THINGS TO KNOW
 | "Don't let a legal situation blind side you. Many problems may arise in dealing with a legal matter after too much time has gone by. Such situations will usually be more difficult to deal with. So don't bury your head in the sand and ignore things. The proper time to start handling your legal matters is before they become a problem by being properly prepared and knowing a little about the law." |
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death
| Before an accident occurs is the best time to prepare for unexpected injuries resulting from Automobile Accidents, Slip and Fall Incidents, Defective Products, Assault and Battery, Construction Defects, or other situations. To start, make sure you have adequate insurance. This should include policy limits for injury (liability coverage) and property damage (property damage coverage) that are high enough to protect your assets if you are determined to be at fault. You don't want to be in a situation where someone is going after your home or other assets if your insurance policy isn't going to cover all damages. Consider getting an umbrella policy for protection beyond what your typical policy covers. It doesn't cost much more in the whole scheme of things and is well worth the peace of mind. In addition, get as much uninsured motorists (UM) and underinsured motorists (UIM) coverage that your carrier will give you. This provides coverage to you in the event that you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Do not drive in California without insurance. Under California Law, an uninsured motorist is not entitled to recover damages for pain and suffering! |
Insurance Claims and Bad Faith
Claims may be covered by insurance but a dispute may exist with your insurance carrier over coverage. This may occur from insurance claims that involve fire, theft, burglary, uninsured motorists, etc. One may also be entitled to a defense to be provided by their carrier or may feel that the carrier is not acting in good faith to protect the insured's interests. Make sure you know what type of coverage you have and that it protects you in the event of an unforeseen event. |
Construction Matters
Disputes between owners, contractors and subcontractors on both private and public works projects are common. Stop Notice claims, Mechanics Lien claims, Bond claims, etc. may come into play. Be sure to timely file your preliminary notices on projects. If you don't, you may have a more difficult time enforcing recovery of payment if the owner or upper-tier subcontractor decides not to pay. Make sure you're properly licensed in the proper classification. If you're not, you will not have the right to enforce payment. |
Real Estate Disputes
LANDLORD/TENANT RELATIONSHIPS AND HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INTERESTS
Rental agreements and leases typically govern these relationships but many terms may be unwritten and enforceable.
Mobile Home Residency Law
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