California’s wildfires leave a trail of destruction in their wake—homes reduced to rubble, communities displaced, and lives forever changed. Beyond this devastation, the opportunity for looting emerges.
Homeowner’s insurance is a vital safety net for Californians, especially in areas prone to natural disasters such as wildfires. Yet, recent trends indicate that obtaining adequate coverage has become increasingly harder. Premiums are escalating, coverage options are diminishing, and insurance companies, such as State Farm, are dropping policyholders and non-renewing policies at an alarming rate.
For those affected by the Eaton Fire and other recent disasters in the Los Angeles County area, important deadlines are approaching. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have set March 31, 2025, as the final day to apply for disaster relief assistance. If you are considering financial assistance for recovery, it is critical to act before the deadline. Even if you are unsure whether you will need the funds, applying now preserves your eligibility, as you will not be able to apply after the deadline passes.
Recently, the California Department of Insurance extended its one-year moratorium on insurance cancellation or non-renewals to people impacted by the recent chain of California fires. Among the fires included are the McKinney Fire, the Mill Fire, the Fairview Fire, and the Mosquito Fire.
In recent years, we have seen an unprecedented amount of fires raging through California communities. Completely decimated, these towns are left to start from scratch with just the rubble of the past beneath their feet. These fires have not only transformed landscapes, but they have transformed people as well. As these communities begin to rebuild, they have been doing so with the future in mind. Towns across California have been finding the silver lining in this devastation by rebuilding more sustainable, fire safe communities than ever before.
Keeping a pet dog is undoubtedly one of the most cherished forms in which the constitutionally protected right to own personal property is exercised. To most people it is more than ownership of mere personal property. More than once courts have recognized that the keeping of such pets is such an important part of our way of life and have recognized the perhaps sentimental but nonetheless universally strong affection of [hu]mankind for the dog. But while the vast majority of dogs behave like the furry best friends long known to humankind, dog bites are not uncommon.
California has some of the strictest motorcycle helmet laws in the nation, requiring all riders and passengers to wear U.S. DOT-compliant helmets on public roads, regardless of age. These "universal" helmet laws aim to reduce the risk of severe head injuries, which are a leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. This blog explores the legal requirements outlined in California Vehicle Code § 27803, the importance of using properly certified helmets, and the potential legal implications of not wearing one.
Lane splitting, the practice of motorcyclists riding between lanes of traffic, is legal in California and recognized as a tool to reduce congestion on the state’s busy roadways. However, it remains a topic of debate due to safety concerns and varying levels of public awareness. This blog dives into the legal framework surrounding lane splitting, including California Vehicle Code § 21658.1 and the California Highway Patrol’s guidelines for safe practices.