Strategies, Challenges, and Answers

Archives for April 2023

Nevada Court Finds That The Graves Amendment Preempts NRS 482.305.

The Nevada Law Blogs have written a lot about Rental Car Liability and the Graves Amendment.  Those posts need an update as a result of the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Judgment entered in Avalos v. Estate of Cunningham et al, Eighth Jud. Dist. Ct. Case No. A-22-862769-C (Apr. 14, 2023).  The Avalos case involves a woman who rented a vehicle from Budget Car and Truck Rental of Las Vegas.  While driving the rented car, the renter was involved in a parking lot accident.  Avalos … [Read more...]

Excess Policy vs. Umbrella Policy: What Is The Difference?

Often the terms Umbrella Insurance and Excess Insurance are used interchangeably.  Is there a difference?  What is it?Let’s start with primary insurance.  Primary insurance is the first layer of insurance.  Primary insurance provides immediate coverage upon an occurrence or a loss as described by the policy.  Fireman's Fund Ins. Co. v. Md. Cas. Co., 65 Cal. App. 4th 1279, 1304, 77 Cal. Rptr. 2d 296, 311 (1998).  Primary insurers generally have the primary duty of defense.  Olympic Ins. … [Read more...]

It Is Not Bad Faith To Decline Coverage Where A Genuine Dispute Exists

The case of Arlitz v. GEICO Cas. Co., No. 2:19-cv-00743-CDS-DJA, 2022 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 211433 (D. Nev. Nov. 22, 2022) involves a Son, a Father and a Motorcycle Passenger.  The Son loaned his automobile to his Father.  The Father crashed the Son’s auto into the Plaintiff, who was a passenger on a motorcycle.  Plaintiff sustained permanent brain injuries.  The Son’s insurance was Mid-Century.  The Motorcycle insurance was with Progressive Direct.  The Father had insurance with … [Read more...]