2022 Selection as a Super Lawyer!

Selected again to Super Lawyers! My peers selected me again as a Northern California Super Lawyer. Lots of hard work and commitment. https://profiles.superlawyers.com/california/sacramento/lawyer/james-r-lewis/607aab13-5348-42d2-9329-5b5d9ba6f3fb.html

Uninsured Motorist Coverage is THE Most Important

Most drivers are worried about drivers without insurance. However, only 16% of drivers are uninsured, which is tied directly to the DMV requirement that registered vehicles have to be insured. However, this same requirement of minimal insurance ($15,000/$30,000 for bodily injury claims per person/per accident) creates an army of "under-insured" drivers.

Those drivers do not have enough to pay their victim's medical expenses, for their lost wages, or for pain and suffering. Under-Insured Motorist Coverage (UIM), which is an automatic part of Uninsured Motorist Coverage (http://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/auto101.cfm#otherkindsofcoverage) fills that gap between what a negligent driver might have for coverage (likely the minimum) and what your recoverable damages are. For example, if you are injured and incur $17,000 in medical bills and lost wages, but the at-driver has only $15,000 then that driver is under-insured. If you carry more than $15,000 in your own UIM ($25,000, for example) then your insurance should fill that gap up to $10,000 in our example ($25,000 less $15,000 recovered from the at-fault party = $10,000). The cost of UIM coverage is minimal when compared to your liability coverage, and for good drivers UIM coverage is the absolute best way to protect yourself for when you are injured by someone carrying only the minimum amount of auto insurance.  Lewis Injury, PC is ready to help with a free consultation by telephone (916-378-8878), email (james@lewisinjury.com) or video conference.

What to do when you're Hit and They Run?

In Sacramento County, Hit and Run accidents accounted for 1015 collisions in 2019.  Here's

some critical advice: First, your uninsured motorist (UM) and collision coverages will cover a hit-and-run accident. Second, take pictures of the damage to your car where the other car hit yours. Physical contact between the fleeing vehicle and yours is required for your UM coverage to apply. Third, file a police report. If the police won't come to the scene, then go to the local police (within city limits) or local CHP office (in unincorporated areas) and make a counter report about the incident. Four, notify your insurance immediately. I suggest doing it within a day of the collision or at least the next business day.  Lewis Injury, PC is ready to help with a free consultation by telephone (916-378-8878), video conference, or email at james@lewisinjury.com.

Peers Honor James R. Lewis with awards for Super Lawyers and Top Attorney in Sacramento

For the tenth time, James R. Lewis was named as a Northern California Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers. Mr. Lewis is included in an exclusive list of the top 5% of attorneys in Northern California for 2021. Since 2012, Mr. Lewis has been recognized by his peers and the community as one of the best lawyers in Northern California.  Attorneys selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers are nominated by their peers before undergoing "rigorous" evaluations in a number of areas of "peer recognition and professional achievement," according to Super Lawyers selection process. The objective, the magazine says, is to "create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys." Recognition is based on surveys of approximately 52,000 active lawyers in Northern California, independent research by Super Lawyers magazine, and review and recommendation by practice-area panels of top lawyers.  James R. Lewis''s selection as a Top Lawyer in Sacramento will be featured in the August 2021 issue of Sacramento Magazine

Eight Times! - Selected as Super Lawyer

For the eighth time, James R. Lewis was named as a Northern California Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers. Mr. Lewis is included in an exclusive list of the top 5% of attorneys in Northern California for 2020. Since 2012, Mr. Lewis has been recognized by his peers and the community as one of the best lawyers in Northern California.  Attorneys selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers are nominated by their peers before undergoing "rigorous" evaluations in a number of areas of "peer recognition and professional achievement," according to Super Lawyers selection process. The objective, the magazine says, is to "create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys." Recognition is based on surveys of approximately 52,000 active lawyers in Northern California, independent research by Super Lawyers magazine, and review and recommendation by practice-area panels of top lawyers.  James R. Lewis selection as a Top Lawyer in Sacramento (6th year) will be featured in the August 2020 issue of Sacramento Magazine

James R. Lewis named Super Lawyer for 2019!

For the seventh time, James R. Lewis was named as a Northern California Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers. Mr. Lewis joins an exclusive list of the top 5% of attorneys in Northern California for 2019. Since 2012, Mr. Lewis has been recognized by his peers and the community as one of the best lawyers in Northern California.  Attorneys selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers are nominated by their peers before undergoing "rigorous" evaluations in a number of areas of "peer recognition and professional achievement," according to Super Lawyers selection process. The objective, the magazine says, is to "create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys." Recognition is based on surveys of approximately 52,000 active lawyers in Northern California, independent research by Super Lawyers magazine, and review and recommendation by practice-area panels of top lawyers.  James R. Lewis selection as a Super Lawyer will be featured in the August 2019 issue of Sactown Magazine.

Top Lawyer, again, for 2018!

James R. Lewis was named again to Sacramento Magazine's Top Lawyers List for 2018.  From the hundreds of personal injury attorneys in the Sacramento area, he was one of just 58 selected as a Top Lawyer.  Professional Research Services surveyed the community to determine the top lawyers in 2018.  Attorneys were nominated by their peers, and then carefully evaluated on the basis of the survey results, license status, and their current standing with the State Bar.  Attorneys who received the highest number of votes in each specialty were selected to the list.  This is the fourth consecutive year that Mr. Lewis was selected as a Top Lawyer!

James R. Lewis named Super Lawyer for Third Straight Year!

For the sixth time, James R. Lewis was named as a Northern California Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers. Mr. Lewis joins an exclusive list of the top 5% of attorneys in Northern California for 2018. Since 2012, Mr. Lewis has been recognized by his peers and the community as one of the best lawyers in Northern California.  Attorneys selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers are nominated by their peers before undergoing "rigorous" evaluations in a number of areas of "peer recognition and professional achievement," according to Super Lawyers selection process. The objective, the magazine says, is to "create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys." Recognition is based on surveys of approximately 52,000 active lawyers in Northern California, independent research by Super Lawyers magazine, and review and recommendation by practice-area panels of top lawyers.  James R. Lewis selection as a Super Lawyer will be featured in the August 2018 issue of Sactown Magazine.  

Sacramento Magazine Top Lawyers List 2017

James R. Lewis was named again to Sacramento Magazine's Top Lawyers List for 2017. Professional Research Services surveyed the community to determine the top lawyers in 2017.  Attorneys were selected by nomination of their peers, and then carefully evaluated on the basis of the survey results, license status, and their current standing with the State Bar.  Attorneys who received the highest number of votes in each specialty were selected to the list.  This is the third consecutive year that Mr. Lewis was selected as a Top Lawyer!

James R. Lewis named as Super Lawyer!

  James R. Lewis

For the fifth time, James R. Lewis was named as a Northern California Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers. Mr. Lewis joins an exclusive list of the top 5% of attorneys in Northern California for 2017. Since 2012, Mr. Lewis has been recognized by his peers and the community as one of the best lawyers in Northern California.  Attorneys selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers are nominated by their peers before undergoing "rigorous" evaluations in a number of areas of "peer recognition and professional achievement," according to Super Lawyers selection process. The objective, the magazine says, is to "create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys." Recognition is based on surveys of approximately 52,000 active lawyers in Northern California, independent research by Super Lawyers magazine, and review and recommendation by practice-area panels of top lawyers.  James R. Lewis selection as a Super Lawyer will be featured in the August 2017 issue of Sactown Magazine.

James R. Lewis named as Super Lawyer!

  James R. Lewis

For the fourth time, James R. Lewis was named as a Northern California Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers. Mr. Lewis joins an exclusive list of the top 5% of attorneys in Northern California for 2016. Since 2012, Mr. Lewis has been recognized by his peers and the community as one of the best lawyers in Northern California.  Attorneys selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers are nominated by their peers before undergoing "rigorous" evaluations in a number of areas of "peer recognition and professional achievement," according to Super Lawyers selection process. The objective, the magazine says, is to "create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys." Recognition is based on surveys of approximately 52,000 active lawyers in Northern California, independent research by Super Lawyers magazine, and review and recommendation by practice-area panels of top lawyers.  James R. Lewis selection as a Super Lawyer will be featured in the August 2016 issue of Sac Town Magazine.

James R. Lewis named to Sacramento Magazine's 2015 Top Lawyers

James R. Lewis was named to Sacramento Magazine's 2015 Top Lawyers list in the category of Personal Injury General, which appears in the August 2015 issue.

James R. Lewis named to CCTLA Board of Directors

James R. Lewis was named today as the newest member of the Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association (CCTLA) Board of Directors. CCTLA is the voice of and for Sacramento Trial Attorneys. Founded in the early 1950s to create a meaningful source of information about Sacramento juries, CCTLA has grown into an effective guild of trial advocates. CCTLA serves its members as liason to the courts, as providers of meaningful continuing legal education, as a network of the exchange of ideas and experiences and as a representative to Consumer Attorneys of California.

James R. Lewis named 2014 Top Attorneys - Northern CA's Outstanding Young Lawyers S.F. Magazine

James R. Lewis received the 2014 Top Attorneys - Northern California's Outstanding Young Lawyers recognition as published in San Francisco Magazine.

  

James R. Lewis Named (Again) to Super Lawyers Rising Stars

For the third consecutive year, James R. Lewis was named as a Northern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers. Mr. Lewis joins an exclusive list of the top up-and-coming attorneys in Northern California for 2014. Attorneys selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars are nominated by their peers before undergoing "rigorous" evaluations in a number of areas of "peer recognition and professional achievement," according to Super Lawyers selection process. The objective, the magazine says, is to "create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys." Recognition is based on surveys of approximately 52,000 active lawyers in Northern California, independent research by Super Lawyers magazine, and review and recommendation by practice-area panels of top lawyers.

Surprise! In order to compel arbitration, the other party must have signed the arbitration agreement

California's Second District Court of Appeal affirmed a trial court's denial of an employer's petition to compel arbitration of a sexual harassment claim, based on....the fact that the employee never signed the new employee handbook which contained a mandatory arbitration clause for all employment matters.  The employer argued that the employee knew the clause existed, and she was in charge of getting all employees (including herself) to sign the employee handbook.  The appellate court again denied the employer's petition to compel arbitration, stating "the trial court properly inferred from [employee's] election not to sign the arbitration agreement that she did not intend to be bound by it."  Further evidence of the old adage, "GET IT IN WRITING"

Wrongful Death Claims Settled...

My clients were the wife and three adult daughters of husband "Joe".  Joe died in the hospital from injuries he sustained two weeks prior  in a two-vehicle car accident on the interstate.  Joe was a passenger in his drunk friend's car when his friend rear-ended a legally stopped vehicle.  The driver's insurance company (another large national company) was quick to settle, but on its terms.  It quickly tendered its policy limit to my clients but it wanted my clients to prove a negative, namely that Medi-Care did NOT have a right to reimbursement from the settlement.  Medi-Care had already confirmed, in writing, that it did not pay any bills for Joe and therefore was not seeking reimbursement.  This was not good enough for the insurance company, because it knew Joe was a Medi-Care member and it wanted to know why Medi-Care did not pay.  After months of convincing and stating the same facts over and over, the insurance company saw the light and paid its policy limits to my four well-deserving clients.  I was happy to bring closure to this family and help them move on.

Insurance carrier denies any other policies apply...WRONG

My client, a passenger in a vehicle driven by her cousin, was ejected when the vehicle hydroplanes on a wet highway.  She was taken by ambulance to the ER with severe injuries including a traumatic brain injury.  The cousin was driving her uncle's vehicle.  The uncle only has $50,000 in coverage, which is quickly tendered to my client.  The driver did not have her own auto coverage, or so we are told.  My client's medical bills exceed $1,500,000.00.  Luckily a government program gets involved and pays them all.  Nonetheless, client is still severely injured and the large national insurance company is pushing the $50,000 policy limit.  After months of questions, letters, filing suit and subpoenaing people for depositions I confirm that there is an additional auto policy for $25,000, which was the driver's mother's policy.  It extended to the daughter via a standard "resident relative" clause in every auto policy.  Although small consolation or compensation for her injuries the additional $25,000.00 was important to my client.  It was also something additional that the large national insurance company had claimed did not exist.  It was ready to lie and pressure my client into signing away everything for only $50,000, for what the insurance company was positive was the only available coverage.  Lesson learned here: DO NOT TRUST AN INSURANCE COMPANY, EVEN YOUR OWN, TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH.

James R. Lewis Honored by SUPER LAWYERS

James R. Lewis was named as a Northern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers.  Mr. Lewis joins an exclusive list of the top up-and-coming attorneys in Northern California for 2012.  Attorneys selected for inclusion in the list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars are nominated by their peers before undergoing "rigorous" evaluations in a number of areas of "peer recognition and professional achievement," according to Super Lawyers selection process. The objective, the magazine says, is to "create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys." Recognition is based on surveys of approximately 52,000 active lawyers in Northern California, independent research by Super Lawyers magazine, and review and recommendation by practice-area panels of top lawyers.

Judge Pro Tem Experience

I volunteered four hours this morning at the Placer County Superior Court as an appointed Judge Pro Tem.  Handed two cases to try and help resolve.  One was a smaller case, with an in pro per plaintiff and a large national insurance carrier on the defense.  Both parties were reasonable, put their confidence in me, and we negotiated a respectable resolution that removed risk for all involved, save thousands in litigation expenses and preserved court resources.  My experience and reputation with the defense attorney and claims representative from the carrier were important in efficiently resolving the case.  Other case involved an injury causation dispute from a major motor vehicle accident.  This was the type of case on which reasonable minds could differ, which they did and continue to do.  Neither party was mean or disrespectful about their positions, but were firm in their principles.  And both were prepared for trial in two weeks.  Despite spending two hours with the parties, could not come to any common ground.