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I was involved in a car accident where I was rear-ended by an at-fault truck driver, leading to severe damage to my passenger van and damage to the sedan in front of me. The at-fault driver's insurance has minimal coverage ($10,000 for the damaged cars), which won't cover the repair costs... View More 
answered on May 8, 2025
A Hawaii attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I'm sorry about your accident, and the fact that your aggravation is compounded by minimal insurance coverage. It could be a difficult decision here, since the claim could be complex, in terms of involving UM... View More
I was involved in a car accident where I was rear-ended by an at-fault truck driver, leading to severe damage to my passenger van and damage to the sedan in front of me. The at-fault driver's insurance has minimal coverage ($10,000 for the damaged cars), which won't cover the repair costs... View More
answered on May 8, 2025
Addendum - 'Sorry... When I answered a second ago, I meant "underinsured motorist" coverage, NOT "uninsured motorist" coverage. I should have proofread my response more slowly and thoroughly before uploading! Good luck
I have operated my Etsy shop since 2010, and it was recently suspended due to a handmade piece of jewelry containing Jade from Zinjiang, China. Etsy claimed this conflicted with their policies on sanctioned items. However, their policies do not mention Zinjiang as a prohibited source. Initially,... View More
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answered on May 8, 2025
I think the better question is why would you continue to appeal instead of just taking them up on their offer to reinstate for a promise of not breaking the law in the future. Your best case scenario is that, after a lot of time and effort, you win your appeal and your shop gets reinstated.... View More
I was involved in an accident in Oregon where someone with insurance hit and totaled my car, which was uninsured. The police documented the accident, and while I sustained some bruises and scratches, there were no major injuries. The car that was totaled was my only vehicle, and I'm currently... View More
answered on May 7, 2025
If the accident was not your fault, the at-fault party should pay your vehicle damage. If you can prove you had insurance within the last 6 months, you may be entitled to non-economic damages for your pain and suffering if you need medical treatment as a result of your injuries. If you have major... View More
I was taken advantage of by a contractor recommended by my husband's nephew during my house renovation. After my husband's passing in September 2023, I didn't realize I hired someone unlicensed and without a contract. He continually asked for money until my savings were depleted, and... View More
answered on May 7, 2025
Yes, you have a case. In CA, unlicensed contractors are not permitted to do the remodel work on your home without serious consequences. You have statutory rights to sue the contractor for the return of ALL money you paid him, as well as other civil penalties. Contact an experienced civil litigation... View More
In April 2024, we purchased a home in Houston via licensed real estate agents, one of whom also acted as the listing agent. During renovations, we discovered drywall dated 2017 installed at the two-foot level, along with hidden black mold and other clear signs of undisclosed flood-related repairs.... View More
answered on May 7, 2025
You likely do not have any claim against the real estate agents. Any claim you have is against the sellers. It is likely there is no insurance covering these claims you are making against the sellers. Unless you can demonstrate that the sellers have non-exempt assets (like cash, publicly traded... View More
I took my vehicle to a mechanic who quoted me for head gasket replacement. Later, I found out they replaced my engine without my permission and charged me $3,800. There was no signed agreement, only a verbal agreement for the original repairs. I only received a receipt for the engine replacement... View More
answered on May 7, 2025
Legally, you are not required to pay for an unauthorized repair. Legally, you are required to pay for repairs you authorized. This presents a classic he-said, she-said situation. You will have to persuade a judge or jury that you are telling the truth versus the mechanic persuading a judge or... View More
I recently purchased a used vehicle from a private seller about 3-4 weeks ago. The seller informed me of a past accident and showed me a picture. I signed a handwritten statement acknowledging the purchase of the vehicle “as is.” However, the seller did not verbally disclose that the vehicle... View More
answered on May 6, 2025
You can always sue. The question is, will you win and if so, how much. Even if you do win, will you ever be able to collect. I am doubtful that this is a case worth pursuing. If the title he signed over to you was a salvage rebuilt title, the fact that you acknowledged the sale was "as... View More
I was contacted by a collection agency about a medical bill I didn't know existed until recently. After verifying my insurance was billed correctly, I'm aware I owe this debt. I reached out to the collection agency to clarify whether they had been assigned the debt or if it had been sold... View More
answered on May 6, 2025
To prevent medical debt from appearing on your report, you have to obtain written assurance from medical office and the collection agency. Start by asking the collection agency in writing they will not submit the debt to the credit agencies when paying the debt. Second, pay the original creditor in... View More
I was involved in a car accident in Maryland and received an insurance estimate for repairs, including painting, which is expensive. However, the insurance company now wants to total the car. Do I need to complete all the repairs listed, including the paint, or can I choose not to, given that I... View More
answered on May 3, 2025
If the car is totaled, the insurance company will pay you the fair market value of the vehicle plus 6% sales tax and tags. If you wish to keep the vehicle, they will deduct salvage value and you will have to get a salvage title. It may be more expensive and difficult to insure the vehicle. You do... View More
I recently received a letter from the Washington County school board notifying me of a data breach involving my personal information, including my social security number, name, contact information, DOB, and possibly my medical history. I am 27 years old and haven't attended these schools since... View More
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answered on May 1, 2025
Until you suffer some loss/damages, you do not have a case even if there is a plausible cause of action. It would be a government tort liability action with damage caps, 1 year SOL, and no jury. Few lawyers know how to file one. If something bad happens, and you have done your due diligence to... View More
I live in a quad coach home in Illinois and have experienced severe roof leakage and drywall damage for over three years, despite the roof being replaced six years ago. With worsening damage each winter, we contacted our HOA multiple times. Initially, they found nothing wrong but cleared partially... View More
answered on Apr 30, 2025
How is the HOA liable? The HOA didn't do anything. On your facts, "roofers discovered an unconnected HVAC exhaust pipe releasing hot air into our attic, causing condensation and extensive mold growth." According to you, the individual or company responsible for disconnecting the... View More
In New York, someone crashed into my car and was found at fault by their insurance company, which accepted responsibility. They deemed my 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L (middle trim) with 150,000 miles a total loss and offered me $9,000. I believe the car is worth more, as it was in perfect condition with no... View More
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answered on Apr 30, 2025
Yes, in New York you can absolutely negotiate a total loss settlement with the at-fault driver's insurance company. The initial offer from the insurer is not necessarily final, and you are not required to accept it if you believe it undervalues your vehicle. Insurance companies are required to... View More
I had my car towed to Firestone for repairs, and they were supposed to tow it back to my house. However, they handed it over to another towing company without my consent. Initially, both Firestone and the towing company claimed not to know the whereabouts of my car. Later, the towing company... View More
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answered on Apr 30, 2025
This situation raises serious legal issues involving potential negligence, conversion, and possibly breach of contract. In New York, if a company entrusted with your vehicle transfers it to a third party without your authorization and then fails to account for it, you may have grounds to pursue... View More
I'm a high school student, and I agreed to a deal with someone on Instagram where I paid $100 for online tutoring on making money. I signed an agreement with terms that if I backed out, I would have to pay a $1,000 fee. I paid $100 but decided to leave a week later without receiving or taking... View More
answered on Apr 28, 2025
I should note that no attorney can accurately assess the ramifications of a contract without reading it in its entirety. That said, I will offer the following:
First, how old are you? Under Missouri law, you are not competent to enter into a contract until you are eighteen (18) years old.... View More
I'm seeking advice on how to sue for damages in federal court for a fraud case spanning over 18 years. My previous attempt was dismissed because I couldn't serve the defendants due to lacking their information. I'm considering proceeding without a lawyer and would appreciate guidance... View More
answered on Apr 28, 2025
The answer to your question turns on what information is necessary under your particular facts and circumstances. In Texas, the statute of limitations for fraud is four years, so it appears you may have a limitations issue already. It also appears that you may not have satisfactory information... View More
I purchased a robot vacuum from TikTok, and it didn't work. The seller, upon my request for a refund, instructed me to return the product and promised I would receive the refund within 10 days. However, it's been over two months, and they now claim to be waiting for an answer from the... View More
answered on Apr 28, 2025
You can file a small claims lawsuit against the actual seller. You will need to determine the actual legal name of the seller, if the seller is registered to do business in Texas, and who the registered agent for service of process is. If the seller is not registered to do business in Texas (and... View More
I bought a home "as-is" about 5 months ago. Before purchasing, I asked the real estate company if there were any septic system problems, and they claimed there were none. However, I've learned from a neighbor that the real estate company was informed of septic issues before the sale.... View More
answered on Apr 26, 2025
The law on this is complex and not helpful to you.
First, Real estate agents (the 'company' in your question) only know what the actual seller/former owner tell them. Unfortunately, sellers either don't tell or lie to their agents about the property. If the seller,... View More
I believe I have been scammed by an individual who claimed to be handling a "high court" case for me. I paid him $2,000-$3,000, and he promised that the court ordered the reps to pay me $6,500, which has not happened. He now claims the money was sent via JPay, but I have not received it.... View More
answered on Apr 26, 2025
I would think that your biggest problem will be finding him. You have some options. You can file a report of theft with the local police department. You can file a civil action. You can go to regulatory agencies. A civil action will cost you a filing fee. In any of the situations, you are... View More
I was involved in a vehicle accident on January 14, 2025, in which I am not at fault. The other driver's insurance, State Farm, has accepted fault. I am representing myself and need assistance in composing a professional email asking State Farm to disclose the bodily injury policy's... View More
answered on Apr 25, 2025
Hi there,
For your State Farm policy email, keep it short and direct. Start with your claim number and accident date (January 14, 2025), then clearly request the bodily injury policy limits disclosure, noting they've accepted fault. Mention your documented injuries (herniated discs,... View More
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