Temple – Killen – Waco – Serious Auto Accident Attorneys

Accidents on our Texas roadways are a serious threat to the traveling public. According to statistics by the National Safety Council, one in eight licensed drivers is involved in an automobile accident each year. 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. You should know what to do in order to protect yourself and your legal rights. Our lawyers at O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath are committed to representing victims of car accidents in Bell, McLennan, Coryell, Milam, and Hill County areas, and thus ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Regardless of who was at fault in the car accident, victims should seek the advice of our experienced serious accident attorneys. We have experience working 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 have given us the opportunity to have become well versed in this area and we can explain the recovery options available for accident victims and their families.

How To React To An Auto Accident

If you are in an accident the first thing you should do is stop your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights, and if necessary, move your vehicle to a safe position near the location of the accident. Texas law requires that you stop at the accident scene; failure to do so could result in serious repercussions which can lead to a traffic ticket or a warrant for your arrest. Also, it is sometimes helpful, as a precautionary measure, to keep first aid supplies and an emergency kit in your car. A cell phone, flares, a bright orange vest, and a disposable camera are all helpful objects to have in case of an accident, as well. 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:

Exchange contact information (names, addresses, and phone numbers) with all parties involved in the accident
Get the year, make, model, license plate number, insurance carrier, and insurance policy number for all vehicles involved
Identify any witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information.
Name, address, phone number of all passengers or witnesses
Driver's license numbers and license plate numbers

Under NO circumstances admit it was your fault, and do not make accusations. These comments may be used against you later. 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.

“Do I need an Auto Accident Attorney?”

The next question that you are probably wondering about is “Do I need an auto accident attorney?” Yes, insurance companies have certain procedures that you must follow and if you fail to follow them, the insurance company can refuse to pay your claim. Consulting with one of our experienced serious car accident attorneys at O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath immediately following an accident can greatly improve your chances of receiving compensation. 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.

Following these simple steps will keep the accident scene as safe as possible, and will help to ensure that no one has to bear unnecessary blame. Texas law gives you two years to settle or file an accident claim from the date of the accident. If we can help, please contact us online or call Toll Free: 1-877-494-9949 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. We will advise you and, if appropriate, we will deal with the insurance company or other parties on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery.