Posts Tagged ‘ Car Insurance Policies’

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Pedestrian v. Hit and Run Motor Vehicle – $240,000.00 Settlement

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Attorney Samer Habbas resolved a pedestrian hit and run at the University of Southern California for $240,000.00.  Client was a pedestrian crossing in a cross-walk when he was struck by a vehicle.  The collision caused him to suffer a pelvic fracture.  The injury did not require surgery or physical therapy.  Although the hit and run driver was never located, Attorney Samer Habbas was able to resolve the claim for $240,00.00 with the client’s own insurance company under his Uninsured Motorist coverage.

This case shows the importance of carrying uninsured motorist coverage in the state of California.  Even though the client was not in a motor vehicle at the time, his uninsured motorist coverage still applied to pay for his damages.  Many individuals including this client did not have knowledge that uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage applied for pedestrian accidents.  Furthermore, it was beneficial to this client that he carried an uninsured motorist policy that had substantial limits, making it possible for him to achieve just settlement for his injuries regardless of the unknown identity of the driver that struck him.  If you are reading this, you should take the time to immediately check your own policy to see if you are protecting yourself and your family in the event that they are struck by an uninsured or underinsured driver.  Should you have any questions regarding your policy, please contact The Law Offices of Samer Habbas  and we will assist you in making sure you have the proper insurance coverage.

What is a Bad Faith Insurance Claim?

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

As consumers, we all pay exorbitant premiums to insurance companies in good faith, expecting in a return of good faith that the insurance company will pay any claims submitted against your insurance policy. However, insurance companies are in business to make money, not to pay claims. Paying claims affects profitability.

Enter “bad faith.”

When you purchase insurance coverage, you enter into a contract with the insurance company. You pay the insurance company for future protection through premiums and the insurance company pays claims submitted against your policy. A simple definition of “bad faith” in the legal world relative to the situation at hand is a breach of contract, a failure to act in good faith.

Examples of bad faith acts by insurance companies are:

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The Difference between an Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Do you know the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance claims? If you’re like the average insured, you most likely don’t know the difference. The similarities between these two claims make it confusing to keep one from the other straight. Here are the basic differences between uninsured and underinsured car insurance claims:

  • In an uninsured motorist claim, the negligent party failed to observe the mandatory auto insurance laws, drove a vehicle without insurance and did not have any insurance coverage to compensate accident victims for the property damage and bodily injuries sustained as a result of their negligence. Many hit-and-run drivers flee the scene the accident scene because there will be civil and criminal penalties assessed against them.
  • In an underinsured motorist claim, the negligent party does have automobile insurance, but does not have enough coverage to compensate accident victims fully for the injuries or property damage they caused.

The majority of states require that drivers purchase auto insurance with a minimum amount of liability coverage. However, the minimum liability coverage is often insufficient to compensate accident victims for lost wages, property damage, medical and rehabilitative expenses and other accident-related costs. As a result, accident victims then must turn to their own insurance carrier for compensation if they have purchased uninsured and/or underinsured coverage.

If an uninsured or underinsured driver has injured you or someone you care for, it is advisable that you speak with a California personal injury attorney like Samer Habbas. He will be able to review your situation and explain your options for pursuing a remedy so that you can make an informed decision as to the appropriate course of action.

What is Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

Monday, August 17th, 2009

A recent car accident on the Los Angeles freeway that resulted in seven people being injured was described in this Silicon Valley Mercury news article. It illustrates the importance of having auto insurance. California law requires drivers to carry liability insurance. However, there are many different types of auto insurance available and one of the least understood is comprehensive auto insurance. Many people who visit California car accident lawyer Samer Habbas for a consultation have questions about insurance coverage. Here is a brief description of what comprehensive auto insurance is:

Bear in mind that the type of coverage provided by a comprehensive car insurance policy varies somewhat from one insurance company to another. It is also dependent upon the amount of money a driver spends on their individual policy. Generally speaking, comprehensive auto insurance covers:

  • Fire
  • Vandalism
  • Auto theft
  • Natural disasters
  • Accidents determined to be “Acts of God,” such as a tree falling on your car, etc.

What many drivers fail to realize is that comprehensive vehicle insurance does not cover damage caused in a car accident. That type of damage is covered by collision insurance. It is recommended that you carry both types of insurance. The amount of your out-of-pocket expense in a claim is dependent upon on the size of the deductible on the policy.

If you have been in a car accident and have questions about your insurance coverage that your insurance or claims agent did not answer satisfactorily, contact the auto accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas. Our professionals will review your insurance policy and explain your coverages, rights and responsibilities under the policy in a manner that is easy for you to understand.

California Auto Insurance Requirements and Consequences

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

In California, you are required to have a certain amount of liability insurance. The importance of liability insurance is so great that a state program exists to give low income drivers access to affordable liability coverage, as reported at SmartBrief.com.

Liability insurance is necessary because it pays for damages caused by your vehicle in the event of an accident. Basic liability car insurance offers three types of coverage:

  • $15,000 minimum bodily injury liability coverage per person to cover personal injuries caused by your vehicle
  • $30,000 minimum bodily injury liability per accident. If more than one person is injured by your vehicle, the combined coverage for all injured parties is $30,000.
  • $5,000 minimum property damage coverage to offset the costs of any property damaged by your vehicle.

If you do not have liability coverage for your vehicle, you will get a citation and a small fine for a first offense. You will also have your license suspended until you can submit proof of insurance. If you cause an accident in a vehicle without insurance, the California tort system could find you at fault and therefore liable for all of the damages you caused in an auto accident.

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