Dog Bite Injury/Animal Attack Lawyers
Dogs bite roughly 5 million people a year in the U.S. Almost half of those injured are kids, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims. About 800,000 Americans annually seek medical attention for wounds from dog bites, and 386,000 require emergency room treatment. About 16 individuals die each year after being attacked by a dog. The CDC’s figures do not consider the psychological trauma of experiencing an animal attack.
It is a basic fact of life that dogs bite. This includes any dog of any breed. A dog bite can be anything from a nip to a traumatic attack that leaves a severe injury. A serious injury sustained in a dog attack is cause to hold the dog’s owner responsible, and for the dog attack victim to seek reimbursement for all medical costs, pain and suffering and other harm caused by the bite.
If you have suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an animal attack that occurred in the Pomona area or anywhere else in California, the personal injury lawyers at First Law Group, want to help you.
Serious Injuries From Dog Attacks
A serious bite is not a playful nip or even a small injury that bruises an individual who came into contact with a dog at the wrong time. A serious dog attack is one that consists of biting and scratching that results in significant traumatic injury, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures or more. A serious attack by a dog can also result in considerable emotional and psychological injury.
According to dog bite statistics from the CDC, around 885,000 dog bite victims every year– or 20 percent of all of those who are attacked by dogs– require medical attention for their injuries.
The most common victims are:
- Children ages 5-9
- Elderly individuals
- Post letter carriers
Dogs most often bite an individual’s arm, hand, leg, foot, head or neck, according to the CDC. Typical injuries in dog attacks include:
- Cuts, bruises and scratches
- Puncture wounds
- Tearing (avulsion)
- Dislocations
- Bone fractures
- Amputations
- Crushing (head/ skull injuries)
DogsBite.org, a nonprofit, public education website regarding dangerous dog breeds, reports that severe dog attacks can cause acute injuries that can require $250,000 to $1 million in specialized medical care.
The CDC specifies that approximately 27,000 dog bite victims each year undergo reconstructive surgery. This might consist of skin grafting, tissue expansion and scar diminishment. A victim may need multiple operations over several years.
Seeking Compensation After A Dog Bite
Dog bite victims may pursue reimbursement to cover their:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Other relevant losses
Claims can be made against the dog owner and, potentially, a third party if that party’s negligence caused the injury.
Individuals who have been seriously injured by an attacking dog deserve compensation and should not be reluctant to seek it via civil legal action and contact a dog attack lawyer– it will not come out of a friend or neighbor’s pocket. The compensation recuperated in a dog attack case almost always comes from the dog owner’s insurance, such as homeowners’ insurance or business liability insurance.
The Insurance Information Institute and State Farm Insurance report that dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners’ insurance liability claim dollars paid in 2013 and led to more than $483 million in compensation for victims. The average settlement for dog bite cases was $27,862.
An experienced lawyer can investigate your dog attack claim to determine whether the dog’s owner is responsible and determine the compensation you may be due for your injuries.
Several cases can be settled through negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company. If a proper settlement agreement can not be reached, we would prepare to pursue suitable compensation for you in court.
Taking Action After An Attack
You can act to help yourself, a loved one or a friend that has been injured by a dog bite. Here are some steps you should attempt to follow:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any kind of dog bite should be seen by a doctor.
- Immediately report the incident to the police and acquire a copy of the police accident report.
- Get the name and contact information of the dog owner if possible.
- Obtain the name and contact information of any individuals who witnessed the attack.
- Photograph the animal that caused your injuries as well as the location of the incident.
- Photograph any visible injuries you have endured as a result of the incident with the animal.
- Save any clothing that might have been damaged by the animal.
- Save and, if possible, photograph any property damaged by the animal.
- Do not interact with the owner of the dog or the owner’s insurance company. If you accept any kind of reimbursement, you might waive your right to sue for additional damages.
Reach Out To Our Dog Bite Lawyers
If you or a loved one has sustained a dog bite injury or other animal attack that caused serious injury or scarring, you have rights that deserve to be protected. Get in touch with a Pomona dog attack attorney at First Law Group, right away and arrange a free consultation.
We will offer a team of legal professionals, medical professionals and investigators who are committed to your case. We can help you make informed decisions regarding your legal options. Our dog attack attorneys will work hard to make sure you receive the settlement you deserve.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Pomona, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
Pomona Bicycle Accident Attorney
To Prevent Collisions And Injuries, Cyclists Have To Always Ride Defensively
As the amount of bicyclists increases, the amount of accidents involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like a lot of other vehicle accidents, a large number of them occur at intersections.
A lot of these collisions are the result of drivers who seem to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They fail to look out for cyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.
These kinds of collisions are worsened by excessively large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are put at risk by rapidly changing traffic signals that might turn red before they fully cross the intersection.
What Are The Most Prevalent Causes Of Bicycle Accidents?
Several of the most common causes of bicycle crashes include:
Drivers Failing To Yield To Bicyclists In Intersections
Some drivers might not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the street. This lack of understanding can be especially hazardous when a cyclist and a car are sharing the street while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most dangerous places for cars and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the main areas where crashes resulting in devastating injuries occur.
A Driver Failing To Observe Cyclists On The Street
Motorists not seeing a cyclist on the street is a common cause of a crash involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists need to take preventative measures to minimize this very preventable cause of bike accidents.
Bicyclists can utilize safety accessories like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help lower the possibility of an accident. Likewise, drivers need to realize that cars are not the only vehicles they need to watch out for when driving. Motor vehicle drivers should be particularly cautious at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a large number of bike commuters.
Motorists Encroaching Into Bike Lanes
Even while riding within the confines of a bike lane, cyclists must be alert at all times for distracted and negligent motorists. Vehicles can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of distraction. This can possibly cause a bicyclist to sustain major injuries.
Bicycle Doorings When A Driver Or Passenger Does Not Pay Attention While Opening A Car Door
As we mentioned above, dooring incidents are a major threat to cyclists, particularly in urban settings. These accidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can result in catastrophic injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Engaging in defensive riding techniques is the best way for a bicyclist to avoid being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted Motorists Hitting A Cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the greatest problems for roadway safety that we face today. As smartphones have become a huge part of our everyday lives, many individuals find it difficult to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted drivers are clearly a threat to other vehicles. But they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians since they have almost zero protection if they are hit. Somebody who is distracted by texting, eating, or a myriad of other reasons might divert into bike lanes. Also, they may not notice a bicyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a bicyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big concern that it’s been identified as the leading cause of bicycle accidents involving automobiles.
Motorists Neglecting To Yield To Bicyclists While Pulling In And Out Of Driveways Or Parking Lots
When a driver that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not completely check their surroundings, it can lead to serious repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Cyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while individuals are backing out due to their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup cameras and sensors are beginning to lessen these types of collisions. However motorists can not depend on these technologies in place of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.
How Can I Prevent A Bike Accident?
Following proper safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Pomona is the best way to prevent accidents and injuries. When moving in traffic, bicyclists need to do the following:
- Obey the rules of the road
- Assume that vehicles and motorists will fail to see you
- Provide cars a wide berth
- Periodically yield to cars under certain conditions when you do not know if a motorist has spotted you
- You should have appropriate safety gear
How Can I Protect Myself In A Bicycle Accident?
- Use a properly-fitting helmet
- Wear bright or reflective clothing
- Use a bike light, reflectors, and reflective tape
- Follow all posted traffic laws
- Trip with the flow of traffic
- Use bike lanes whenever possible
- Make sure your bicycle is in good working condition
- Remain alert at all times and avoid distracted riding
What Should I Do After A Bicycle Accident?
If you get injured in a bicycle accident, it is vital to do the following:
- Call 911 and file a police report. Do not let a driver talk you into not making a police report. That can result in problems later.
- Exchange information with the motorist that hit you. Photograph of their driver’s license and insurance card.
- Take multiple pictures of your bike, the vehicle that hit you, and the scene of the accident.
- Obtain witness information from anyone that happened to see the collision. Don’t miss this step, as authorities do not always take down witness info and you may need it later.
- If needed, get medical attention right away.
- Get in touch with a qualified bike accident attorney in Pomona. Do this before calling the other side’s insurance provider.
Contact A Pomona Bicycle Accident Lawyer At First Law Group
If you sustain an injury in a collision with a car while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you need to speak with a qualified bicycle accident lawyer immediately. He or she will help figure out whether you may have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent motorist.
At First Law Group, our knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers assist bicyclists in pursuing claims against negligent drivers who have caused severe injuries. We understand how to collect all of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or seeking a remedy using other means.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Pomona, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
Pomona Brain Injury Lawyers
If you or a family member suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during a personal injury accident, you already know the impact these injuries can have. Suffering from a brain injury is never easy. A TBI can be straining on a person’s physical, psychological, and financial health. A TBI can also make it hard to work, resume your everyday activities, and enjoy a long and active life.
After a brain injury, your future can depend on the treatment you receive as well as your ability to pay for the care that you need. That’s why you should contact an attorney about receiving the compensation you deserve. The medical bills and lost wages, along with the pain and suffering, are not something you should have to manage on your own.
Get in touch with a Pomona traumatic brain injury attorney at First Law Group if you are suffering from a head injury because of an automobile accident or any other accident.
What Is A Traumatic Brain Injury?
The definition of a traumatic brain injury is “a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.” These injuries include:
- Damage to the structural integrity of the skull
- Damage to the brain tissue from violent movement
- Injuries where the brain tissue is penetrated
TBIs range from mild to severe with varying symptoms and degrees of prognosis.
Mild traumatic brain injuries typically impact a person for a brief time period before they make a complete recovery. More severe traumatic brain injuries can cause bruising, torn tissue, bleeding, and other physical damage that causes long-term complications or death.
What Kinds Of Brain Injury Cases Does First Law Group Handle?
Our brain injury attorneys take on all types of cases involving brain injuries that were caused by another party’s negligence. Some of the most common kinds of TBI cases we handle include:
Car, Truck, And Motorcycle Accidents
Automobile accidents are one of the most common causes of brain injuries in the United States. Car accidents are common and several lead to head injuries. Truck accidents are less common, but they involve devastating force that leads to an increased likelihood of a TBI. And motorcycle riders simply have little to no protection and can easily hurt their head when they are struck or ejected from their bike.
Pedestrian And Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrians and bicyclists are completely exposed when they are walking or biking near roadways. If a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, they are usually thrown or crushed from the force of the vehicle. This impact commonly results in brain injuries in serious pedestrian or bicycle accidents.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a physician, hospital, or other healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care, resulting in an injury to the patient. If the mistake causes a lack of oxygen to the brain, or fails to notice or treat an existing brain issue, a TBI may result.
Birth Injury
Infant brain damage can happen during childbirth in certain situations that are naturally caused and also in circumstances involving negligence. The most common causes of birth injury TBIs are the use of an instrument like forceps with excessive force or asphyxiation when the brain is deprived of oxygen for too long.
Slip And Fall
When a person slips and falls from a slippery floor or damaged staircase, they can easily hit their heads hard enough to inflict a brain injury. Some falls are not serious and cause minor injuries. Yet some can be devastating and lead to long lasting consequences and real pain and suffering.
Job-Related Accidents
Some jobs and industries are known to be more hazardous than others. For example, an employee in the construction industry might suffer a brain injury on the job from falling, being crushed, or during a car accident. In these situations, they may be able to recover compensation through workers’ compensation benefits. If a party besides the employer was responsible, they might be able to receive additional compensation through a third-party personal injury claim.
Compensation For Damages From A Brain Injury
Getting compensation for a brain injury that was not your fault can make all the difference for you and your loved ones. In most cases, victims and their loved ones are dealing with accumulating bills, stress, and an uncertain future. If your traumatic brain injury is severe, you may be out of work for a long time. In addition to medical expenses, you might be able to receive other compensation because of the accident.
Insurance companies will pay the least amount possible because they are in business to make money. They do not care about your injuries; they just care about their bottom lines. If you attempt to settle, you might not get sufficient compensation for past medical expenses, never mind future medical bills and lost time from work.
The various kinds of compensation that you might receive consist of:
- Past medical bills for injuries you suffered in the accident.
- Future medical expenses for upcoming surgeries and doctors’ visits.
- Physical, cognitive and psychological therapies. These kinds of therapies might continue for months or years.
- Past lost wages for time you could not work due to your injuries.
- Future lost income for time you can not work in the future or if you have to take a position that pays less.
- Vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Replacement of personal property damaged in the accident.
- Loss of companionship if the incident caused injuries serious enough so that you can not enjoy doing things with your family.
- Loss of consortium if the accident caused injuries serious enough that you can not enjoy a physical relationship with your spouse.
- The cost if you must hire someone for daily tasks, such as grocery shopping, home maintenance, and cleaning.
- Pain and suffering if doctors expect you to suffer from your injuries for the long term.
- Punitive damages if the at-fault driver’s grossly negligent actions caused the accident.
Traumatic brain injuries might be mild or severe and can have long recovery times. Compensation for long-lasting injuries will help you support yourself and your loved ones.
Contact A Pomona Brain Injury Lawyer
The lawyers of First Law Group have the experience and resources needed to represent you in your traumatic brain injury claim. We will fight on your behalf to recover the maximum compensation you and your loved ones are entitled to.
Don’t make the mistake of handling insurance companies alone. Hire skilled legal representation to protect you and your loved one’s legal rights.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Pomona, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
Pomona Bus Accident Lawyer
Have You Been Hurt In A Bus Crash?
Buses are a common site throughout California. Hundreds of thousands of passengers use buses annually to travel from place to place. Some buses offer local transit around a city and service commercial districts, while others use buses as their way to commute to and from work. Still others decide to ride on a bus as they travel out of state to see loved ones. Whatever the reason, California residents are boarding buses in large numbers every year and that is a pattern that is expected to continue in the coming decades.
Most of these residents travel safely while aboard these buses but unfortunately, many sustain injuries every year in California bus accidents. Commonly these injuries are very significant, in part because passengers do not wear seat belts while riding on most buses. With a number of bus companies servicing Pomona and California in its entirety, it might not be shocking that these bus crashes account for many injuries annually and unfortunately some may result in death. If you suffer an injury, make sure to speak with a Pomona bus accident attorney ASAP.
What Are Some Of The Common Reasons For Bus Crashes?
Bus drivers experience many of the same challenges as any driver, plus a few other unique issues. Some common reasons for bus accidents include:
- Driver distraction– Drivers who pay more attention to their phones or various other electronic devices are more prone to accidents. Due to the number of occupants on buses, bus drivers also are more susceptible to passenger distractions than someone operating a car.
- Driver fatigue– Much like a truck driver, bus drivers have a schedule to meet. This often means they work long hours without taking adequate breaks. The loud environment of a bus can also wear on a driver.
- Speeding– To make their scheduled stops, drivers might ignore speed limits or road conditions due to inclement weather.
- Vehicle maintenance– A poorly maintained bus can crash because of a failing component.
- Insufficient training– Too often, drivers do not have appropriate training on the safest practices for operating a bus. The lack of training or inadequate training can lead to a driver mistake that can result in a crash.
What Injuries Are Prevalent In Bus Crashes?
As with any type of accident on Pomona roads, the injuries from a bus crash might in part depend on the speed of travel and the size of the other vehicle or vehicles in the crash.
The most prevalent injuries consist of:
- Fractures (broken bones) that require surgical repair
- Head and brain injuries
- Back & neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Scars and lacerations
- Wrongful Death
What Legal Rights Are Available To A Bus Crash Victim?
As a bus crash victim, the law may provide you one or more civil cases to pursue. The cases available will rely on the circumstances of a specific crash and who is at fault in the accident.
At Fault Third Parties
If another motorist causes a collision with a bus while you are a passenger on that bus, you may have a claim against the other driver for your injuries. If the other motorist does not have enough insurance coverage available for all of the injuries suffered in the accident or if the other driver has no insurance available at all, you might also have a right to bring an uninsured or underinsured claim against your own insurance company or the bus company itself, if there is UM coverage available.
At Fault Bus Driver
Alternatively, if the crash is because of a negligent bus driver and you were either a bus occupant or in another vehicle, you may have a claim against the bus driver and the bus company. This holds true even if the bus owner is a municipality, like a city bus used for public transportation.
Safety Defects On A Bus
Finally, if the crash is caused by some defect in the bus itself and not by actions of any drivers, you may have a claim against the:
- manufacturer of the bus
- seller of the bus
- owner/operator of the bus
- anyone who performed negligent maintenance while servicing the bus
Any bus driver that is hurt in a collision may also have a claim for worker’s compensation for their injuries.
The possibility of so many claims makes a bus accident case complicated and complex. Often the more vehicles involved in the accident, the more complicated the claim( s). This is a reason that when choosing a bus accident attorney in Pomona, you want to select one with experience prosecuting personal injury cases.
What Do I Do After I’m Involved In A Bus Accident?
You may be rattled and in a state of shock after being involved in a bus crash. But there are a few important things that you need to do before leaving the scene.
- Call 911
- Obtain witness information
- Seek medical care
- Contact a bus accident attorney
How Much Can I Recover Financially After A Bus Crash?
The amount of money you may collect after a bus crash will depend a lot on the severity of your injuries. In general, you might recoup the costs of your:
- medical bills
- lost wages
- pain and suffering
- loss of companionship
- lost earning ability
- damages caused by long-term disability or disfigurement
Families that have lost a loved one in a Pomona bus crash can also collect for any care their loved one sustained before dying as well as compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages. Talk to an expert Pomona bus accident lawyer to learn all of your options.
Have You Been Hurt In A Pomona Bus Accident?
The Pomona bus accident attorneys at First Law Group will strive to help you obtain the financial recovery that you are entitled to. Bus crash damages may consist of: medical expenses, disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, loss of income, and more. We also seek to recuperate present and future expenses when representing a crash victim.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Pomona, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
Pomona Car Accident Lawyer
First Law Group Has Experience Serving Car Accident Victims
Keep in mind that getting assistance from a competent and seasoned car accident attorney may be critical. This is especially true after a significant injury.
If you wait too long in pursuing your claims or fail to fully comprehend your damages, important evidence might vanish. You can lose valuable compensation that you need to pay for your healing.
We know that when you have severe injuries, you can not thoroughly and immediately assess the source of the accident and also collect information. It is even harder to handle the insurance carriers.
Allow our Pomona motor vehicle accident lawyers at First Law Group shoulder that burden for you.
What Should I Do After A Motor Vehicle Accident?
- Call the authorities and make a police report. Do not let the other motorist talk you into skipping this crucial step. It can lead to problems in the future.
- Exchange information with the other motorist. Take good photos of the other party’s I.D. and insurance information. Some police departments will not make this information publicly available on the police report.
- Note witness information. Independent witness testimony can be crucial to your case.
- Take photos of the accident scene and the damages to your vehicle and the other vehicles.
- Get medical care. If you have injuries, go to the emergency room or get medical care as soon as possible. You could have sustained far more severe injuries than you realized. Further, an extensive gap between an accident and medical care can make it hard for your attorney to prove that your injuries are related to the accident.
- Contact our Pomona auto accident attorneys ASAP. The sooner you have an attorney, the faster they can start defending your legal rights. Also, call an attorney before you talk to any auto insurance company. They will typically try to take a statement from you, which can be used against you later.
What Damages Can I Have After An Automobile Accident?
- Medical costs, like hospital visits, doctor appointments, physical therapy, ambulance fees, and so on.
- Pain and suffering refers to the physical and psychological distress for which an individual can seek compensation in a case.
- Lost income from missing work after a major injury, one of the most financially harmful elements of an automobile accident.
What Are The Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
There are a variety of injuries that can result from auto accidents, such as:
- Broken bone injury accidents– When a fracture is more serious, it can require surgery to fix.
- Back and neck injuries– These are commonly soft tissue injuries that resolve with treatment. However, in some cases accident victims suffer herniated discs that might require injections or surgery.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)– Whether minor (like a concussion) or extreme, TBIs can require years of treatment. They may also result in brain death, vegetative states, comas, and even death.
- Lacerations– Sometimes accident victims suffer large cuts that require stitches or staples and frequently leave disfiguring scars.
- Shoulder injuries, such as a torn rotator cuff or a torn labrum– These injuries often require surgery.
- Burn injuries– This can result from fire, but it can also come from airbags. Our firm has seen significant scarring from airbag injuries.
- Fatality– Unfortunately, hundreds of individuals die each year in Pomona area auto accidents.
What Variables Impact My Settlement?
Identifying how much compensation you should anticipate from your settlement can be difficult since the amount depends greatly on the facts of your case. A seasoned Pomona car accident lawyer will calculate your economic as well as non-economic damages. They can also help you make the right choice on when to settle or take your case to court.
Your attorney’s job is to negotiate with the insurance carriers on your behalf until they acquire a top offer from the insurance carrier. If that offer is reasonable, you settle. Otherwise, your lawyer can file a lawsuit.
Factors that impact settlement value include:
- The extent of your injuries.
- The available insurance coverage. If the motorist has little to no insurance, it’s much more difficult to receive a high settlement from them. If the driver has no or minimum insurance, the case might need to depend on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for compensation.
- Whether obligation is clear or contested. As an example, the other celebration may not dispute obligation in a rear-end accident but may in a red-light accident.
- If your accident had more than one responsible party (third-party claims).
- If the at-fault party showed gross negligence when operating their motor vehicle.
- Your total medical expenses as well as other losses, such as lost wages from work.
- Your ability to return to work.
- The change in your quality of life before and after your accident.
- Your out-of-pocket costs.
Contact our law firm if you ‘d like more info regarding the possible value of your case.
Our Accident Lawyers Are Here To Help You
If you sustained injuries in a car accident, or someone you love tragically passed away, let the motor vehicle accident attorneys at First Law Group help you assess and know your rights and potential remedies. Additionally, we can help you receive the compensation you need to recover completely.
The car accident lawyers at First Law Group have experience working with Pomona motorists and passengers who suffered injuries in automobile accidents. We will independently investigate your accident and do what is needed to help you recover. This allows you to concentrate on the essential and difficult tasks of healing and getting your life back in order.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Pomona, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
Denied Insurance Claims
Everyone that pays for insurance does so hoping they will never need to use it. There are times in life, however, where insurance can be a financial lifesaver. When your residence, vehicle or business is damaged by fire, a storm or some other unfortunate situation, you trust your insurance company to cover this damage. When the insurance company refuses your claim, it can have significant impacts, financially and also personally.
When insurance companies reject claims, they do so understanding that most people will not attempt to fight back. With a skilled attorney on your side, you can not only fight back, but you may be able to recuperate additional damages under the law. In your fight against the insurance company, it is vital to have knowledgeable legal counsel on your side. At First Law Group, our lawyers have defended people and individuals that have been financially hurt by insurance bad faith. Our law firm serves clients throughout California.
Holding Insurance Companies Accountable
Insurance companies have a number of duties. Perhaps the most important of these responsibilities is to quickly research and pay the full value of claims covered under the policy. All too often, instead of living up to these duties, insurance providers will narrowly interpret your policy in order to reject or minimize your claim.
Our lawyers, having handled numerous denied insurance claims in Pomona and beyond, are ready to overcome the challenges the insurance provider may have placed in your path. More than most lawyers, we enjoy taking cases to trial, and often do so on behalf of our clients. Our trial-readiness gives our clients every opportunity to recuperate all available damages. In California, a successful bad faith insurance claim could result in lawyers’ fees and also other damages, along with the money owed to you under the policy. You can rely on us to work relentlessly in your favor to offer you the best opportunity of achieving results.
Contact First Law Group
Call (626) 888-8264 or email us to arrange a free consultation. You can either meet us in our office or speak with us over the phone. We accept all bad faith claims on a no-recovery, no-fee basis.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Pomona, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
Pomona Family Car Accident Lawyer
If your child experiences injuries from a serious accident caused by the carelessness of another, our Pomona child car accident attorneys can help. We will seek the compensation and justice you and your child deserve. Call us at (626) 888-8264 to talk to an attorney for free.
Anyone can sustain injury in a car accident, however some people are more likely than others to sustain harm. Amongst all age groups, children involved in car accidents are especially vulnerable to sustaining injuries in a collision even when the proper preventative measures are used.
How To Protect Your Child In A Car Accident?
Compliance with required safety provisions has grown dramatically in recent decades. However, proper safety procedures are still a major issue and cause of child injuries in car accidents.
The most common safety procedures developed to keep children safe include the use of:
- Car seats
- Booster seats
- Seat belts
- Only permitting young children to ride only in the back seat of an automobile
What To Do After Your Child Is Hurt?
Seeing your child hurt in a car accident, regardless of who caused the accident, can be difficult. It will most likely cause a parent stress, but it’s important to remain calm so you can help your child. Here what you should do after a car accident:
- If your child appears to be seriously hurt, the first thing you need to do is get them medical attention immediately by calling 911. While there are a number of vital things to be done at the scene of the collision, getting medical care and making sure everybody is safe should be your top priority.
- Next, even if there are no serious injuries, you still want to call the authorities to make a traffic collision report. Do not anyone at the scene of the accident talk you out of reporting the crash to the police. Not reporting the accident to authorities can create problems with your accident claim down the road. For example, there are now some insurance policies that will not offer coverage if the authorities aren’t called within a particular amount of time.
- Exchange contact information with the other motorists and get their insurance info. This is extremely important. Ask to see and photograph their driver’s license and insurance card so you know the info is correct.
- If your child appears to be fine, you should collect some evidence of your own before heading off to the hospital to be checked out. Take as many photos as you can of the accident. Take pictures of your car and any other cars that were involved, your injuries, and also the surrounding area.
- Talk to independent witnesses and get their contact information if you can. Encourage nearby witnesses to stay at the scene and speak to the investigating police officers. In a disputed liability claim, an independent witness can win your case.
- Lastly, you’ll want to begin looking for a lawyer. It’s important that you hire a lawyer prior to talking to the insurance companies. The insurance carrier of the at-fault party will start working against your interests right away. An insurance adjuster might attempt to take a recorded statement, or may even attempt to fool you into signing a release of claims for a lowball settlement.
What Compensation Can You Get?
An injury to your child can be costly. You may worry about the amount of financial debt an accident can generate. However, your attorney is there to help be sure that you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
Compensation is split into two different classifications: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include particular financial losses that you experienced as a result of your child’s injuries. This can include any medical costs, such as ambulance rides, surgery costs, doctor’s visits, and even therapy (both physical and psychological). You can also get compensation for any wages you may have lost while taking care of your recovering child and any childcare costs as well.
Non-economic damages consist of pain and suffering, compensation for long-lasting disability and disfigurement, and any other non-monetary damages that impact your child’s life. While a claim for an adult would look at the quality of life prior to and after the accident, it can be harder to determine pain and suffering values for a child. Frequently, these values can be higher, as the injuries can be much more devastating and have a greater emotional impact on children.
In this instance, your lawyer would consider how the injury will likely affect your child’s future, and how their life will be different moving forward. Have they missed a lot of school? Are they going to physically heal completely? Are they going to have ongoing pain and discomfort? Essentially, rather than just looking at their past, we also consider their future and how it could be impacted by their injuries.
What To Do When Children Are Involved In Car Accidents In Pomona?
Like adults, the laws in Pomona give children the right to seek compensation for their injuries if they are harmed in an automobile accident due to another’s carelessness. This may be the negligence of another driver or perhaps the driver in the car with the child, depending on the accident and the circumstance that resulted. The important thing to understand is that if your child has been hurt, your child and your family may have a claim for damages. You should contact a Pomona child car accident lawyer for more information concerning your options.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Pomona, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
Pomona Hit & Run Accident Attorney
Have You Been The Victim Of A Hit And Run?
While being injured in a car accident is never a pleasant experience, being the victim of a hit-and-run driver can be especially frustrating. Aside from the fundamental failure of every hit-and-run driver to be a decent person, they take advantage of victims in other ways. And this is true whether the victims are drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
A lot of injured parties require immediate medical care. Failure of hit-and-run drivers to render or call in immediate care means that parties that could survive may not survive. Further, injuries which might be fairly minor can end up being critical.
If left without help, people injured or left unconscious as a result of traffic accidents can be subjected to additional dangers. The victim is vulnerable to approaching vehicles, exposure to weather, excessive blood loss, or a leaking gas tank. Futhermore, victims may be elderly, or might include infants and young children, or people with pre-existing disabilities that require special care.
Why Do Motorists Leave The Scene Of A Car Crash?
There are a number of reasons motorists take off after a crash in the Pomona area:
- Some motorists might be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and they fear a DUI charge.
- They may also fear being charged with other auto crimes associated with causing injury or death while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Some drivers may be so inebriated that they do not even realize that they have caused an accident, and drive off oblivious of the chaos or devastation they are causing.
- Other drivers might flee because they are driving without a license, driving without registration, or driving without insurance.
- Some may be driving a stolen car, or they may be wanted by the law for some other crime, like an outstanding warrant.
- Others are just scared about what they have done, and are afraid to face the repercussions.
What Do I Do After A Hit-And-Run Crash?
- Call 911 and make a police report
- Take photos of your vehicle as well as of the scene of the collision, and look for evidence to assist police
- Note witness info from anybody at the scene that witnessed what occurred
- Get medical attention if needed, and do not refuse an ambulance ride if wounded
- Get in touch with a Pomona hit-and-run lawyer for your accident, and do this before you call your car insurance carrier
Receiving Compensation For Your Damages
Getting involved in an auto accident is stressful, but a hit and run car accident can leave an individual feeling even more stressed out. You need to be able to find the individual who hit you in order to sue them. However, with a good hit-and-run attorney you can seek an uninsured motorist claim against your own insurance carrier. In this kind of claim, your auto provider steps into the shoes of the hit and run motorist and pays on the claim.
When it involves receiving compensation for your damages, you can recuperate damages in two types: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages cover financial costs associated with your claim, like medical expenses (such as an ambulance ride, doctor’s visits, hospital visits, surgery costs, mental and physical therapy, and visits to specialists). Economic damages also include any income you might have lost and will continue to lose while you’re recovering from your injury due to missed work.
Non-economic damages refer to damages that don’t have a specific monetary value associated with them but still “cost” the victim something. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, loss of consortium, and compensation for long-term disability or disfigurement.
Punitive damages could come into play if the responsible motorist is located. This is a third category of damages that are awarded as a way to penalize the at-fault party for being grossly negligent. While these damages are really rare in a car accident case, they are handed out to prevent the at-fault driver from doing the same act again in the future. Punitive damages are normally granted in circumstances in which an individual was grossly negligent, like causing a collision because they were very intoxicated. Once again, punitive damages are incredibly uncommon in car accident cases and are generally reserved for defective drug cases or product liability cases.
Legal Support For Hit-And-Run Victims
It is bad enough to be a victim of a reckless and careless driver; do not let yourself become a victim again. It is important that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible after a hit-and-run accident. Over time, important evidence can be lost or destroyed. Witnesses might fail to remember vital details, or you may not be able to find them. Furthermore, there are occasionally insurance policy notice deadlines to meet.
A Pomona hit-and-run accident attorney at First Law Group can help you to receive the compensation to which you are entitled, whether that means pursuing an at-fault party or your own insurer. We know what your rights are with respect to the law and your own insurance provider.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Pomona, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
Insurance Claims
Everyone that pays for insurance does so hoping they will never need to use it. There are times in life, however, where insurance can be a financial lifesaver. When your residence, vehicle or business is damaged by fire, a storm or some other unfortunate situation, you trust your insurance company to cover this damage. When the insurance company refuses your claim, it can have significant impacts, financially and also personally.
When insurance companies reject claims, they do so understanding that most people will not attempt to fight back. With a skilled attorney on your side, you can not only fight back, but you may be able to recuperate additional damages under the law. In your fight against the insurance company, it is vital to have knowledgeable legal counsel on your side. At First Law Group, our lawyers have defended people and individuals that have been financially hurt by insurance bad faith. Our law firm serves clients throughout California.
Holding Insurance Companies Accountable
Insurance companies have a number of duties. Perhaps the most important of these responsibilities is to quickly research and pay the full value of claims covered under the policy. All too often, instead of living up to these duties, insurance providers will narrowly interpret your policy in order to reject or minimize your claim.
Our lawyers, having handled numerous denied insurance claims in Pomona and beyond, are ready to overcome the challenges the insurance provider may have placed in your path. More than most lawyers, we enjoy taking cases to trial, and often do so on behalf of our clients. Our trial-readiness gives our clients every opportunity to recuperate all available damages. In California, a successful bad faith insurance claim could result in lawyers’ fees and also other damages, along with the money owed to you under the policy. You can rely on us to work relentlessly in your favor to offer you the best opportunity of achieving results.
Contact First Law Group
Call (626) 888-8264 or email us to arrange a free consultation. You can either meet us in our office or speak with us over the phone. We accept all bad faith claims on a no-recovery, no-fee basis.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Pomona, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com
Pomona Motorcycle Accident Attorney
What Are Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable not just because they lack the protection, but because they are much smaller. This downside makes motorcycles more difficult for other drivers to notice on the road. It also means that motorcycles and their passengers are more likely to be thrown farther in the event of a crash.
Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to a collision since other drivers do not always keep a close enough eye out for them. Just 8% of households own a motorcycle, which provides us a rough estimate of how common motorcycles are on US roadways. Since motorcycles aren’t as common as regular passenger vehicles, drivers might be less likely to watch out for them.
For example, a motorcycle riding in a motorist’s blind spot or crossing through an intersection at a 2-way stop may be less likely to be seen by a driver that is only watching for other passenger vehicles.
Because motorcycles are more difficult to see than other vehicles, motorcyclists need to always drive defensively. Bikers can never presume that other motorists can see them, particularly the motorists of cars in front of them. Motorcycle accidents often happen when motorists:
- Pull out of a side street, parking lot, or driveway in front of a motorcycle;
- Make an abrupt turn in front of a motorcycle;
- Make a lane change in front of or broadside to a motorcycle; or
- Attempt to pass another vehicle, and fail to spot the motorcyclist in either the passing lane or the target lane.
What Are The Most Prevalent Motorcycle Injuries?
A motorcycle gives you little protection in a collision. This means your body ends up taking the full force of the impact with another vehicle.
Commonly, this leads to severe and life-altering injuries to motorcycle crash victims. In fact, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in collisions in just one recent year.
While motorcycles just make up 3 percent of registered vehicles, motorcycle accidents cause 15 percent of all vehicle collision fatalities. Not every motorcycle accident will cause death, but it shows the seriousness these kinds of crashes result in.
Some typical injuries are:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Amputation
- Death
That’s not to say that survivors can never return to a normal life, but it may take some time and effort, including physical rehabilitation. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover the compensation required to pay for those treatments.
Liability For Pomona Motorcycle Accidents
As these facts suggest, motorcyclists wounded in accidents are commonly the victims of negligence. Every negligence claim is comprised of four major elements: a duty, a breach of that duty, an injury caused by the breach, and damages sustained by the plaintiff. Drivers of motor vehicles owe a duty of care to everyone else who uses public thoroughfares. That includes bicyclists, pedestrians, and various other motorists– including motorcyclists.
When a driver breaches that duty by being careless, inebriated, tired, or distracted, and ends up causing a crash which leads to injury or even wrongful death to another individual, the motorist may be held civilly liable to the injured party. They can pursue a negligence case with the help of a motorcycle crash attorney in Pomona.
A motorcyclist injured in a collision may have a claim if they can prove that another driver was at fault. When a motorcycle driver has followed all of the traffic laws yet is still involved in a crash, odds are that it has been caused by the driver of another vehicle. It might be not seeing the motorcyclist, speeding, being intoxicated, or a combination of the three.
What Should I Do After A Motorcycle Crash?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, immediately contact the police to make a report if they are involved in a crash. This is particularly true if there is an injury or fatality.
If urgent medical help is necessary, render what help you can, seek assistance, and call emergency medical assistance. If you are the one that is injured, you should seek immediate medical assistance. Even if your injury appears small and you do not need immediate aid, it is a good idea to get medical care, as some injuries are not immediately noticeable.
Furthermore, at the scene you need to collect the contact and insurance information for the other parties. And you also want contact information for independent witnesses, as investigating police officers do not always collect that info.
Call a motorcycle crash lawyer soon after the accident. We strongly advise that you do this before speaking with any insurance provider.
Contact Our Pomona Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
After your accident, along with talking to the authorities and getting any necessary medical attention, you should consult with a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer with experience dealing with motorcycle accidents. Serving victims throughout the Pomona area, the motorcycle accident attorneys at First Law Group can help you.
Too often, accident victims believe that an insurance company– either their own or the other driver’s– will adequately compensate them for any injuries they have sustained. However, many insurance companies are unwilling to pay, even when liability and injuries are clear. This is particularly true when the injuries are substantial.
Even when an insurance provider appears liable, beware. Lots of insurance adjusters will attempt to settle insurance claims quickly. They will urge you to sign an agreement that will let them close the case– and thus limit their exposure.
Even if the offer appears sufficient or even generous, it is important to ensure your legal rights are protected. Consult a lawyer and make sure you comprehend the consequences of the agreement.
The reality is, not all injuries are immediately apparent. And for some major injuries, even if you anticipate complete recovery, you can not be sure that the complete recovery you hope for will happen.
In those cases, signing a release of claims too soon can reduce your settlement to an amount that is significantly less than what you need or what you legally have a right to recuperate. Major injuries may include:
- Spine damage;
- Multiple broken bones;
- Extreme bruising and/or “road rash”;
- Traumatic head injuries.
And, of course, some motorcycle accidents are fatal. If somebody you love has been killed in a motorcycle accident, speak to an attorney to find out whether there’s a wrongful death action to pursue against a negligent motorist.
At First Law Group, we really care about our community and we are driven by our passion for clients. Our personal injury lawyers in Pomona, California are always available to take your call. For a Free Consultation, call us at (626) 888-8264, or visit our website: FirstLG.com