Tyler – Marshall – East Texas Serious Car Accident Attorneys

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a truck, motorcycle, or car accident occurs every 10 seconds on our roads and highways. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles have become extensions of our homes and places of work. One of the major sources of personal injury is auto accidents. In many cases an accident is caused by the carelessness or negligence of some other party. The car accident lawyers of O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath represent victims of car accidents in the Tyler, Marshall, Longview area, and all of East Texas areas, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Visit our Texas car accident claims process explanation page to understand how your potential claim may proceed. We work with physicians and other health care providers to assess and review all the short and long-term medical aspects of your case. Our years of experience with Texas automobile, insurance, and liability laws mean that we understand all of the recovery options available for accident victims and their families.

How To React To An Auto Accident

At some point in your life, you will probably be involved in a car accident. It may simply be a bump in the parking lot, or you could end up in a more serious accident where people are injured. In any case, knowing how to react to a car accident will improve the outcome for everyone involved.

You may be wondering, "Why do I need to know what to do if I'm in a car accident?" If you do not follow the proper procedure, your insurance company could refuse to pay portions of or your entire claim. In addition, you could face fines if you do not follow legal procedures. Being aware of the steps to follow will help you when you file police reports and when you file for insurance compensation.

As a precautionary measure, keep first aid supplies and an emergency kit in your car. Flares, a bright orange vest, a cell phone, and a disposable camera are all helpful objects to have in case of an accident.

If you are in a moving vehicle when an accident occurs, immediately and safely pull over to the side of the road, turn off your car, and turn on your hazard lights. Check to see if anyone is hurt. If there is an injured person, do not move them until you take standard first aid measures. Place flares, cones, or triangles alongside the road a few hundred feet before the accident so traffic is aware that there is an accident ahead.

Call 911 and inform them of any injuries. If you are on a freeway and do not have access to a cell phone or telephone, check for a roadside phone that you can use.

Trade information with everyone involved in the accident. Be sure to exchange the following:

• Name, address, phone numbers of all drivers
• Name, address, phone number of all passengers or witnesses
• Driver's license numbers and license plate numbers
• Insurance companies of all drivers involved
• Registered owners of all cars
• Year, model, make, etc. of all cars involved

Do not discuss what happened with anyone else but the police. Do not say that it was your fault, and do not make accusations. These comments may be used against you later. If time and accident conditions allow, take notes about your perception of what happened.

Immediately report the accident to your insurance company and to the police. You may find that the other driver has filed a report stating that the accident was your fault. If you have or suspect an injury, visit a doctor right away.

Remember, insurance companies are not in the business of paying claims, no matter what their advertising says. They are in the business of collecting premiums. Insurance adjustors definitely do not have your best interests in mind. Be careful.

Texas law gives you two years to settle or file an accident claim from the date of the accident. Call us to learn all of your legal rights. We will advise you and, if appropriate, we will deal with the insurance company or other parties on your behalf.

What Our Car Wreck Injury Law Firm Can Do for You

1. Evaluate any bodily injury claim to determine the amount of money to which you are entitled.
2. Help you with the property damage portion of your claim.
3. Resolve complex issues and negotiate an overall settlement.
4. Deal with your doctors, obtain your medical records, reports, and billing statements, and notify medical care providers as to whom to bill.
5. Have an investigator interview witnesses, take statements, and photograph the accident scene and your vehicle.
6. File a lawsuit, if necessary.

If we can help, please contact us online or call Toll Free: 877-494-9949 and an experienced lawyer from O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath will promptly contact you and give you the help you need to get you the compensation that you deserve.