The Ongoing Wildfire Crisis in San Bernardino County The ongoing wildfire crisis in San Bernardino County continues to devastate homes due to the intensity of the brush fire across the Cajon Pass. This destructive blaze has consumed over 30,000 acres, forcing more than 80,000 residents to evacuate. At Kaass Law, our experienced attorneys support and assist homeowners in navigating their fire insurance claims effectively.
Navigating San Bernardino Fire Insurance Claims
Homeowners in California, particularly in high-risk areas like San Bernardino County, must understand their rights and options regarding insurance coverage for fire damages. If the Cajon Pass fire has affected you, you may qualify for compensation through your homeowner's insurance policy. Coverage might include damages caused by the fire and the impact of smoke, soot, and ash, which can pose long-term health risks if left unaddressed.
Importance of Fire Insurance Coverage
Residents in fire-prone areas must maintain sufficient insurance coverage for wildfires. Reviewing your policy regularly ensures that it stays up-to-date and adequate to protect against potential fire-related damages and health risks from pollutants.
Understanding Your Homeowner's Insurance Coverage
What Does Your Insurance Policy Cover? Many homeowners ask, "What does my insurance cover if there is a wildfire?" Coverage depends on your policy, but most homeowner insurance policies include:
Fire Damage: Insurance typically covers damages caused by fires. It includes rebuilding costs if the fire destroys your home or repairs for "partial loss" from fire damage.
Smoke, Soot, and Ash Damage: Even if the fire did not reach your property, smoke, ash, and soot can damage surfaces and affect air quality. Most homeowner policies cover these damages, recognizing their potential health risks.
Identifying Smoke Damage in Your Home
Extreme heat or smoke can compromise your property even if there is no visible damage. A professional inspection after a wildfire is crucial. Smoke and ash can penetrate surfaces, leaving residues invisible to the naked eye but potentially harmful over time. Qualified inspectors can determine the extent of damage and recommend effective remediation techniques.
Who Pays for Inspections and Repairs?
Insurance companies often send their vendors to assess fire damage, determine the cause, and decide on repairs. This inspection is critical to initiating your claim. If the inspection is inadequate or you disagree with its findings, consulting an attorney may be wise. At Kaass Law, we connect homeowners with experts who evaluate damage thoroughly, identify the true cause, and provide accurate repair estimates. This helps you recover the full compensation entitled under your policy.
Does My Policy Cover My Home Inventory?
Your homeowner’s policy likely includes coverage for your personal belongings. It is essential to maintain an inventory of your possessions, using photos, receipts, or videos. Keeping a record offsite or in cloud storage ensures you don't lose documentation if your home is damaged. Updating your insurance company on major purchases helps maintain an accurate reflection of the value of your belongings.
Temporary Living Expenses: Will My Insurance Cover It?
If a wildfire forces you out of your home, you might wonder, "Will my insurance cover temporary living costs?" Fortunately, most policies cover "Additional Living Expenses" (ALE). ALE coverage includes costs like rent for temporary housing, meal expenses, and storage fees while your home is under repair.
Steps to Take After a Wildfire Damages Your Property
To ensure fair compensation after a wildfire, follow these steps:
Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly: Start your claim as soon as possible. Inform them about the damage and ask for guidance on the next steps.
Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of all areas affected by fire, smoke, soot, or ash. Proper documentation serves as valuable evidence for your claim.
Request an Inspection: Have a professional inspect your home for hidden damage. Hidden issues could become significant problems if left undetected.
Consult an Attorney if Needed: If your insurance company delays, offers low settlements, or fails to inspect adequately, an attorney can help negotiate for fair compensation.
Kaass Law: Supporting Homeowners During Wildfire Recovery
At Kaass Law, we help property owners understand their insurance coverage and claim fair compensation after wildfire damage. We guide you through the process of filing and managing fire insurance claims, ensuring your rights remain protected. Contact Us Today If you need help navigating an insurance claim after the Cajon Pass fire, contact Kaass Law today. We assist residents of San Bernardino County in getting the support they need during these challenging times. Contact Information: Please call our office at (844) 522-7752 or at [email protected]. Let our experienced team help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
California VC 23222(b) driving in possession of marijuana only pertains to marijuana that is not in a concentrated form, such as, hash; nor does it pertain to large amounts of marijuana.
California Health and Safety Code 11359 Possession of Marijuana for Sale
Unlike, California Health and Safety Code 11359 Possession of Marijuana for Sale, which pertains to being caught with a large amount of marijuana in your vehicle. California Vehicle Code 23222(b) punishes those who are found guilty of driving with up to 1 ounce of marijuana in their cars.
You may be fined up to $100
Court costs
Common Defenses To Fight Driving in Possession of Marijuana Charges:
You are authorized to carry medical marijuana (medical marijuana card)
If you are legally authorized to possess cannabis/marijuana, generally because you are a medical marijuana user or caregiver.
Dealing with wildfires and the damage they cause can be a horrific experience.
Specifically, The Los Angeles County Fire Department is currently battling the Santa Clarita Brush Fire, which has expanded over more than 20,000 acres. More information provided by the LA Times. Has your home been damaged by fire or smoke? Luckily, your homeowners insurance may be able to help you and your family. Your home may be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. While your dwelling coverage can help with expenses related to repairing or rebuilding your home. Depending on your policy limits you may be able to repair and rebuild your home without any out-of-pocket expenses. KAASS LAW property damages claims team standing by to assess potential Santa Clarita fire loss claims. Please call our office at (310) 943-1171 and we can help you file a fire damage insurance claim in Los Angeles and surrounding cities.
Many other types of coverage can provide you and your family with protection and financial safeguard. Personal property coverage may help pay for replacement costs for belongings or help replace any of your belongings that were destroyed due to a fire or wildfire.
Did you know you can become a permanent United States resident by investing money into a US business?
If you are interested in becoming a US permanent resident via EB-5, below are a few things you should now about EB-5 investment program:
What is the Qualifying Amount of Investment?
The immigrant investor must invest or be actively in the process of investing $1.000.000.
The qualifying amount of investment is $500.000 for targeted employment areas which are rural areas and areas with high unemployment rate. A mere intent to invest or prospective investment arrangements without present commitment will not suffice.
What Form Must the Investment Take?
The investment must take the form of contribution of capital that has been placed at risk for the purpose of generating income.
The USCIS rules define capital to include cash, cash equivalents, equipment, inventory, other tangible property, and indebtedness secured by assets owned by the investor. The required investment cannot be made in the form of a loan to the company. The foreign investor also has to show that the invested capital was obtained through lawful means.
A left turn collision is when a vehicle turning left at an intersection is involved in a collision with another vehicle on the opposite side of the road that is going straight through the intersection.
Under the reasonable person standard, the driver turning left is usually at fault for the accident. This is because a vehicle turning left turning must wait until it is safe to turn.
However, the driver going straight through the intersection may be partially at fault if s/he was speeding or ran a red light. This may also reduce recovery, but not completely. Usually, speeding makes it difficult for the ‘left turning’ driver to judge when it is safe to turn. More commonly, when the light turns red, most drivers will assume it is safe to proceed in making a left turn. This is not the case if a driver runs a red light. However, many times even in these instances, the driver determined “mostly at fault”, is usually the driver turning left.
Rear-End Collision:
Under the reasonable person standard, a driver that rear-ended another will almost always be found at fault. One of the main factors insurance adjusters consider during rear end collisions is vehicles must maintain a safe distance behind the cars in front of them at all times. However, if you were breaking and one or more of your brake or tail light bulbs were out or broken, fault can be split between drivers. For instance an adjuster may find the drivers partially at fault or 50/50. If an driver can prove that due to the broken tail light, the driver did not have enough time to respond or had a difficult time stopping. In this situation the amount of money you can recover will be reduced, however, you will probably still be able to get something.
Business insurance is a agreement between an insurance company and a business and/or business owner.
In the event of a covered loss, a business and or business owner files a claim with their insurance company for any damages, financial losses, and other losses the business has sustained. Depending on your insurance policy limits your business may recover all losses. Thus, your business will only obtain the applicable amount of compensation for the loss(es).
However, many times, adjusters may give business owners the round around and offer to pay a compensation amount below actual damages sustained. For example, say your business property damage has policy limits of $50,000.00, but your business actually incurred $100,000.00 in damages, you may be out of luck.
When a loss occurs, the business will usually file a claim with their insurance company and an adjuster will open up a claim. Let's assume for example, that a faulty pipe burst causing water damage and destroys a portion of your business’ premises, your insurance company will repay you for the damages incurred as well as aiding in the restoration process.
Injuries to the neck, resulting from snapping or jerkin are known as "whiplash". Whiplash describes a range of neck injury 'soft tissue' damages, which is a common result of rear-end accidents. In a rear-end accident, the impact forces the driver's and passengers' bodies to be thrown forward. At the same time, their heads stay in place, causing the neck to suddenly extended, which follows a whip-like motion.
What Type of Accidents Can Cause Whiplash?
While whiplash and any other types of neck injuries generally occur in rear-end auto accidents, neck injuries and whiplash injuries can also result from different types of accidents and personal injury matters as well. Some types of accidents that may cause whiplash or neck injuries are:
Car and truck accidents that don't necessarily involve a rear-end impact
According to the United States Department of Transportation, nearly 80 percent of motorcycle accidents are either fatal or cause injuries. Understanding of your rights cannot hurt as much as getting into one. California motorcycle accident laws are very similar to those in other states. There are some differences that are specific to California.
California is the only state that permits lane splitting, “squeezing” in past slow or creeping traffic. California bikers must wear helmets at all times and must carry liability insurance at all times. California bikers must possess a Class M1 or M2 license and pass a skills test. Many times even the most skilled motorcyclist are involved in accident, i.e., motorcycle-auto or motorcycle-truck accidents. There are various causes for motorcycle accident such as:
Mechanical failures;
Driver inexperience;
Driver fatigue;
Adverse weather condition;
Automobile drivers – some often do not notice or know how to share the road with motorcyclists;
Suing the City, County, or State for Injuries Due to Bus Accident
Can you sue the government or city if you were involved in an auto-bus accident? Can a passenger on the bus that sustained injuries and damages sue the bus driver?
Depending on a number of factors, you may be able to file a law suit against the responsible entity. However, if you were involved in an accident involving a public transportation vehicle, such as the Los Angeles Metro or Los Angeles Fire Department, it is vital that you contact a personal injury attorney that specializes in government tort claims because due to special laws that apply to government bodies and employees. If you were involved in an accident with a public transportation vehicle, call KAASS LAW for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer specializing in government torts. Below are a few steps you take if you were the other car(s) that was/were involved in the accident.
Check on Your Fellow Passengers
If you have passengers make sure you check to see if anyone needs immediate medical attention.If anyone is injured it’s imperative that you wait for emergency personal to tend to injured passengers.
Determining the Value of Accident Injury Claims: Insurance Companies Use a Program Called Colossus
It is possible that your insurance company uses or has used Colossus in the past to determine how much should they pay you for your injury.
Wait, so you mean a computer decides the value of my injuries? Yes, a computer program computes the value of human injuries. Sadly, many times, these settlement offers are unreasonably low. If you received an unreasonable settlement offer for your damages, you can file a bad faith claim against your insurance company with regards to the use of Colossus. If you believe that you may have a bad faith claim against your insurance company give KAASS LAW a call for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney or accident attorney. Our skilled Glendale personal injury lawyers, insurance litigation attorneys, economists, and negotiators work together to secure fair settlements.
A few things to keep in mind when you are considering to file a bad faith claim against your insurance company:
The marijuana was discovered through an illegal search and seizure
California has a strict set of rules that police officers must obey when searching citizens and their property. If a police officer's acts violate those rules and a criminal defense attorney can successfully prove this, then any evidence that was acquired while acting illegally will generally be dismissed. Thus, if you were pulled over during a traffic violation and your vehicle was illegally searched, your attorney can use this defense in order to drop those charges.
The marijuana did not belong to you
There are two varying degrees of possession in California: actual possession and constructive possession
Actual possession: you are physically carrying the drug, either in your hand, sock, shoe, pocket, or something that is attached to you, like a purse or backpack.
Constructive possession is when drugs are found in something that you control, like your home.
If you were not in actual possession of the marijuana and did not know it was in the car, then generally you should have not been charged with VC 23222(b) because in order to be in possession of the drug you must know that you were in possession of the drug.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
A Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can help you with the sort of legal assistance that you require regarding drug crimes in the county. Our lawyers in Glendale, Los Angeles, CA are here to help understand your legal rights. Please call our office at (310) 943-1171 or contact us via email at [email protected]
Further, homeowners insurance can also provide coverage for additional living expenses, such as hotel stay, transportation, and meals. It's important to review your insurance policy, especially for California homeowners who live in rural areas, forests, or near the mountain side.
The qualifying investment must be in a new commercial enterprise.
An enterprise established after November 29, 1990 is considered a new enterprise even if the investor did not participate in its establishment. When a person makes investment in a business established on or before November 29, 1990 the investment will qualify for E-B5 purposes if the investor establishes one of the following: (1) the investment will result in a substantial change in the business; or (2) the business will be restructured or reorganized.
What Role Shall the Investor Play in the Company?
The investor must be engaged in the management of the company where he invests.
This can be done either through managerial control or through policy formulation. This requirement can be satisfied by becoming a corporate officer or being a member of the board of directors. Maintaining a purely passive role towards the investment cannot satisfy the requirement of USCIS rules.
What is the Job-Creation Requirement?
The enterprise must benefit the US economy by creating full-time jobs for at least 10 qualifying employees.
There is an exception to this rule for troubled businesses where the investment does not have to create 10 new jobs but the investor has to show that the number of existing employees is or will be maintained at no less than the pre-investment level for at least two years.
Is there an Annual Cap on E-B visas?
There is an annual limit of 10000 E-B5 visas per year. Until now the annual E-B5 cap has never been reached.
When Does the Investor Get His Green Card?
The investor is initially granted conditional residence for two years.
Prior to the expiration of two years the investor must file a petition requesting removal of the conditional basis of the residence. The investor must show that he still meets the conditions for participation in the program.
Do you need help deciding on what steps to take next? A Glendale immigration lawyer at KAASS LAW can help you out with any sort of legal assistance you require.
Insurance companies will often classify a rear-end collision as a low impact accident and will attempt to argue that the due to the impact bodily injury damages are minimal, thus offering low ball offers, even if medical reports prove otherwise. However, a typically injury one may sustain from a rear-end collision is whiplash or an neck injury, which may sometimes cause serious soft tissue damage. Some soft tissue damage includes, muscle tissue, ligaments and tendons. These types of damages frequently results in pain, swelling, tightness, bruising, or inflammation. However, these injuries are not always immediately apparent. Thus, injured parties may be offered a low settlement amount. Don't be that guy. Contact our office and receive free no obligation consultation with our Glendale personal injury attorneys specializing in auto accidents.
It’s important to remember, however, your insurance policy may only cover the type of coverage included in your insurance policy. If your business has inured loss or damages and you are unsure if you have coverage, call our office and schedule a consultation with one of our business insurance attorneys.
What Is Business Insurance?
Business insurance includes a broad range of policy options designed to protect a business from financial loss. Each commercial operation faces unique risks, requiring the tailoring of a commercial insurance policy to fit the business. Many factors, from the size of your company, to the number of workers you employ, the materials they handle and whether you have business vehicles, will determine the specific coverage you need to mitigate risk and protect your company’s financials. A business lawyer at KAASS LAW can provide you with the specific legal assistance that you may need.
Business insurance includes a comprehensive range of policy options intended to defend and protect a business from various financial and property damage losses. In order to alleviate risks and safeguard your businesses livelihood it is vital to weigh out the types of coverage and policy limits your business needs.
Business operations vary, and each one faces its own unique set of risks. Therefore, you must specifically tailor commercial insurance policies to your business operations.
What Does Business or Commercial Insurance Cover?
Business insurance policy may include coverage such as, general liability insurance, which covers injuries sustained by third parties for reasons such as, negligent maintenance, slip and fall accidents, various premises liability accidents, and other personal injury claims. For instance if a patron or consumer was injured due to liquid substance, a claim with you may file a claim with your general liability insurance.
Property insurance coverage protects your business’ property in the event your business sustained loss and damages arising out of water damage, fire, flood, storms, faulty pipes that caused a burst, or vandalism due to a break-in.
Loss of income coverage protects your business and business owners in the event that your business was non-cooperation during times of cleanup & restoration. For instance, your business sustained water damage due to a faulty pipe that burst and you were unable to operate while damages were being repaired. Loss of income may be able to cover the losses you incurred during the clean up and restoration costs.
Business lawyers at KAASS LAW can provide you with any sort of legal assistance required with insurance companies.
Can You Sustain a Neck Injury From a Low Impact Accident?
Many mistakenly believe that whiplash can only occur in high-speed accidents. Low-speed, low-impact, rear-end auto accidents commonly cause whiplash.
Another misconception is that whiplash is a minor injury. However, many medical experts suggest that soft tissue injuries can be severe and have long-term affects if left untreated. It is recommended following an accident, one seeks medical attention or a chiropractor in Los Angeles as soon as possible. If left untreated, it is possible that neck injuries can have serious consequences and cause widespread health problems.
What Are Common Factors that May Cause Neck Injury:
Position of the driver or passenger(s)’ head at the time of impact;
Individuals seating position, height
Position of seat
Comparative size and mass of the vehicles involved in the accident.
What Are the Common Signs or Symptoms of Whiplash:
Stiffness in the neck
Neck pain
Trouble turning your head (limited range of motion)
Headache
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Shoulder pain
Back pain
Spinal injury
Cognitive or psychological difficulties.
Any strange sensations, such as tingling or prickling
Trouble sleeping and feeling fatigue
Auto Accident Attorney
If you were involved in an auto accident, motorcycle accident, pedestrian accident, bicycle accident, or any other personal injury matter, call or contact our personal injury attorneys for a free consultation. OurGlendale personal injury attorney at KAASS Law will review your case and answers any questions you may have.
Drivers driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
Other causes
When involved in a Motorcycle crash, what type of information should I document?
Driver’s license number
Exchange contact information
License plate number
Insurance information
Photos the motorcycle and the automobile
Police report
It is important for you to protect your legal rights when involved in a motorcycle accident. Never sign a document that is presented to you by the opposing insurance company without having an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer review it for you first.
Many times, insurance adjusters will offer very low settlement offers. Other times the driver will deny fault and attempt to force the motorcyclist to admit fault. It is important that you consult with an motorcycle accident attorney to help preserve your rights. Call KAASS LAW and schedule you with a free consultation with an experience motorcycle accident attorney.
Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys represent riders in Glendale, Los Angeles, Burbank, Woodland Hills, North Hollywood, San Fernando Valley, and the surrounding cities.
Bikers, be safe out there! Drivers, be cautious of your fellow motorist!
Depending on the severity of the accident it is important to try to not move anyone because this might aggravate their injuries
Call the Police
If there is significant property damage, physical injury, or death call the police.
If injuries are reported tell the office to write a police report and get the responding officer's name, badge number, and what bureau the officer is employed with.
Laws Regarding Public Transportation Safety
Like most car accident cases parties will have to prove who the at-fault driver was. Public transportation companies are subjected to “common carrier” law in some states.
“Common carrier” law refers to the higher or highest degree of care that public transportation companies have to provide for their customers. Trolleys, trains, buses, taxis, and even limousines are subject to the “common carrier” law meaning they have a higher duty to act reasonably. Further, if the public transportation driver was found at fault there are special laws and rules that apply to government entities. If the driver/employee of public transportation is found negligence, you can file a claim or sue the city, county or state responsible for overseeing public transportation activities under Government Tort laws.
For instance, the if the accident involved the Los Angeles Metro the responding entity would most likely be the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Statute of Limitations: The #Must662 Rule
Six months deadline to properly notify the proper entity overseeing that specific public transportation/bus, in writing of the precise circumstances of your accident.
You may have to file a special form provided by the responsible government agency. If you fail to file a claim with the correct entity within the 6-month statue, you may lose your chances of filing a lawsuit If you properly filed your claim and your claim was denied, it is required by law that you are put on notice of your legal rights regarding the 6-month statute of limitation to file lawsuit for personal injuries and damages sustained. If you have not heard from or unsure about the status of your claim, you may still have 2 years to file a lawsuit against the government entity.
If you are unsure if you have a claim, call KAASS LAW at (310) 943-1171 for a free consultation.
Must show proof that the use or non-use of Colossus has affected your claim.
Court cases that have determined claims were either unreasonable due to the use or non-use of Colossus are, Dauro v. Allstate Ins. Co., Dombach v. Allstate Insurance Co. and Wilson v. 21st Century Insurance Co.
Class Action and The Use Of Colossus
The systematic use of Colossus has made insurance companies wary of class action suits, thus there are requirements in order to certify a class action suit.
Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure: Rule 23 requires the following: (1) the class is so numerous that joiner of all members is impracticable; (2) there are questions of law or fact common to the class; (3) the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class, and; (4) the representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class. To certify a class under Rule 23(b)(3), questions of law or fact common to the members of the class must predominate over any questions affecting only individual members.”
What type of information do insurance companies input into Colossus?
Liability – Use of a seat-belt increases value, as does the absence of intoxication
Chiropractor – Referral from a regular doctor, in the records, increases value
Spine Treatment – Must be documented specifically as to injury and why treatment is related to injury
Medical Aids – Aids such as, walkers, crutches, and time needed are factors considered by the program
Neck Collars – Different types of neck collars are treated differently
Treatment Gaps – Delays in treatment decrease value so provide explanations for any, preferably documented in the medical records
Permanency – COLOSSUS uses 4th Edition of the AMA Guidelines to Permanency and uses ratings only to body as a whole
Loss of Enjoyment of Life – Can be considered if documented in medical records or reports
Future Medical Bills and Wage Loss – Documentation from treating doctor needed for each to be considered
Complaints – Any and all complaints should be documented in medical records
Pre-existing Condition – Aggravation of it should be documented
Aggravation – Degree of aggravation and permanency should be documented
Hospital – Exact days of hospital stay and bed rest should be noted
Treatment – Duration of treatment and any permanent use should be documented