Robert G. McCoy & Associates, P.C.

Critical Steps to Take After a Car Accident

admin — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:27:11 +0000

When you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you don’t want to jeopardize your rights by failing to preserve critical evidence or making statements that can be used against you. In the uncertain moments following a collision, you can easily lose track of your thoughts and make crucial mistakes. This article outlines the steps you need to take after a car crash to protect your rights.

Before You Leave the Scene of the Accident

The first thing you need to do after an accident is verify the extent of any injuries to you or your passengers. Check immediately to see that everyone is conscious and can move under their own power. If a passenger is unconscious or cannot move, leave them alone unless they are in danger of further injury. EMT personnel will be better equipped to take care of them. If anyone is unconscious or need immediate medical attention, call 911.

Your next step should be to move your vehicle out of harm’s way, if possible. Your safety is the most important factor at this point. Don’t worry about being able to show how the accident occurred. Accident reconstruction specialists can put the pieces together even if the vehicles have been moved.

If you have not yet called law enforcement officers, telephone them and stay in your car until they arrive (unless it is unsafe to do so). You may have a lot of nervous energy after the accident and may be inclined to talk more than you should or want to. Don’t spend unnecessary time in conversation with other drivers. You may say something that will be held against you in court.

Once police officers arrive, gather relevant information from them, such as name, badge number and jurisdiction. Provide them with any information they request, including identification and proof of insurance. Do not volunteer information, but provide clear answers to their questions.

Before you leave the scene of the accident, you should also ask other drivers for important information, including name, address, phone number, insurance provider and policy number. If you have a camera, you should take as many pictures as you can, showing damages to other vehicles or other property, personal injuries, skid marks and important road signs or signals.

After You Leave the Scene of the Accident

Your first inclination after leaving the scene of the accident may be to contact your insurance carrier. Instead, you should call an experienced personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies have a vested interest in paying as little as possible for your injury. An attorney will put your needs first, seeking full and fair compensation for your losses. Your attorney may also act as your liaison with your insurer, making certain you get full and fair compensation for all your losses.

If you have not sought medical care at the scene of the accident, you may want to take yourself to the hospital or a clinic, so that you get a documented report of any immediately observable injuries. If your injuries are minor, you should nonetheless set up an appointment with your doctor to get a full examination.

You will need to notify your insurance provider in a timely manner. Don’t sign anything, however, without talking with an attorney.

We have extensive experience representing individuals injured in car accident claims, as well as families who experience the accidental death of a family member due to an automobile accident, including the following types of claims:

Car / truck accidents
Automobile / auto accidents
Car / motorcycle accidents
Car / pedestrian accidents
Auto / bus accidents
Bicycle / car accidents
Auto / taxi cab accidents

We also handle all types of impact claims, including the following:

Head on collisions
Rear end collisions
Side impact car accidents

Contact a Skilled Ontario Car Accident Attorney and Auto Injury Lawyer

For additional information about California car accident laws, or to discuss your claim with an experienced Inland Empire auto accident attorney, schedule a free confidential consultation by calling us at (909) 467-1169, or fill out the intake form on our Contact Robert G. McCoy & Associates, P.C. page, and we will contact you.

Premises Liability FAQ

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:36:39 +0000

Premises liability is the legal term for determining who is responsible for an injury that occurred on someone’s property. Type of events that fall under premises liability are slipping on something in a grocery store, tripping on a sidewalk and even a falling tree. Some other types include:

Dog Bites
A dog bite can either be a small annoyance or a huge hassle resulting in a serious injury. A dog’s owner may be responsible for injuries you incur from being bitten by a dog. Typically, these injuries occur on the dog owner’s property. But if it occurs on someone else’s property, that person may be responsible too.

Sidewalk Injuries
Tripping on a sidewalk can result in embarrassment or a trip to the emergency room. If the injury occurs on a private sidewalk, most states make the property owner responsible for the injury if it resulted to due the poor condition of the sidewalk. If the sidewalk is owned by a governmental entity, that entity may be responsible for the injury under the same circumstances. Some states require that the owner of the property have notice that the sidewalk was in poor condition.

Status of Victim
Even if you are injured by a defective condition covered under premises liability, it could be that you are not able to recover due to your reason for being on the property. In most states, guests or invitees are given the most protection. This is when you are invited on the property by the property owner for a commercial benefit to the owner. A licensee is someone permitted to stay on the property for a non-commercial purpose. A trespasser is one who enters the property without consent or permission from the owner. Trespassers are given the least legal protection from injuries on property.

Contact Robert G. McCoy & Associates
If you have been on someone’s property, contact the Ontatio Personal Injury Trial Attorneys of Robert G. McCoy & Associates. Their website is located at http://www.inlandempireaccidentlaw.com/ and you can call their office at 909-467-1169 to schedule a consultation.

Ontario Personal Injury Trial Attorneys

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:18:18 +0000

Located in Ontario, California, between San Antonio Park and the Ontario Village Shopping Center, Robert G. McCoy & Associates, P.C. represents clients in personal injury and wrongful death actions throughout the Pomona – Ontario – Rancho Cucamonga area, including the communities in and around Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, Eastern LA County, Chino, Victorville and Fontana, CA.

When you or someone in your family experiences an unexpected accident causing injury or death, your life dramatically changes. You may suddenly find yourself amid piles of medical bills or with a reduced income. You need help, advice, and legal representation.

Our firm has been providing individuals and families throughout the Inland Empire with experienced representation and the highest level of service since 1985. With more than 20 years’ experience, we offer a team of lawyers who can help you when you need it most.

We tailor our legal services to meet your needs and have a well-earned reputation as aggressive trial lawyers who are committed to achieving the goals of our clients. We have the experience and knowledge required to provide you with the information and advice you need to make informed decisions about your future and future of your family.

In addition to personal injury claims, our firm also has the ability to provide you with family law and bankruptcy services.

Contact an Experienced Inland Empire Accident Law Attorney

To discuss your particular situation with an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney, schedule a free consultation by calling us at (909) 467-1169, or fill out the intake form on our Contact Robert G. McCoy & Associates, P.C. page, and we will contact you.