News Stories

Bentley & More LLP has filed lawsuits on behalf of Los Angeles County homeowners who lost their homes in the devastating January 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires. The lawsuits accuse insurance giants AAA and USAA of systematic underinsurance and deceptive practices, leaving fire victims without adequate funds to rebuild.

According to the claims, both insurers relied on flawed cost-estimating software, 360Value, which dramatically undervalued rebuilding costs—offering coverage as low as $264 per square foot when actual costs ranged from $800 to $1,400. Many homeowners allege they were misled into believing their policies provided sufficient protection and were even prevented from purchasing higher coverage limits.

These allegations are backed by previous investigations from the California Department of Insurance, which found widespread underinsurance issues across the industry.

To learn more about the case and its implications for California homeowners, read the full coverage from:

• Daily Journal – “Homeowners accuse AAA and USAA of wildfire underinsurance”
• San Francisco Chronicle – “Thousands of L.A. homeowners lacked coverage after fires”
• Los Angeles Times – “Fire victims sue AAA and USAA, alleging insurance fraud”
• PR Newswire – “Homeowners Sue WSAA and AAA Alleging Systemic Underinsurance in the Wake of LA County Wildfires”

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger consumer protections and insurance reform in wildfire-prone regions.

Read More

Tires are an important part of any car. They allow you to safely grip the road, turn corners, and stop. But what if a tire fails? A blowout or sudden tread separation can make you lose control, causing a dangerous crash. Defective tires sometimes result from mistakes made by the tire maker. However, many tire-related accidents happen because drivers do not care for their tires properly. This can include letting the treads get too thin or no... Read More

Roads should be safe for drivers. But sometimes, problems like potholes or debris lead to terrible crashes. If you have suffered an injury in a wreck caused by a road hazard, you might wonder who must pay for your medical bills or lost earnings. Figuring this out can be difficult, and there can be multiple people at fault. Maybe it is the city for not fixing a pothole or a construction business for leaving equipment on the street. Perhaps a... Read More

Losing someone you love is extremely hard. It can feel even worse when that loss happens because of another person’s carelessness or wrongdoing. You may wonder if there is anything you can do to find justice for your loved one. You might also worry about paying bills, caring for your family, or dealing with insurance companies. These worries can be overwhelming, especially when you're already grieving. This is where a wrongful death lawyer ... Read More

When people think about “personal injury,” they often picture a broken bone or a deep cut. But getting hurt is not always about the body. Sometimes, an accident leaves you feeling frightened, stressed, or overwhelmed. Emotional distress can be just as painful as a physical wound. It can keep you awake at night, change your mood, and prevent you from enjoying your favorite activities. So, does a personal injury lawyer handle emotional distre... Read More

Accidents can happen anywhere—on a busy road, at a construction site, or even in your home. They can cause serious harm, like large burns, deep cuts, or broken bones. You might get hurt in a slip and fall, a car crash, or an explosion. No matter how it happens, you may need to file an insurance claim. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your rights. Insurance companies often investigate these claims, which... Read More

Life can be hard after a serious accident. Maybe you suffered an injury at a construction site, burned in an explosion, or injured from a faulty product. You might have large medical bills and a long road to recovery. It can be scary and confusing. One way to seek help is by filing a lawsuit with the help of a personal injury lawyer. But how does a personal injury lawsuit work? Schedule a Free Initial Consultation What Is a Personal I... Read More

If you suffer a serious injury, life can change in an instant. Maybe you were burned in an explosion at work. Maybe you fell from a height on a construction site. Perhaps you suffered a serious back injury in a car crash, or you suffered an injury from a faulty product that exploded. These kinds of injuries can be more than just simple bumps and bruises. They can bring big hospital bills, long recovery times, and lasting pain. You might not... Read More

Riding a motorcycle can feel exciting and free. The wind brushes against your body. The road stretches ahead. You feel more connected to the world around you than you might in a car. But motorcycles can also be very risky, and accidents can happen. If you’re ever involved in a crash, consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights. Many people who love motorcycles say the thrill is worth it. Others feel it is not. O... Read More

Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is one of the most painful experiences anyone can face. The emotional toll is immense, and the financial burdens can add another layer of stress. In cases involving wrongful death, families often pursue compensation to address these financial hardships. One common question people ask is about the average settlement for a wrongful death claim. While there is no universal answer, understandi... Read More

Truck accidents can cause serious harm and life-altering injuries, often leaving you searching for answers. You might wonder who is responsible for your losses and whether the trucking company can be held accountable. Trucking companies often play a significant role in causing accidents, but their liability depends on various factors. An experienced Newport Beach truck accident lawyer can determine if a trucking company bears responsibility fo... Read More

Accidents involving semi-trucks often result in devastating consequences. Physical injuries are just one part of the equation when you're involved in such a collision. Pain and suffering encompass a much broader range of harm – emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and other non-economic damages – that can profoundly affect your daily existence. A skilled truck accident lawyer knows what constitutes pain and suffering and will use th... Read More

When a truck driver causes a fatal car accident, the aftermath is devastating for everyone involved, especially the family of the person who lost their life. Such an event creates ripple effects that impact loved ones emotionally, financially, and sometimes legally. An experienced wrongful death lawyer is ready to help you face the challenges ahead and pursue justice. Schedule a Free Initial Consultation The Immediate Aftermath of a Fatal ... Read More

If you’ve suffered injuries because of a slip and fall, you might wonder if you can hold someone accountable. Property owners must keep their premises safe, and injuries can occur when they fail to do so. Filing a lawsuit after a slip and fall can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. However, pursuing legal action requires understanding specific circumstances and the role a slip and fall lawyer ca... Read More

Strict liability law plays a unique role in personal injury cases, creating an exception to the general rule that negligence must be proven for a claim to succeed. Under strict liability, someone can be held legally responsible for harm caused by their actions or products, regardless of whether they acted with care or intent. This concept shifts the focus from behavior to responsibility, and it's most commonly applied in areas like defective p... Read More

Back injuries can profoundly impact life after an accident. Whether you were involved in a car crash, a slip-and-fall, or another incident caused by someone else's negligence, this injury can disrupt your physical health, work, and personal well-being. Understanding the potential value of a back injury claim is vital if you're considering legal action. Working with a Newport Beach personal injury lawyer ensures you can pursue the compensati... Read More

You might expect your insurance rates to rise when you're involved in a car accident. The degree of increase, however, depends on various factors like fault, the severity of the accident, and your driving history. Insurance companies calculate premiums based on perceived risk; an accident can make you seem like a greater risk to insure. You might not realize how significant these increases can be. However, a car accident lawyer can reduce t... Read More

Motor vehicle accidents are a reality that many people face, and unfortunately, they happen every day. Whether it's a minor fender bender or a more serious crash, the aftermath can be stressful and complicated. Car accident statistics are more than just numbers – they represent the lives affected by the poor choices of others on the road. If you've suffered an injury in a car accident, hiring a skilled Irvine car accident lawyer can be one ... Read More

When you're involved in a car accident, one of the most pressing concerns is figuring out who pays for your medical bills. These costs add up quickly, and understanding how payment works can feel daunting. You might think the driver at fault automatically covers everything, but the reality is often more complex. Sorting through the possibilities requires knowing what applies to your specific situation and why you should seek help from an ex... Read More

When you've suffered an injury due to someone else's carelessness, you might wonder how much hiring a personal injury lawyer will cost. It's a valid question, and understanding the payment structure can help you make an informed decision about seeking legal help. Personal injury attorneys usually work differently from other types of lawyers, so how they charge for their services might surprise you if you've never dealt with this kind of cas... Read More