In the Matter of: Heather Lofholm

26CV014376: IN THE MATTER OF: HEATHER LOFHOLM 09/02/2026 Hearing on Motion to Compel Arbitration in an Uninsured Motorist Action [C.C.P. 1281.6 Insurance Code 11580.2] in Department 8C

Tentative Ruling

NOTICE:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any oral arguments regarding this tentative ruling will be heard at 1:30 p.m. in Department 8C in the Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye Courthouse at 500 G Street, Sacramento, CA, the Hon. Richard C. Miadich presiding.

Any party who wishes to contest the tentative ruling below must:

(1) request a hearing by calling the Law and Motion Oral Argument Request Line at (916) 874-8380, by 4:00 p.m. the Court day before the noticed hearing date, and leave a voicemail message (a) identifying themselves as the party requesting oral argument; (b) indicating the specific matter/motion for which they are requesting oral argument; and (c) confirming that they have notified the opposing party of their intention to appear; and

(2) advise the opposing party of the location and time of hearing pursuant to Local Rule 1.06.

If a hearing is not requested by 4:00 p.m. on the Court day before the noticed hearing date, the tentative ruling will become the final order of the Court.

If a hearing is requested, the Court prefers in-person attendance by the parties. However, parties may appear by Zoom unless the Court specifically orders in-person attendance. Parties choosing to appear by Zoom are reminded, however, that a Zoom appearance is still a formal appearance before the Court. Parties appearing via Zoom should do so from a quiet location, free from undue distractions, and wear attire suitable for an in-person court appearance.

The parties may join the Zoom session for hearing on the tentative ruling by audio and/or video through the following link:

https://saccourt-ca-gov.zoomgov.com/j/16039062174

SIP Address:

16039062174@sip.zoomgov.com

26CV014376: IN THE MATTER OF: HEATHER LOFHOLM 09/02/2026 Hearing on Motion to Compel Arbitration in an Uninsured Motorist Action [C.C.P. 1281.6 Insurance Code 11580.2] in Department 8C

(833) 568-8864

ID: 16039062174

Parties requesting services of a court reporter will need to arrange for private court reporter services at their own expense, pursuant to Government code §68086 and California Rules of Court, Rule 2.956. Requirements for requesting a court reporter are listed in the Policy for Official Reporter Pro Tempore available on the Sacramento Superior Court website at https://www.saccourt.ca.gov/court-reporters/docs/crtrp-6a.pdf. Parties may contact Court-Approved Official Reporters Pro Tempore by utilizing the list of Court Approved Official Reporters Pro Tempore available at https://www.saccourt.ca.gov/court-reporters/docs/crtrp-13.Pdf

A Stipulation and Appointment of Official Reporter Pro Tempore (CV/E-206) is required to be signed by each party, the private court reporter, and the Judge prior to the hearing, if not using a reporter from the Court’s Approved Official Reporter Pro Tempore list.

Once the form is signed it must be filed with the clerk. If a litigant has been granted a fee waiver and requests a court reporter, the party must submit a Request for Court Reporter by a Party with a Fee Waiver (CV/E-211) and it must be filed with the clerk at least 10 days prior to the hearing or at the time the proceeding is scheduled if less than 10 days away. Once approved, the clerk will be forward the form to the Court Reporter’s Office and an official reporter will be provided.

TENTATIVE RULING

***NOTICE: EFFECTIVE APRIL 13, 2026, THIS DEPARTMENT HAS MOVED TO THE TANI G. CANTIL-SAKAUYE COURTHOUSE LOCATED AT 500 G STREET SACRAMENTO, CA. ALL MOTIONS NOTICED FOR DEPARTMENT 28 WILL BE HEARD IN DEPARTMENT 8C OF THE NEW COURTHOUSE. ALL PAPERS FOR THIS DEPARTMENT MUST BE FILED AT THIS NEW LOCATION AND WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE HALL OF JUSTICE. ALL HEARINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THIS NEW LOCATION***

Claimant Heather Lofholm’s (“Claimant”) motion to compel arbitration in an underinsured motorist action is ruled upon as follows.

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO

26CV014376: IN THE MATTER OF: HEATHER LOFHOLM 09/02/2026 Hearing on Motion to Compel Arbitration in an Uninsured Motorist Action [C.C.P. 1281.6 Insurance Code 11580.2] in Department 8C

This matter arises from an automobile collision that occurred on October 8, 2025.

According to Respondent's Declaration page, at the time of the subject collision Claimant was insured under Farmers Insurance’s policies of insurance including Uninsured Motorist coverage within the meaning of California Insurance Code, Section 11580.2(f). Ms. Lofholm, through Farmers Insurance, has $100,000.00 per person and $300,000.00 per occurrence in Uninsured Motorist coverage. (Decl. Wood, ¶ 5.)

Claimant seeks order compelling arbitration. Claimant requests the Court to appoint Nicholas Lowe, Esq., Frederick Wiesner, Esq., or Mike Ney, Esq. to serve as arbitrator. Claimant also seeks an order to compel arbitration to take place in a timely manner, within 120 days of this hearing date.

Respondent opposes the motion, arguing that investigation is still ongoing, that they are unfamiliar with the proposed arbitrators, and that “[i]t is of paramount importance to take the deposition of the claimant, obtain current medical records from all currently treating physicians including those in which future treatment is anticipated, and determine if any expert depositions or reviews are needed.” (Opposition, 5:6-9.) The Court notes that Respondent does not object to any of the proposed arbitrators.

On reply, Claimant emphasizes that on July 2, 2026, Claimant provided Respondent with Claimant’s responses to discovery, which included all of Claimant’s medical records and bills currently in Claimant’s possession, and that Claimant’s responses outlined all of Claimant’s medical providers and information necessary for Respondent’s subpoena for medical records. (Reply Decl. Wood, ¶ 2.) Claimant states that Claimant was deposed on August 20, 2026. (Reply Decl. Wood, ¶ 3.) In addition, Claimant’s counsel agrees to waive time on Respondent's subpoena for Claimant’s medical records to expedite the request process. (Reply Decl. Wood, ¶ 4.)

It does not appear to the Court that more than 120 days are needed by Respondent at this juncture.

Claimant’s motion to compel arbitration to take place in a timely manner is GRANTED. Nicholas Lowe, Esq. is appointed to serve as arbitrator. Arbitration is to take place within 120 days of the date of this order.

The minute order is effective immediately. No formal order pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.1312 or further notice is required.

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO

26CV014376: IN THE MATTER OF: HEATHER LOFHOLM 09/02/2026 Hearing on Motion to Compel Arbitration in an Uninsured Motorist Action [C.C.P. 1281.6 Insurance Code 11580.2] in Department 8C