FAQ: Yearin Law's $598,790 Personal Injury Verdict Against Allstate

What was the outcome of Yearin Law’s personal injury case?

Yearin Law secured a $598,790 judgment for their client following a bench trial related to a 2024 motor vehicle collision, after Allstate had only offered $25,000 of the available $50,000 policy limit.

Why did Allstate only offer $25,000 instead of the full $50,000 policy limit?

Allstate invoked a controversial “family step-down” clause in its policy, arguing that because the client and driver were engaged and living together, coverage was limited to Arizona’s minimum statutory limits rather than the full policy amount.

What injuries did the client sustain in the accident?

The client suffered herniated cervical discs, a lumbar injury, shoulder trauma, and a concussion, with medical expenses totaling over $45,000 for treatments including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and spinal injections.

How did Yearin Law challenge Allstate’s position on the policy limitation?

Attorney Don Yearin argued that the “family step-down” clause didn’t apply because the parties weren’t legally related, and that such limitations are inconsistent with policyholders’ reasonable expectations that coverage should apply equally regardless of familial relationships.

What legal strategy led to the successful verdict?

Yearin Law filed suit when Allstate refused to tender the remaining $25,000, obtained a default judgment when Allstate failed to respond timely, and then presented strong medical evidence at trial showing the injuries were consistent with acute trauma rather than pre-existing conditions.

What evidence was crucial in proving the case?

Dash cam video captured the violent collision, and the client’s treating physician provided detailed testimony using MRI images to confirm the injuries were consistent with acute trauma, rebutting defense claims that the spinal injuries predated the accident.

What happens next after this verdict?

Yearin Law plans to pursue a bad faith insurance claim on behalf of their client, arguing that Allstate had multiple opportunities to resolve the case fairly but instead relied on a questionable policy exclusion.

When and where did the original accident occur?

The motor vehicle collision occurred on February 14, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona, when the at-fault driver made an improper left turn and failed to yield to oncoming traffic.

Who was the attorney and judge involved in this case?

Personal injury attorney Don Yearin, founder of Yearin Law, represented the client, and Judge Mary C. Cronin presided over the case, denying Allstate’s motion to set aside the default judgment.

What is the significance of this verdict for insurance disputes?

This verdict sends a clear message about the consequences insurers may face when they undervalue claims and deny coverage based on ambiguous policy language, demonstrating that policy limitations can be successfully challenged in court.