Alhajj v. Knightbrook Insurance Company, et al.

Court: Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
Case Number: 23CV029885
Filing Date: March 23, 2023
Case Type: Unlimited Civil – Fraud / Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Plaintiff: Aseel Alhajj
Defendants: Knightbrook Insurance Company; Hankey Investment Company LP; Bridger Insurance Services

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Summary of Allegations

According to the complaint, Plaintiff Aseel Alhajj brought an unlimited civil action asserting that multiple defendants—including Bridger Insurance Services—engaged in fraudulent, bad-faith, and unlawful claims-handling practices following an uninsured motorist accident.

Plaintiff alleges that:

• They were insured under an automobile insurance policy issued and administered by the defendants.
• On May 21, 2022, Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by another driver who fled the scene.
• Plaintiff filed an uninsured motorist claim with Bridger Insurance Services.
• Defendants refused to pay policy limits and claimed they could not locate the responsible vehicle.
• Defendants allegedly failed to conduct a reasonable investigation, improperly denied coverage, and did not compensate Plaintiff for bodily injury damages.
• Defendants’ conduct constituted both a breach of contract and a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing (“insurance bad faith”).
• Additional allegations include fraud, unfair business practices under Business & Professions Code §17200, and negligence related to claims processing.

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Causes of Action

The complaint asserts multiple causes of action, including:

1. Tortious Breach of Insurance Contract
2. Breach of the Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
3. Bad Faith Failure to Pay a Covered Claim
4. Bad Faith Failure to Properly Investigate Claim
5. Violation of Business & Professions Code §17200 (Unfair Competition)
6. Fraud
7. Negligence
8. Uninsured Motorist Coverage Violations

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Plaintiff’s Claims

Plaintiff contends that Defendants:

• Wrongfully refused to pay uninsured motorist benefits
• Failed to reasonably investigate the claim
• Denied coverage without a valid basis
• Acted with willful disregard of Plaintiff’s rights
• Engaged in deceptive and fraudulent practices
• Violated insurance industry standards and California statutory requirements

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Damages Sought

Plaintiff seeks:

• Compensatory damages
• Punitive damages for alleged willful misconduct
• Damages for bodily injury
• Damages for economic loss
• Attorneys’ fees and legal costs
• Any additional relief deemed proper by the court

This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or commentary on the merits of the case.