Legal Question in Business Law in California

Re: Interstate

In order to better evaluate your potential case

I would need more information. My office

does handle insurance bad faith claims. I would be

happy to give you a free consultation with no obligation

you can Email me directly at the email address below

with your phone number and I could give you a call

a discuss your case or you can call me direct at

805-546-9909.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

John Hayes

My office is in San Luis Obispo, but I practice

throughout the state of California.

John Hayes

The John Hayes Law Offices

P.O. Box 3003

Re: Interstate Transportation of Personal Property

You say that the claim was refused, but you don't state the reason for the refusal. Did the insurer say why it isn't paying? The language of the policy should explain the requirements; if the damages were below the deductible, if you didn't meet your obligations or if a particular exclusion applies, you may be out of luck.

You could take the claim to a small claims court. Cases with values below $5,000.00 can be handled by small claims courts in California, and you don't need a lawyer (in fact, lawyers aren't even allowed).

If the insurer is just trying to play hardball, then it may have violated its duty of good faith and thus be liable for punitive damages. Because your damages are small, the punitives will probably be limited as well. Then again, if it turns out that the insurer has done this to others, you might get a class action going.

In any of these scenarios, the policy language and the particular facts of your case are key. You haven't provided enough information for me to offer a better answer than this.

Edward Hoffman

Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

11620 Wilshire Boulevard, #340