties report the incident to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
How Do I Report A Car Accident To The Department Of Motor Vehicles?
In California, the law requires that traffic accidents on street, highway, or private property to be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of the accident if there was an injury, death, or property damage more than $1,000.00. Untimely reporting of the traffic accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles could result in the Department of Motor Vehicle suspending a driver license. California Vehicle Code § 1806 requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to record accident information regardless of fault and requires that the driver file an SR-1 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles regardless of whether they caused the collision. The form can be found at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/web/eng_pdf/sr1.pdf.
What Information Is Required To Report A Car Accident To The Department Of Motor Vheicles?
20. Names, addresses, and phone numbers of any passengers.
Where Can I Mail the SR-1 Form?
California Civil Code § 1714(a) says in relevant parts, “…[e]veryone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself.” This statute is the foundation of negligence law in California and binds all California vehicle driver’s to legal responsibility for causing an auto collision. If someone is involved in an auto accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights.
The first thing everyone should do when they are involved in a collision is to seek medical attention. Call 9-1-1 and wait for ambulance and emergency personnel to arrive at the scene to assess and address any injuries. No one should take any risks with their health. Many injuries such as spinal cord injuries, concussion symptoms, and other internal injuries can arise a few days following the collision. Those involved in an auto collision should always seek medical attention to make sure there are no potential injuries. Following up with a primary doctor can do no harm.
Following an auto collision, the drivers should pull over to a safe location and make sure the emergency blinkers are on. If the incident occurred on the freeway and the vehicles are operable, pull off of the freeway. If the vehicles are inoperable, make sure to leave warning signs along with the emergency blinkers. It is not recommended to stay inside the vehicle but to exit and to pull over to the shoulder. If seeking medical attention, wait for their instructions.
Make sure to take photographs of everything – treat the incident like a photoshoot. It is important to document every little detail, including all four corners of both vehicles, skid marks, any broken traffic signals, loose parts, prior damage to vehicles, injuries to parties, witnesses, documents relevant to the incident, anything damaged inside the vehicles, car seats, broken headlights, broken taillights, etc.
If there are any witnesses at the scene, their information should be gathered. If possible, they can provide a written or recorded statement at the scene. Make sure to have their permission before recording and to get all their contact information. If the police are there, make sure they speak with them and provide their statements.
California law requires that drivers involved in an auto collision report the incident to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The form requires to fill out is called an SR-1 form and can be found on the DMV website.
After a collision, the vehicles won’t run the same and will likely have moderate to severe damage, internal and external. Make sure to take the vehicle to a certified body shop that uses original manufactured parts to get the vehicle repaired so it can safely be driven on the road.
Following an auto accident, it is important to notify your insurance company and to open an insurance claim. However, see step #10.
Lawyers are not experts in math, but they are experts in the law. Determining whether an attorney needs to be involved in a claim is crucial. Insurance agents are trained to find reasons to deny coverage for the incident – even when it is the insured’s own comprehensive, collision, underinsured, or uninsured motorist coverage. The more claims that are denied, the less claims have to be paid out. It is important to have an attorney when making a claim to make sure all rights are protected and to ensure maximum settlement of the claim.
LIME AND BIRD E-SCOOTER ACCIDENTS: WHAT NEXT?
A huge problem exists with the increase of bird and lime scooters covering the streets and sidewalks. Besides very few safety recommendations within the app, there is nothing preventing anyone from negligently and carelessly using a bird or lime scooter. There is also nothing enforcing the helmet and/or pads restrictions. Because of all of these violations, incidents have been increasing as this behavior has been exceedingly dangerous.
A vehicle hits a scooter deliberately out of frustration.
There’s no barrier between a rider or other vehicles. Some scooters are also vandalized and could have missing or loose parts. Some drivers also ride while intoxicated or under the influence. Often, the riders absorb most of the shock from hitting a rock or a small bump, causing them to lose control and fall off. Scooters also don’t have sufficient stability. And most notably, most riders are inexperienced. Others carry groceries, heavy items, are distracted with head phones, or are illegally carrying a second passenger.
Unfortunately, in some instances, rider negligence occurs in a variety of different ways. This includes failure to adhere to the rules of the sidewalk, wearing a helmet in certain restricted cities, or riding the scooter at an unsafe speed. In some situations, the rental agency may be held responsible for their negligence in distributing the rentals.
In certain situations, the rental agency can be liable if there was a malfunction in the scooter itself.
Lawyers are not experts in math, but they are experts in the law. Dealing with insurance companies and reporting a claim can be tricky and hard. Big insurance companies are not scared of individuals. Make sure to have a strong advocate on your side. An attorney should be consulted before pursuing a claim.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit For Injuries Suffered From An Incident?
California Civil Procedure Code § 340 states that all claims for property damage must be brought within three years of the date of the incident.
California Civil Procedure Code § 352 states that the statute of limitations to bring a lawsuit for a minor begins when they turn eighteen years old, and the years to bring a lawsuit begins then.
California Civil Procedure Code § 335 states that injuries from an assault and/or battery must be brought within two years of the incident.
California Civil Procedure Code § 340 states that injuries from medical malpractice must be brought within one year from the date of discovery of the injuries or three years from the moment of wrongdoing, whichever occurs first.
California Civil Procedure Code § 335 state that injuries resulting in death must be brought within two years from the date of injury/death.
California Civil Procedure Code § 342 and Government Code § 911 state that injury claims against government entities must first make a pre-lawsuit claim within six months from the date of injury. Then, the time period to file lawsuit runs six months after written denial of the claim or two years from accrual if no written denial is made.
California Civil Procedure Code § 352 states that if Plaintiff is imprisoned, the time to bring a lawsuit is tolled until the plaintiff is released or for period of two years, whichever occurs first.
Title 50 of the United States Code § 526 states that if Plaintiff is in the military, the time served in the military is to be excluded when computing the statute of limitations.
Lawyers are not experts in math, but they are experts in the law. Filing a timely lawsuit requires meticulous work, and it is important to have an attorney on your side to make sure all rights are protected and to ensure maximum recovery from the claim. When deciding on whether filing a lawsuit, make sure to consult with an attorney near you.
For many years, California Divorce Attorneys have fought ferociously in Family Court over the issue of when – exactly – is the “Date of Separation” in a case where the divorcing spouses continue to dwell in the same house.
But now, finally, the California State Legislature has spoken. As of January 01, 2017, if Husband and Wife both intend to get a divorce, and have ceased sleeping together and comingling funds as well as “fun,” then they can be legally “Separated,” even if they are living under the same roof.
This important new law was written and advocated by Senator John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa). He believed it was necessary to change the Family Code language because many spouses wish to separate legally in order to protect their personal finances, but also, wish to continue sharing a residence in order to save costs during their divorce.
Thus, SB 1255 should better reflect the reality of modern divorce experiences.
While the amended Family Code sections do provide clarity and allow couples more post-separation flexibility, it is important to note that SB 1255 may not be the end of legal disputes about separation dates—in the coming years, case law will further refine the relevant legislative provisions.
Additionally, couples in the process of a divorce should not let SB 1255 pass by them unnoticed because when the new law goes into effect on January 01, 2017, it may retroactively apply to any cases pending on that date, but this issue still needs to be resolved and addressed by the Family Courts in California.
Since there are some complicated and confusing issues, you should consult now — right away! — with your Family Law attorney to develop a “date of separation” strategy that is in your best interest.
If you are considering a legal separation or divorce, please contact the experienced family law attorneys at Los Angeles Jewish Lawyers – we can help you navigate the effects of SB 1255 and answer any questions you may have about how the new law will impact your divorce.
The sooner you understand how SB 1255 will affect your legal plans, the better you can prepare for the new rule when it goes into to effect on January 01, 2017.
As before, but to a somewhat lesser extent, the nuances of what a divorcing couple does – or does not do – while living under the same roof could alter the Family Court’s decision as to their legal status, e.g., the sharing of credit cards and bank accounts, the giving and receiving of gifts, and even the exchange of written thank you notes and greeting cards, could well have been determining factors.
The status of the couple in terms of sharing of debt may be of crucial importance as well. Generally, the martial status of the couple will determine the character of the debt at the time it was incurred.
The status of the couple’s children will also need to be considered.
We welcome the new legislation by the State of California, because children generally do better if both parents are present in the home, unless the situation involves violence or abuse, or is totally untenable in other ways. Divorce is not pleasant for anyone involved, whether parents or children.
Starting on January 01, 2017, you can live under the same roof with the spouse that you are divorcing, and still be considered as legally “Separated,” if, and only if, you do not sleep together, do not exchange holiday gifts or greeting cards, and … as at the Courthouse, always watch what you say !
by Jonathan Bakhsheshian | Feb 27, 2018 | Free Lawyer Advice, Jonathan Bakhsheshian, Esq.
California Vehicle Code § 16020 requires that all drivers and all owners of a motor vehicle must carry automobile insurance when operating a motor vehicle. California Vehicle Code § 16056 requires that the minimum coverage carried by an operator or owner of a motor vehicle must be a minimum of $15,000.00/$30,000.00. There are many different insurance policies with different types of coverage. The insurance policies are long and complex, and filled with different conditions and exclusions on when the policy applies. Make sure to have your Car Accident Lawyer review your policy in details before getting behind a vehicle.
When purchasing auto insurance coverage, there are certain payments that must be made to maintain the auto insurance coverage without lapsing and additional payments that must be made when making a claim.
A “premium” is paid, depending on the policy, every six months, and it is the amount that is paid to the Los Angeles insurance company to purchase the auto policy. The premium payment covers the term or length of the policy, typically six months or one year, depending on the policy.
A “deductible” is paid when someone opens up a claim with their Los Angeles insurance company. Typically, deductibles range from $500.00 to $1,000.00. Depending on who the at-fault party is, the deductible could be recovered when making an insurance claim. No fees are paid to an insurance agent because they are paid by the insurance companies. However, if a broker is involved, there may be broker fees.
Limits are typically divided into two parts: the first number covers the injury or death of the first claimant and the second number covers any additional parties by stating the maximum benefits per claim. For example, a $15,000.00/$30,000.00 will pay up to $15,000.00 for the death or injury of the first claimant and if more than one person is injured in the collision, a total of $30,000.00 will be paid out for the death or injury of the other parties, but no more than $15,000.00 per person. Coverage limits also extend to property damage and typically range from $5,000.00 to $100,000.00 per claim.
In Los Angeles and California, the driver and owner of a vehicle must carry a minimum of $15,000.00/$30,000.00 coverage for bodily injury claims and $5,000.00 for property damage claims.
Liability Coverage: Liability coverage applies when someone is involved in a collision and is deemed at-fault for causing the collision. The coverage limits will only apply to the other claimants and not the insured. This includes coverage for the other person’s medical expenses and vehicle damage. California requires a $15,000.00/$30,000.00/$5,000.00 minimum liability insurance coverage to operate a motor vehicle.
Collision Coverage: Unlike liability coverage, collision coverage only applies to vehicle damage and covers the repairs of the insured’s vehicle, regardless of who is deemed at-fault for the collision.
Comprehensive Coverage: Just like its name, comprehensive coverage will cover everything else – if the car is stolen, broken into, weather damage, hitting a side pole, etc. Regardless of who is at-fault for the collision, comprehensive coverage covers all the other types of property damage claims for the insured’s vehicle.
Personal Injury Protection: Often referred to as PIP, this coverage will cover any medical bills up to the limits that are claimed by the insurer. For those who do not have health insurance, the payments will be made directly to the insured for any out of pocket expenses. This coverage typically ranges from $5,000.00 to $50,000.00.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Not all drivers abide by the laws of the state, and chances are, drivers do not carry any insurance coverage. In those instances, the insured’s insurance coverage will kick in and cover the collision. For example, if the insured has $50,000.00/$100,000.00 uninsured motorist coverage and is involved in a collision with a driver who has no insurance, the insured can make a claim up to $50,000.00 against the insured’s insurance company for damages and up to $100,000.00 for the entire collision.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Similarly to uninsured motorist coverage, the underinsured motorist coverage will kick in as an excess coverage when the at-fault party’s insurance limits are not enough to cover all the damages. For example, if the at-fault party carries $15,000.00/$30,000.00 and the insured carries $50,000.00/$100,000.00 underinsured motorist coverage, the insured can make a claim up to $35,000.00/$70,000.00 for the collision against their own insurance company.
In an event of an incident where the auto insurance policy is the only policy that covers the incident and is at fault for the incident, if the injuries claimed by the other parties exceed the coverage that applies, the policy holder’s personal assets will be exposed to a judgment or a verdict. Depending on the usage of the vehicle and employment history, consider obtaining the maximum auto insurance limits or an umbrella policy to avoid exposure.
Insurance policies are complex and are filled with exceptions in order to avoid coverage in situations where you need it most. Recovery could be limited based on your coverage. It is important to understand the extent of your auto insurance policy and what coverage and exceptions could possibly arise in the future. It is just as important to consult an attorney in your state immediately following an incident to better understand and protect your legal rights. Do not wait, never hesitate, and reach out to a professional who is ready to serve your needs.

References: § 11580
 § 340
 § 3045
 § 16028
 § 20002
 § 20002
 § 1714
 § 1806
 § 1714
 § 340
 § 352
 § 335
 § 340
 § 335
 § 342
 § 911
 § 352
 § 526
 § 16020
 § 16056