Mr. Gregory had a motorcycle. It was a piece of work. The tires were bald. The front tire was underinflated. The rear tire was overinflated. Mr. Gregory loaned the motorcycle to his son Jimmey. But to be safe, Mr. Gregory gave his son a couple of modified helmets. Jimmey was taking Phillip Senteney on a ride on the bike. Jimmey crashed. Phillip was hurt. Mr. Gregory had motorcycle insurance with $100,000 in liability coverage. Phillip Senteney’s dad was not satisfied. He refused … [Read more...]
A Tale of Two Lawsuits.
June 1, 2016 by
It was the best of times for Nevada Direct Insurance Company. It was the worst of times for injured parties Michael and Sharon Smith. You see, the Smiths were hurt in an auto accident with a Nevada Direct policyholder Kuperman. Nevada Direct tried unsuccessfully to enlist Kuperman's cooperation in dealing with the Smiths’ claim. When Kuperman failed to cooperate, Nevada Direct filed a declaratory relief action against Kuperman, the Smiths and another injured party, Ms. Fields claiming the … [Read more...]
Once An Insured Proves Coverage, The Burden Shifts To the Insurer To Prove An Exception Or Exclusion
February 23, 2016 by
In Nevada Insurance Coverage lore, Victor Havas is legend. Cases involving Mr. Havas answer so many insurance coverage questions. What duty does an insurance agent owe to a customer? Havas v. Carter, 515 P.2d 397, 89 Nev. 497 (1973). For more information, see here. When is replacement value the appropriate measure of damages rather than actual case value? Havas v. Atlantic Ins. Co., 95 Nev. 415, 596 P.2d, 246 (1979). here. How can an insurance company avoid a waiver when it investigates a … [Read more...]
Is Your Company’s Intra-Family Auto Liability Exclusion Enforceable?
April 7, 2015 by
Nevada law authorizes insurance companies to enforce exclusions that limit or eliminate intra-family liability for bodily injuries. NRS 687B.147. Or so said the Nevada Supreme Court in Progressive Gulf Ins. Co. v. Faehnrich, 130 Nev. Adv. Op. 19, 327 P.3d 1061 (2014). However, as we mentioned in our explanation of Faehnrich, the Court made only a passing reference to NRS 687B.147, the law that allows such a limitation or exclusion. The court did not provide any sort of analysis of the law. And … [Read more...]
Adjusting Claims Involving Intoxicated Insureds Can Be Complicated
May 24, 2013 by
In Nevada, there’s alcohol everywhere. Or at least that is what many visitors believe as they find themselves partaking in “just one more” at every stop of their visit. Even some locals live up to the outsider’s stereotypical view of a Las Vegas resident by overdoing it a bit too often. However, like every other state, Nevada has strict laws against driving while intoxicated. Seasoned adjusters know the many complications that can arise when dealing with a claim involving an intoxicated … [Read more...]
