Best Insurance Defense Lawyers in Glendale

About Insurance Defense Law in Glendale, United States

Insurance defense law focuses on representing insurance companies and their policyholders in legal claims made against them. In Glendale, United States, this area of law involves managing disputes and litigation that arise when claims are filed due to accidents, property damage, personal injury, or alleged wrongdoing covered under an insurance policy. Insurance defense lawyers work to protect their clients against potentially significant financial liabilities by ensuring that claims are handled fairly and in accordance with the law.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several situations where consulting with an insurance defense lawyer is essential. Common scenarios include:

• Receiving notice of a lawsuit stemming from an incident covered by your insurance policy, such as a car accident or premises liability claim.
• Facing allegations of professional malpractice or negligence, particularly if you are a business or service provider insured against such risks.
• Disputes with policyholders over the extent or applicability of coverage.
• Allegations of bad faith or unfair claims handling brought by insured parties or third-parties.
• Complex cases involving multiple parties, significant injuries, or large financial claims.

Local Laws Overview

Glendale operates under California state laws regarding insurance and civil litigation. Key aspects relevant to insurance defense include:

• Comparative Fault: California follows the pure comparative negligence standard. This means liability may be divided proportionally among parties involved in an incident, potentially reducing the insurer's payout if the plaintiff shares any fault.
• Statute of Limitations: There are strict time limits for filing claims, which vary depending on the type of claim, such as personal injury or property damage.
• Duty to Defend: Insurers in California often have a broad duty to defend policyholders in lawsuits that potentially fall under policy coverage, even if some claims are not covered.
• Bad Faith Laws: Insurance companies are legally required to act in good faith. If they unreasonably deny coverage or delay claim resolution, policyholders may bring a bad faith claim that carries additional damages.
• Court Procedures: Insurance defense cases in Glendale are generally heard in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Familiarity with local court rules and procedures is important for an effective defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an insurance defense lawyer do?

An insurance defense lawyer represents insurance companies or their policyholders in disputes or lawsuits arising from claims. They investigate claims, gather evidence, negotiate settlements, and represent clients in court to minimize the financial impact of claims.

Who pays for the insurance defense lawyer?

If you are the insured party under a policy and a claim is brought against you, your insurance company will typically appoint and pay for an attorney to defend the claim, as part of your policy benefits.

What types of cases do insurance defense lawyers handle?

Insurance defense lawyers commonly handle auto accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, property damage claims, professional negligence (such as medical malpractice), and construction defect claims, among others.

How soon should I contact a lawyer about an insurance claim?

Contact a lawyer as soon as you become aware of a claim against you, or if you anticipate potential liability. Early involvement increases the chances of a favorable outcome and ensures compliance with legal deadlines.

What is comparative negligence and how does it affect my case?

Comparative negligence means that if you are found partially at fault for an incident, your liability may be reduced proportionally. For example, if you are 25 percent responsible, you would only be liable for 25 percent of the damages.

Can I be sued even if I did not do anything wrong?

Yes, a lawsuit can be filed against you even if you believe you are not at fault. An insurance defense lawyer can help demonstrate your lack of liability and defend you against the claim.

What happens if the claim goes to trial?

If the claim cannot be settled, the case may proceed to trial. Your insurance defense attorney will represent you, present evidence, question witnesses, and argue your case before a judge or jury.

What is insurance bad faith?

Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurer fails to honor its legal obligations to its policyholder, such as unreasonably denying a claim or delaying payments. This can lead to additional legal action and damages against the insurer.

Does my insurance company have to defend every lawsuit?

Your insurer has a duty to defend you against lawsuits that are potentially covered by your policy, even if some claims are not ultimately covered. However, if the claim falls completely outside of policy coverage, the insurer may deny defense.

What should I do if I disagree with how my insurer is handling my case?

If you are unhappy with your insurer's actions, seek independent legal advice from an attorney experienced in insurance defense or insurance bad faith law. They can review your situation and recommend appropriate steps, which may include legal action.

Additional Resources

If you need more information or assistance with insurance defense matters, consider contacting:

• California Department of Insurance - Oversees insurance regulations and consumer protections in California.
• State Bar of California - Offers lawyer referral services and consumer legal information.
• Los Angeles County Superior Court - Handles civil litigation, including insurance defense cases, for Glendale residents.
• Local Bar Associations - Provide resources and lists of qualified insurance defense attorneys in Glendale.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance with an insurance defense issue in Glendale:

• Notify your insurance company promptly about any claims or lawsuits.
• Request the appointment of a qualified insurance defense attorney if you are entitled to coverage for your claim.
• If you need independent advice or have concerns about your insurer's representation, consult an attorney experienced in insurance defense law as soon as possible.
• Gather all relevant documents, such as insurance policies, correspondence, and claim information, before meeting with your lawyer.
• Stay informed about deadlines and requirements for responding to claims or lawsuits.