Florida Hoverboard Death Sparks Legal Battle Between Insurers
Florida entrepreneur Aaron Hirschhorn's 2021 hoverboard accident in Biscayne Bay has sparked a legal battle between insurers. Hirschhorn, 45, died when a boat collided with his hoverboard. His widow, Karen Nissim, sued Clear Blue Insurance and its third-party adjuster, Yachtinsure Services.
In 2021, Florida law changed, prohibiting insurers from denying claims based on trivial 'technicalities'. However, Yachtinsure refused to defend Clear Blue or settle Hirschhorn's claim, despite being authorized to settle up to $150,000. Yachtinsure, acting as a Managing General Agent, disputes Clear Blue's assertions and claims only one remaining claim in run-off.
Nissim's lawsuit, demanding at least $500,000, is still pending. Clear Blue won a judgment requiring Yachtinsure to comply with contract terms and adjust other high-dollar claims. Meanwhile, Nissim was awarded $66 million from the boat owner and operator in arbitration.
The legal dispute between Clear Blue, Yachtinsure, and Nissim continues. The outcome may set a precedent for insurers' responsibilities in handling claims, especially in light of Florida's new law.
