FAQ

Most states have an assigned risk plan established to ensure that all drivers will be able to receive coverage. Insurance companies must still insure high-risk drivers, but the company may charge these drivers a much higher rate.

A high-risk driver is one who has received many tickets, been involved in multiple auto accidents, or was charged with driving under the influence. Young, inexperienced drivers may also be classified as high-risk.

Yes, your insurance company may decide to cancel or non-renew your policy if you are considered a high-risk driver. This depends on the laws in your particular state.

High-risk drivers are ones who file numerous claims within a short period of time, take intentional risks such as car racing or speeding, or who cause an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances

Yes, your auto insurance policy will cover you if you operate a non-profit-making carpool where drivers take turns driving and receive reimbursement for their expenses from the other drivers.

Many insurance companies will not insure you or will not offer you a preferred rate if you live with a family member with a poor driving record. However, some companies will exclude this person from your insurance policy, so you should check with your insurance provider.

The rates differ because of many factors including the varying costs of doing business for each particular company and the different claims experience. Companies base current information on their experience dealing with past claims in your area.

Your car insurance policy may cover you if the vehicle is a pickup or van. However, you will need to purchase additional coverage from the rental company if you wish to rent a truck.

The car owner’s auto insurance policy should cover your damages in these circumstances. Therefore, he/she should contact the insurance company to file a claim.

Your auto insurance policy will cover the cost of renting a vehicle up to the limit specified in your policy if you chose to purchase rental reimbursement coverage.

Generally, rental car coverage is only offered if you rent a car while you are on vacation. You should always contact your insurance company to specify the details of rental coverage.

Generally, for car insurance purposes, “family members” include any extended or immediate family members who are of legal driving age, including parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, foster children, in-laws, and step-family members. You should check with your particular insurance provider for an exact list.

You must list all residents of your household who are old enough to drive in order to protect you and your insurance provider.

Your insurance policy generally covers any person who has permission to drive your car. This is why you should list any individuals who regularly drive your vehicle on your policy.

Yes, you must purchase liability insurance if you lease a car. Your lender or auto dealer will also require that you purchase collision and comprehensive coverage.

Your insurance company can only perform a credit check if you have signed an authorization form permitting them to do so.

Most companies charge an administrative fee to pay your premiums quarterly or monthly, rather than annually. You should check with your particular insurance provider.

You should check with your auto insurance provider because many companies offer discounts for insuring multiple vehicles, low mileage, anti-lock brakes, non-smokers, accident-free driving records, security and safety devices, or driver education courses.

You can lower your premiums by keeping a clean driving record, maintaining consistent coverage, and taking a defensive driving or driver improvement course.

The amount of insurance you must have depends on many different factors, including the state you live in, your claims history, your credit score, and your driving record.

The 10 least expensive cars to insure are a Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile Silhouette, Honda Odyssey, Buick Park Avenue, Pontiac Montana, Mercury Grand Marquis, Buick Century, Chevrolet Venture, GMC Safari and Oldsmobile Bravada.

Your first claim will not necessarily affect your claim. This depends on many factors including the laws and regulations in your state, the length of time you have had insurance, and your particular policy. You should inquire about details with your auto insurance provider.

They compile statistical history to determine the current rates for auto insurance. The rates are based on the amount of money necessary to pay for all company business expenses and claims.

Many different factors can affect your rate, including the age, make, and model of your vehicle, the purpose of your vehicle, where you drive it, your credit rating, and your driving record.

Yes, your insurance company can cancel your policy at any time as long as they provide you with sufficient notice and a valid reason.

Yes, all insurance companies must advise their clients of the specific reasons regarding cancellation or non-renewal

You will be entitled to a refund of the unused portion of your premium if your auto insurance policy is canceled before the expiration of the time you have paid premiums.

This means that you can be charged or assessed an additional amount if your particular insurance company experiences a bad year with many expensive motor vehicle accidents. Most auto insurance policies are non-assessable.

Most insurance companies require that the name of the registered car owner is on the policy. However, certain companies may issue policies to someone who does own the vehicle.

If the police contact you to advise you that they recovered your vehicle, request a brief description of any damage to your vehicle and then contact your claims representative immediately.

Unfortunately, the driving record of any licensed driver who lives in your household will affect your ability to receive car insurance. You may be turned down for coverage or be required to pay high-risk insurance premiums.

You do not need to list any roommates who are not family members and do not drive your vehicle or any non-family household residents who do not drive your vehicle.

In this case, we suggest you contact your state insurance department to discuss the issue.

If your insurance provider never provided a reason for the cancellation or you disagree with the reasons indicated, you should contact the consumer affairs division of your insurance company.

Yes, if you fail to pay your premium or if your license has been revoked or suspended during the term of the policy, your company can cancel your policy.

You should check with your insurance provider because traffic laws in Mexico are very different from those in Canada and the US. You may require specific Mexican coverage.

Most American auto insurance policies will provide coverage if you drive in Canada, as long as you bring proof of insurance with you.

Your insurance policy will cover them if you choose to add them to your auto insurance policy when they visit and drive your car.

Your insurance provider will usually be able to handle your claim in the state where the car accident occurred. If it is not convenient to have your vehicle inspected in that state, your insurance provider can arrange for a local inspection.

Yes, your insurance provider will pay you less if you are driving an older car with a lot of mileage that is totaled in a car crash.

Gap insurance provides coverage if your car is a total loss, and it pays for the gap between the actual cash value of your car at the time of the accident and the amount due under the lease.

Yes, bodily injury liability will pay for any losses resulting from another driver. If someone hits you with their vehicle, their bodily liability insurance will pay for your expenses.

You may be able to save money by eliminating collision coverage from your insurance policy if you own an older vehicle that is not worth much. You should check with your insurance provider to find out how you can save.

Single-limit liability car coverage gives only 1 number which is the maximum coverage for property damage and bodily injury together.

Split-limit coverage uses 3 different numbers to specify the limits for bodily injury liability for each person, property damage liability and bodily injury liability for a single accident.

This depends on your insurance provider. The cost may be covered, but any spider cracks will definitely be covered if you have chosen to purchase complete glass coverage.

Lost wage reimbursement varies depending on your particular state and the type of coverage you purchased. Therefore, you should contact your claims representative.

Your insurance company will pay the actual cash value of your vehicle for any covered losses up to the limit specified in your policy, minus your deductible. You will most likely be responsible for the remainder of the loan in excess of the amount of your claim settlement.

This depends on exactly what was stolen from your vehicle and whether you chose to purchase optional coverage. Certain items such as sports equipment may be covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, rather than your car insurance.

This type of insurance generally covers any damages caused to you or your property by another driver who does not have any auto insurance or does not have sufficient insurance to cover the damages.

Personal injury protection or PIP covers you or any covered passengers or family members for bodily injury resulting from an auto accident, regardless of who is responsible. PIP covers necessary expenses such as child care, funeral, medical, and hospital. You should always consult your insurance provider since PIP coverage is not available in every state.

This type of insurance protects you from any liability claims resulting from car accidents that were caused by you and injured another individual. Your policy will cover you and any family members listed on your policy who are driving your vehicle or another person’s vehicle with their permission.

This type of insurance protects you, any covered family members, and covered passengers. It will pay for required medical treatments relating to any bodily injuries caused by an auto accident, regardless of who was responsible.

No-fault insurance will pay for the injuries and property damage caused to you, up to a specified limit indicated in your policy. This type of insurance varies according to each state, so you should check with your insurance company for details.

Replacement cost coverage equals the cost of a new vehicle with no depreciation.

Uninsured motorist coverage will protect you from hit-and-run drivers, and it will cover you for any injuries you sustain while driving or as a pedestrian. It applies to bodily injury only and will not cover any damage to your vehicle.

The first thing you should do is to contact the Department of Revenue in your particular state. They enforce the local liability laws, and they will perform an investigation of the car accident.

No, since the only type of insurance that is mandatory in most states is a liability, there is no minimum for comprehensive or collision coverage.

You may have many insurance options above your minimum required policy. These include collision insurance, family protection coverage, transportation replacement, etc.

Although all drivers require a minimum amount of liability insurance, the amount varies from state to state. Therefore, you need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles or your insurance provider to find out the exact amount in your area.

Almost every state requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance, though the limits differ according to where you live. This type of insurance covers any losses that you might cause to an individual or to someone’s property.

This type of insurance covers any physical damage to your vehicle that occurs as a result of a collision including hitting another vehicle or an object such as a light post.

This type of car insurance covers any damages to your car that are not the result of the actions of other drivers. This may include damage from fire, storms, floods, hail, theft, collision with an animal, and/or vandalism.

Your insurance company will cover you up to the amount specified in your liability insurance if you or another individual driving your car ends up injuring someone or causing property damage.

This depends on your particular insurance company. Some agents merely serve as a resource to refer you to a claims representative, whereas others may complete the initial paperwork for your claim.

You can challenge the estimate by advising your company adjuster immediately that the damage estimate is incomplete.

This depends on the company. Some companies require 3 estimates, but others use estimates provided by internal claims adjusters.

You should check with your insurance company and file a claim as if the other party was from your state.

You can contact a local salvage yard to get an estimate of the value. A reasonable estimate is usually 15 to 20% of the retail value of your vehicle at the time of the motor vehicle accident.

Different claims representatives specialize in different types of claims, so they will be assigned to your case based on the facts of your particular situation.

The length of time required to complete each claim depends on many different factors including the number of parties involved in a car crash and the severity of the damage. You can contact your claims representative to get a better idea of the approximate timeframe you face.

Yes, your insurance company will attempt to identify and address any possible fraudulent claims. Therefore, you should contact your company immediately if you suspect fraud.

This is required by certain states, so you need to check with your insurance provider to see if it’s required in your area.

You should always file a police report if your vehicle is ever stolen or damaged.

If you are found at fault in a motor vehicle accident, you will most likely lose your safe driving discount.

Yes, your insurance company can refuse you if you have made as little as one claim, regardless of the dollar amount. However, your insurance provider is required to give you 30 days’ notice and an exact reason why there are refusing to renew your policy.

Yes, your auto insurance company records every claim.

Most insurance companies will offer a minimum 15-day grace period to pay your premium before they cancel your policy.

Depreciation is how much the value of your car decreases over time because of wear and tear.

You will be subject to penalties according to the particular laws in your state if you are caught driving without proper car insurance or you are involved in a car wreck without any insurance. The penalties could include a loss of driving privileges or fines.

A declarations page is a report your insurance provider must issue to you. It indicates your coverage, limits, drivers insured, cost of coverage and vehicles covered.

This depends on your particular insurance provider. However, most auto insurance companies allow a grace period of 15 to 30 days for adding a new vehicle. If your policy was canceled or has expired, you may not qualify for coverage.

Yes, you can choose to insure someone else’s property if you have the authorization to do so or if you have an insurable interest in that property.

Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Utah, as well as Puerto Rico, all offer some form of no-fault insurance. You should inquire with your particular insurance provider regarding details.

You will most likely lose your auto insurance coverage if you face drinking and driving charges. However, you should inquire with your particular insurance company as the policy varies.

This depends on the particular insurance company. They take into account factors such as the horsepower, stock and modifications made to a vehicle.

You should contact your state's department of insurance to inquire about their specific disclosure laws.

Yes, you can purchase auto insurance for any type of license, including a foreign or conditional one.

Yes. In fact, you must purchase auto insurance regardless of the current status of your license.

There are many factors to consider regarding whether to declare a vehicle a complete loss or repair it. These include the age of your vehicle, the laws in your state, as well as the type and extent of the damage. If the estimated cost of repairs is higher than the worth of your vehicle, your insurance provider will pay you the actual cash value of your vehicle up to the amount specified in your policy, minus your deductible.

Your insurance provider may attempt to recover your deductible from the driver responsible for your car accident. The length of time required depends on several factors including whether a collection agency or attorney is necessary, the person responsible has insurance and everyone agrees on the facts concerning the automobile accident.

Because there are so many used vehicles on the road, every auto policy is written for actual cash value or ACV. This means that the values of your auto settlement are determined by similar vehicles currently on the market. ACV is based on the cost to replace your vehicle with a similar new one, minus the depreciation based on the age of your vehicle.

Your provider will verify all your claims and driving records before issuing your policy. The insurance company also bases its quotes on the information you submitted. If you notify your provider of the omission, your insurance premium will be adjusted to reflect your actual driving record.

A deductible is the partial amount of a loss you have to pay before your insurance company is responsible for paying any claim filed under your policy. For example, if your covered claim is $4000 and your deductible is $1000, you will pay $1000 and your insurance provider will pay the remaining $3000.

The yearly fee that you pay for your insurance policy is called a premium.

Auto insurance provides drivers with peace of mind, as well as financial security if they are ever involved in a motor vehicle accident.

If you drive a vehicle in the USA or Canada, the law requires you to have auto insurance coverage.

According to Section 335.1 of the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP), you have exactly two years from the date of your injury to start your legal claims. You do not need to have a resolution during that time, but you need to start the process. The two-year deadline is very strict and straightforward, though there are some exceptions.

Act as quickly as possible by contacting a slip and fall lawyer at James Mckiernan Lawyers today.

• If you have a public slip and fall lawsuit, you have a six-month window to file with the government.
• The statute of limitations does not include the ‘discovery of harm’ rule. This is when you do not discover there was an injury or harm done until later. This is extremely difficult to prove.

It is important to know that inaction on your part may make it impossible for you to seek damages. Act as quickly as possible by contacting a slip and fall lawyer at James Mckiernan Lawyers today.

You should contact a slip-and-fall lawyer because these cases are notoriously hard to prove and fight for in court. Most often, insurance companies will try to force you to settle for a lesser amount than they know you deserve just to get you to go away.

A slip-and-fall lawyer knows all of the angles to take and places to look to get you the compensation that you deserve. We will take on a majority of the work so that you can focus on healing.

Do not contact an insurance company. Instead, contact our lawyers today to get the defense that you deserve for your case.

Proving negligence in a slip and fall case requires looking at what the property owner has done to maintain their premises to a reasonable standard. They have a certain amount of time to remedy any dangers in a timely manner.

Call us today to discuss your case: (805) 222-7654">(805) 222-7654

It can be quite challenging to prove negligence in a slip-and-fall case. A good slip-and-fall lawyer will need to prove that:

• The property owner should have known that there was a dangerous or hazardous situation;
• When the owner did learn of the situation, they did not fix it;
• The owner caused the dangerous condition and did not prevent it;

There are many other factors that matter in this situation, including timing. There may be certain situations - like a rainstorm - that can lead to a dangerous situation.

The first thing you need to do is call a California slip and fall attorney as soon as possible.

Your lawyer will investigate and gather the following evidence:

• Your medical records and bills
• Receipts of any out-of-pocket costs
• Accident reports and witness statements
• Security
• Photographs of the hazardous situation

According to the NSC (National Safety Council), slips and falls lead to more intentional deaths than many other types of accidents.

Contact us today to talk to one of the most experienced California slip and fall lawyers at James Mckiernan Lawyers.

If you have suffered injuries due to a slip-and-fall accident, or someone you love has died after a slip-and-fall accident, you are eligible for economic and non-economic damages as long as you can prove that the accident was caused by a negligent property owner, a business, or a government-owned entity.

• Medical bills (past & future)
• Lost income (past & future)
• Miscellaneous costs related to your injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Loss of life enjoyment

All of the above compensation is dependent on your claim, your lawyer, and how everything is handled.

Yes, if you can prove that the dog injured you. Although the laws on owner responsibility differ between states, your neighbor is responsible for their dog’s behavior at all times in California, assuming the dog was not provoked. If their dog has managed to get onto your property, they are at fault for not properly restraining or leashing their dog. Most localities have strict leash laws to prevent dogs from entering other people’s properties at all. If the dog causes property damage or physical damage to you or a loved one, the dog’s owners are responsible. 

Unlike other states, California does not require the victim to show that the dog’s owner knew about the dog’s possibly violent tendencies before the attack. As long as you can show that your neighbor’s dog is the one who attacked you, it does not matter whether they had any knowledge of the dog’s prior behavior or if the dog had ever even bitten anyone in the past. 

We advise you to get your neighbor’s contact information but not discuss your injuries or the situation any further until you have spoken to a lawyer about your dog injury case.

If you are bit by a dog on the job, you may be eligible to file for workers’ compensation and a legal claim against the owner, depending on the circumstances. However, workers’ compensation often has restrictions and may only apply if you were performing regular work duties at the time of the bite. If the dog’s owner is your employer, you may not be eligible for a legal claim against the owner. 

If your work included visiting a client’s house for a meeting or to perform work and you were bitten, the owner would be at fault for not securing their dog and warning you about the possibility of a bite before you came. 

At James McKiernan Lawyers, our experienced dog bite injury lawyers are happy to consult about your individual case. We understand how important it is to resolve personal injury claims as simply and quickly as possible while ensuring that you get the compensation you are entitled to.

The first thing you should do is always seek medical attention after a dog bite. Even pet dogs can carry diseases that your doctor will want to monitor you for. The bacteria in their mouths can also be dangerous in an open wound, and you will need medical treatment to avoid infection. You should then contact animal control about the incident and provide a description of the dog, so they can locate the animal.

If you cannot find the owner or it is a stray dog, you will likely not have a legal claim. In general, localities are not legally responsible for the actions of stray dogs. If you can show that the dog had escaped from a humane society or adoption shelter before attacking you, you might have grounds for a legal case against the shelter. Depending on the circumstances, the shelter may have been negligent in their housing and containment of the dog. 

Your claim may also involve the dog’s history as it may have bitten other people in the past. If so, the shelter may have been responsible for housing the dog somewhere away from humans until properly controlled or retrained.

Depending on the severity of your dog’s injuries, you might be entitled to a legal claim against the other dog’s owner. The claim often covers costs like hospital bills, funerary fees, the price for a pet of similar quality (if your dog was a purebred), and sometimes shots and training for your new pet. Your legal claim can also include compensation for mental anguish if your dog dies as a direct result of the attack. 

If you can show that the attacking dog has a history of past attacks, the owner may be at risk for government fines and possibly jail time. The laws are very strict in California about knowingly allowing a dangerous or violently inclined dog outside where it may attack people or other dogs. This is also the case when a fight ensues between your dog and another dog injuring you. Get in touch with a California dog bite lawyer to learn more about your locality’s laws regarding claims for injuries to your pet.

At James McKiernan Lawyers, we make it our mission to handle all our cases professionally and compassionately. We know that a dog bite can be a traumatic event that leaves you with some serious financial worries. We have the experience necessary to guide you through the legal process of receiving the compensation you deserve. In over 30,000 cases, our lawyers have obtained over $315 million in verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases. 

Don’t worry if English isn’t your first language; we also speak Spanish and can assist you with all your legal needs. We seek to explain and expedite the legal process for our clients thoroughly. Contact us at (805) 222-7654">(805) 222-7654 today!

At James McKiernan Lawyers, we have been representing victims as dog-bite lawyers for over 40 years. We believe that you deserve compensation for your injuries, whether physical or emotional, resulting from other people’s negligence. Legal claims for dog bites can include compensation for various things, such as:

• Medical bills 
• Lost wages (depending on the severity of the bite or attack)
• Mental anguish or trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent loss of a limb
• Scarring
• And more

Yes. If your child is a minor, as their guardian, you are entitled to advocate on their behalf and file a claim against the dog’s owner under California law. The claim may vary depending on the circumstances of the attack and the severity of the injuries your child sustained, but your dog bite lawyer can help you figure out how to proceed. If your child is a legal adult, they will be responsible for advocating on their own behalf. 

The one exception to the legal responsibility is if the injured party provoked the dog into biting them. For adults, this can cover situations like animal cruelty if the dog was simply defending itself. However, young children may not understand the difference between provoking a dog and interacting with it. Depending on the situation, your child may not have initiated the attack, and you may still file a claim. Talk to a lawyer about the scenario to learn more.

Under California’s strict liability laws, dog owners are responsible for all damage resulting from dog-related injuries, except when the dog is employed by the local authorities. Depending on the situation, a police dog bite may not result in the police or handler being legally responsible for your injuries.

The police are authorized to use reasonable force when conducting an arrest, and that applies to K-9 units as well. If you were placed under arrest and bitten while resisting arrest, the police may not be liable for injuries resulting from the dog bite. In some circumstances, the dog bite may be an example of unreasonable force during the arrest. This may entitle you to compensation from the police force for your injuries and any other damage resulting from the attack. Contact us, your local dog bite attorney, for more information about your potential dog injury case. James McKiernan Lawyers will handle your property damage claim at no charge.

Both homeowners' and renters' insurance cover dog bite liability claims, but some insurers take steps to limit their exposure to such losses. Some insurance companies go as far as not insuring certain breeds of dogs that are historically known to be more aggressive than other breeds. The typical coverage ranges from $100,000 to $300,000 and if the claim exceeds the limit, it becomes the owner’s responsibility. Keep in mind that the insurance cant may try to settle things with you outside of court, which may actually result in less compensation.

Do you think you have a dog injury case? One of the most important steps you should take if you or your dog suffers from another dog’s bites is to call James McKiernan Lawyers at (805) 222-7654">(805) 222-7654. We specialize in dog bites and will provide you with the representation you deserve. Dealing with insurance companies can be very difficult and time-consuming so leave it up to the experienced and knowledgeable team.

A manufacturing defect is when the product left the manufacturer’s control and then the intended results were not achieved. It somehow differed from the manufacturer’s intended results but was marketed as the same type of product. For example, it could be a watch that explodes when it gets a little warm.

On the other hand, a design defect is when the product is manufactured exactly as was intended, but there was a legally defective design flaw.

There are two different tests to determine whether or not a design is effective. One is a consumer expectation test to see if a product will perform as safely as an ordinary consumer would expect. The next is a risk-benefit test where the question is asked if the danger of the product outweighs the benefits.

If a product contains a disclaimer, you can still file a product liability claim. A product manufacturer cannot release themselves of all liability simply by placing a disclaimer on a product. Any product that is released to the general public (and even in private) can still be legally defective if there is not a suitable warning regarding the dangerous situation.

If you think that you have a defective product claim, you need to contact a defective product lawyer at James McKiernan Lawyers to help you deal with all of the details of your case.

Call us today at (805) 222-7654">(805) 222-7654 to discuss your case.

If you are able to prove that a product is defective, then you are able to recover the following damages from your defective product lawsuit:

• Past medical treatment
• Future medical treatment
• Past wage loss
• Future wage loss
• Damages for pain & suffering
• Damages for emotional distress
• Punitive damages (damages intended to punish the manufacturer)

If the product liability claim results in the death of a person, then his or her survivors are entitled to recover full compensation for all of their economic losses that result from the plaintiff’s death. This includes emotional distress damages that stem from the loss of life. This type of case requires an experienced product liability lawyer who can help you understand all aspects of the case and allow you to grieve in peace.

In order to prove a product is defective, it is best to work with a product liability lawyer who has ample experience. This is because product manufacturers spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to defend the design and manufacturing of their products. If they lose, it can lead to further cases and more consequences for the manufacturer. Therefore, they will not go easy on you. Sometimes, they will try to settle for less than you deserve, which is not fair either.

The only way that a plaintiff can be successful in most product liability cases in California is to hire an attorney who has the resources to take on the job. They need to have experience fighting these big-name manufacturers as well. If you think you have a case, or even if you are not sure, contact us today.