Blog - Dallas Personal Injury Attorney, Tim O’Hare

Check out all the latest news and updates from The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare in our blog. From tips about pursuing legal action to news about Personal Injury Cases, we offer a variety of insights about Personal Injury Law. We can help you understand the world of Injury, Wrongful Death and Insurance Law, so be sure to check back frequently to read our posts. Do you have questions about our posts or have you suffered an injury from someone else’s negligence? Contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare today to find out how we can help.

Do You Know What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident?

by Dallas car accident injury attorney, Tim O’Hare

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Nobody woke up this morning planning to be in a car accident today, yet every day on Texas roads, one reportable car accident occurs about every 59 seconds, according to TXDOT. In 2017, 254,853 people were injured in car accidents (one injury every two minutes and four seconds) and 3,794 people lost their lives (one every two hours and 21 minutes) on Texas roads.

Though the fatality rate on Texas roadways decreased slightly (2.86 percent) from 2016 to 2017, even one death is one too many. Each of us can do our part to make Texas roads more safe by following driving laws, and eliminating factors such as distracted driving and drunk driving.

But even so, the reality is that every driver, no matter how experienced, should always be prepared for an accident to happen. If you are involved in a car accident, do you know what to do? Being prepared in the event of a car wreck can certainly save you some headache, but it may even mean the difference between life and death.

Here are nine steps to take if you are involved in a car accident. Take time to review these steps with every driver in your household.

Turn your car engine off and turn on hazard lights. Leaving your car running increases chances of a fire sparking. Hazard lights should be used to warn other drivers. If available, place caution triangles or set out flares to warn oncoming traffic, especially at night.

Do not leave the scene of the accident. Stay calm and avoid arguing with or accusing anyone else who was involved in the accident. It’s also important that you not make any admission of blame in the accident. If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road to get it out of the way of oncoming traffic. Get all passengers out of the vehicle and stand as far off the roadway as possible.

Call 9-1–1. Report any injuries immediately and ask for a law enforcement officer and EMT to come to the scene. When a law enforcement officer arrives, get the officer’s name, badge number, police station address and phone number. Ask how you can get a copy of the accident report and when the report will be filed.

Seek Medical Attention. If you are injured, seek prompt medical attention. Call a reputable personal injury lawyer before speaking with any insurance company representatives.

Exchange information. After an accident, exchange name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number and license plate number with any other drivers involved in the accident. Be sure to note the relationship between the individual driving and the owner of the vehicle if their names don’t match. Also, get complete contact info from any witnesses who saw the collision.

Photograph and document the accident. Make note of the year, make, model and color of all cars involved in the collisions. Use your camera to document any damage to all vehicles, as well as position of cars and context of the accident.

Do not accept offers to settle on the spot. Individuals who are not carrying car insurance or have another reason to avoid legal trouble may attempt to get you to settle by offering cash payment on the scene. Do not accept any settlements on the scene as you may be liable for the damages to your car later on.

Always carry an emergency kit in your car. This kit should include a pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera if you don’t have your cell phone and information about medical allergies or medical conditions that emergency responders may need to know about. A flashlight, first aid kit, and caution triangles are also important items to keep in your emergency kit.

Keep a list of contact numbers in your phone and in your car. Designate an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact in your phone. Enter your emergency contact into your phone book with ICE before his or her name.

If you have been seriously injured or lost a family member in a car accident, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare to speak with a Dallas car accident attorney today.

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972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020

By : Tim O'Hare /September 07, 2018 /Blog, Dallas Personal Injury Attorney /0 Comment Read More

Two Killed in Fiery Train-Car Collision; Could This Accident Have Been Prevented?

by Dallas – Ft. Worth Car Accident Attorney, Tim O’Hare

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Two people lost their lives and 11 others were sent to the hospital after a fiery crash involving a passenger train and a dump truck in Ft. Worth.

Reports indicate the westbound Trinity Railway Express (TRE) train was traveling under the speed limit, moving at about 74 mph, when it struck the dump truck, blowing out windows on the train and instantly igniting the truck on fire. According to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), the crossing arms were down when the crash occurred, indicating the driver of the truck allegedly drove around the crossing arms as the train approached.

Tragically, both the driver and passenger in the truck were killed. Dozens of train passengers were evaluated at the scene, and 11 were taken to area hospitals, two of whom were in critical condition and three others have serious but not life-threatening injuries.

According to statistics from Operation Lifesaver, in 2017, more than 2,100 train/car collisions occurred at railway crossings, resulting in 274 fatalities and more than 800 injuries. Calculations from NHTSA reveal that motorists are nearly 20 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than a collision involving another motor vehicle.

While train/car collisions are certainly less common than other car accidents, even a single fatality is one too many. Take some time to review these safety tips and facts from Operation Lifesaver.

Not all trains travel at fixed times, and schedules can change. Always expect a train at each highway-rail crossing and look carefully before crossing.
The average freight train traveling at 55 mph takes more than one mile to come to a stop. Trains simply cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision with a vehicle or pedestrian.
Trains always have right of way over emergency vehicles, police, cars and pedestrians.
Never race a train to a crossing. Even if you tie, you lose.
Trains are closer and moving faster than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to pass before proceeding across the tracks.
Never drive around lowered gates. Not only is it illegal, it’s also deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call the emergency number posted on the crossing signal or notify your local law enforcement agency.
If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out immediately and move away from tracks, even if you do not see a train coming. Once you are safely away from the tracks, locate the emergency notification system sign and call the number provided.
When you need to cross tracks, whether driving or walking, always cross at a designated crossing area and look both ways.

Visit Operation Lifesaver at www.oli.org for more safety tips.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one as a result of a car, truck or train accident, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for a free consultation with an award-winning car accident Personal Injury attorney.

Call The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for your FREE Case Evaluation

972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020

By : Tim O'Hare /August 28, 2018 /Blog, Dallas Personal Injury Attorney /0 Comment Read More

8 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe on Their Way Back to School

by distracted driving lawyer, Tim O’Hare

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School is back in session! As parents everywhere rejoice, it’s important for adults everywhere to be reminded that school zones are active again, so drivers should pay close attention when driving in school zones, as well as near school buses on their morning and afternoon routes.

According to NHTSA, about 18 school-aged children die in school transportation-related crashes each year. Twelve of those are pedestrians crossing the street on their way to or from school.

Texas school zone law, under HB 347, prohibits the use of a cell phone when driving through an active school zone. This includes driving on property of a public elementary, middle or high school. Vehicles that are stopped, drivers using hands-free devices or those making an emergency call are all exempt from this law.

The speed limit in an active school zone drops to 20 m.p.h. Speeding through a school zone also means higher fines and court fees for drivers. But remembering the laws that apply to an active school zone isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about keeping kids safe.

If you are a parent, take some time to review these important school bus and school safety tips with your child.

1. Always get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is due to arrive.
2. Never run across the road to catch the bus.
3. If you have to walk on roads where there is no sidewalk, walk against traffic. Try to stay off the road as much as possible.
4. When crossing the street to get to the bus, always look left, then right, then left again. If cars or other objects are obstructing your view, go to the nearest corner crosswalk.
5. When the bus approaches, stand at least three large steps from the curb.
6. Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay to board before stepping onto the bus.
7. Never walk behind the bus or close to the side of the bus. You could be in the driver’s blind spot.
8. If you drop something near the bus, don’t pick it up until you tell the bus driver or he/she may not see you.
9. Pay attention while crossing the street. Don’t rely solely on the crossing guard for safety; be sure to always look both ways before crossing.

As adults, it is our responsibility not only to teach our children to be safe, but to make a habit of always practicing safe driving, especially in school zones. Put away distractions when driving through school zones, observe the posted speed limit and watch for children crossing the street. If you are unsure if a school zone is active, always assume it is.

If you or your child has been hurt as the result of a school transportation-related accident, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for a free consultation with a Dallas car accident injury attorney.

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972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020

By : Tim O'Hare /August 15, 2018 /Blog, Dallas Personal Injury Attorney /0 Comment Read More

Critical Safety Reminders Following the Death of Dallas Motorcycle Officer Killed by Drunk Driver

by Dallas Personal Injury lawyer, Tim O’Hare

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In the early morning of Saturday, July 21, the Dallas Police Department tragically lost one of its own in the line of duty. Assisting in a funeral escort, Senior Cpl. Earl “Jamie” Givens, 55, was parked on his motorcycle with lights activated, blocking the Interstate 20 ramp at Bonnie View Road when he was fatally struck by a drunk driver.

The 25-year-old driver hit Officer Givens at a high rate of speed, throwing him off his bike and tossing the motorcycle across four lanes of traffic. The accused’s blood alcohol level registered 0.19 percent — more than twice the legal limit. He has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, which is typically a second-degree felony, but it is upgraded to a first-degree felony in the death of a peace officer. If convicted, the driver could face up to life in prison.

Jamie Givens was a 32-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department and had been a motorcycle officer with the DPD for 12 years. He leaves behind his wife and two sons. “Jamie had a passion and love for riding motorcycles. He shared his time with his fellow law enforcement motorcycle officers, his fellow Celtic Warriors, and the motorcycle club he founded and led for many years,” his obituary stated.

Whether you personally ride a motorcycle or not, anytime you are operating a vehicle on the road, you are responsible to do your part to keep all motorists safe, including motorcyclists. Ninety-eight percent of motorcycle riders who are involved in accidents are injured. Of those, half of them suffer serious injuries.

In remembrance of Senior Cpl. Givens, and as a motorcycle licensee myself, I urge all drivers to remember these important safety tips and take precautions to avoid an accident that could be prevented.

Check twice for traffic when changing lanes or turning at intersections. The profile of a motorcycle is much smaller than that of a car or truck. A motorcycle’s small size not only makes it more easily hidden from the sight of other drivers, but it can also make it appear further away than it is. The smaller size of motorcycles can also make it difficult for other motorists to judge how fast a motorcycle is traveling.

Don’t follow motorcyclists at close distances. Some motorcyclists slow their speed by downshifting rather than breaking. Motorists should allow at least three to four seconds following distance, and predict when a motorcyclist in front of them may slow down. When roads are wet, motorcycles can have a difficult time stopping quickly and should be allowed more space from other motorists.

Be aware that a motorcyclist may often change positions in a lane. Motorcycles do not respond to road hazards, such as debris and potholes as well as other vehicles do. Because of this, a motorcyclist might often be seen changing his or her position within a lane, to avoid potential hazards. Motorcyclists may also change positions in a lane to be seen more easily by other drivers.

For more information on sharing the road with motorcyclists, read this list of tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

If you have been seriously injured or lost a family member in a motorcycle accident or a drunk driving accident, contact the experienced Dallas – Ft. Worth car accident injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare. Tim O’Hare is a motorcyclist and has had his motorcycle license for most of his adult life.

Call The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for your FREE Case Evaluation

972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020

By : Tim O'Hare /July 26, 2018 /Blog, Texas Motocycle Lawyer /0 Comment Read More

In Service to Our Community: The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare Gives Back

By Texas Christian Personal Injury Lawyer, Tim O’Hare

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At some point in our lives, most of us will need legal assistance, whether that be for a serious case such as personal injury, or for matters such as preparing a will. The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare is committed to doing our part to ensure those in our community who cannot afford necessary legal aid are able to receive the help they need.

The Texas State Bar encourages and inspires all Texas lawyers to perform some pro bono work each year, and our firm has taken the Pro Bono Pledge to offer our help where needed. From working with churches and helping those less fortunate in our community with legal matters pertaining to elder law, consumer law and other miscellaneous issues, we try to provide help in some way to everyone who gives us a call.

Sometimes we receive calls on cases we don’t handle, but we are gladly willing to offer advice and help find lawyers to assist those we are unable to help ourselves.

Participating in and being an active member of our community is one of our core values. In addition to providing free legal aid when we can, our lawyers and others who work in our firm continually donate their time and treasure to the local community, from volunteering at church, to coaching children’s sports, and serving other non-profit groups.

Personally, our founder, Tim’ O’Hare, has volunteered to serve on numerous boards and committees throughout his career, including the Texas Board of Dental Examiners, Rotary Club, City Council, Christian Legal Society, his church and the Dallas Bar Association, to name a few. Our company deeply cares about people, and we love giving back to our community, after all, as Luke 12:48 tells us “To whom much is given, much will be required.”

As clichė as it may be, we are blessed to be a blessing and we are grateful for the opportunities we have to offer help and assistance to others in a variety of ways.

If you need legal assistance, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare today. Mr. O’Hare has been named one of the Best Lawyers in Dallas by DMagazine for 4 consecutive years.

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By : Tim O'Hare /July 13, 2018 /Blog /0 Comment Read More

Do You Know the Laws About Dog Bites in Texas?

by Texas Christian Injury Lawyer, Tim O’Hare

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Each day in the U.S., an estimated 1,000 people require emergency care as the result of a dog bite injury. In some tragic cases, those injuries result in the victim’s death. Last year, there were 39 dog bite-related fatalities in the United States. Fifteen of these deaths were children 8-years-old and younger, including eight babies. Twenty-four adults died in 2017 as a result of dog bites, and 18 of those were adults over 50.

In April, a Dallas woman was mauled by four dogs near Fair Park, leaving her with serious injuries. Those four dogs, including two pit bulls, were euthanized.

Texas does not have an existing dog bite statute, but adheres to the “one bite rule,” meaning a dog bite victim can sue for compensation from the dog’s owner, harborer or keeper only if the dog previously bit a person or acted as if it wanted to, or if the defendant was aware of the dog’s previous conduct. There are some exceptions to this rule.

Like other personal injury cases, dog bites can be the result of negligence on the part of the owner. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, contact a Dallas personal injury attorney who has the knowledge and understanding of Texas dog bite laws to ensure you receive all due compensation for your pain and suffering.

It may be common sense, but here are a few guidelines you should follow — and teach your children — to avoid being the victim of a vicious dog bite attack.

Never treat a dog unkindly.
Don’t bother a dog who is busy (eating, drinking, etc.)
Never approach a dog you don’t know.
Remain calm around dogs.
If a stray dog approaches you, stay calm and quiet.

Although much of an individual dog’s aggressiveness is due to how it is trained by its owner, some dog breeds are simply more dangerous than others, often due to size and strength. Here are the 10 most dangerous dog breeds.

Pit Bull — Attacks by Pit Bulls account for the most deaths by dog attack in the United States and the highest percentage of unprovoked dog bites.
Rottweiler — The bite of a Rottweiler is extremely powerful, at 1,180 to 1,460 newtons (the measurement of force).
German Shepherd — The bite of a German Shepherd has a force over 1,060 newtons. German Shepherds had the second highest death rate in 2017, killing four people.
Doberman Pinscher — The sheer size and strength of Doberman Pinschers makes them a potentially dangerous dog breed.
Bull Mastiff — Extremely large and intimidating dogs, Bull Mastiffs can weigh as much as 130 pounds.
Husky — Athletic and energetic dogs intended to be working dogs rather than social dogs.
Malamute — These dogs are often known to attack smaller animals as well as humans.
Wolf Hybrid — Any dog that has been directly crossbred with a wolf is considered a wolf hybrid (although all dogs are descendants of wolves). Wolf hybrids can be skittish and unpredictable, and in many states, it is illegal to own a wolf hybrid.
Boxers — Descendants of hunting dogs, Boxers have strong jaws and powerful bites. They are also known as a very protective breed, which can be a good thing in some cases, but can also turn very dangerous.
Great Dane — Often considered “gentle giants,” the sheer size of a Great Dane also makes them potentially very dangerous. A full-grown male can weigh as much as 200 pounds.

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare know how to deal with dog bites and other dangerous animal cases and will work to maximize your recovery. Laws protecting dog bite victims can be challenging, so you need an experienced attorney who understands the laws specific to your case. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, don’t fight the legal battle alone. Contact one of the the best personal injury lawyers in Dallas according to DMagazine at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare. We will fight hard for you to make sure you receive the financial recovery you deserve.

Call The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for your FREE Case Evaluation

972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020

By : Tim O'Hare /June 29, 2018 /Blog /0 Comment Read More

Is Your Job a Killer? 10 Most Dangerous Jobs in America

by Texas Christian Injury Lawyer, Tim O’Hare

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In 1970, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) to set and enforce safety standards in the workplace. Since that time, workplace fatalities have dropped more than 50 percent, but no matter how many standards and regulations are put into place, some jobs are simply more dangerous than others.

Most of us work in a relatively safe environment and mistakes made on the job rarely result in bodily injury or death. But in some professions, accidents and mistakes can cause great harm and even be fatal.

According to OSHA, 5,190 workers were killed on the job in 2016. On average, that’s more than 99 deaths per week or more than 14 deaths every day. OSHA considers the “Fatal Four” work related accidents to be: falls, electrocutions, struck by an object and caught in or between something.

Which jobs are most dangerous? That depends on how you look at the numbers. One metric used by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics is to look at fatal work injuries calculated per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers — this is the fatal work injury rate. Based on this rate, here are the top 10 most dangerous jobs in America. Is your job one of them?

10. Grounds Maintenance Workers: 17.4 fatal work injury rate; 217 total fatalities.
9. Supervisors of Construction Workers: 18.0 fatal work injury rate; 134 fatalities.
8. Farmers, Ranchers and Agricultural Managers: 23.1 fatal work injury rate; 260 fatalities.
7. Truck Drivers and Other Drivers: 24.7 fatal work injury rate; 918 fatalities.
6. Structural Iron and Steel Workers: 25.1 fatal work injury rate; 16 fatalities.
5. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors: 34.1 fatal work injury rate; 31 fatalities.
4. Roofers: 48.6 fatal work injury rate; 101 fatalities.
3. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers: 55.5 fatal work injury rate; 75 fatalities.
2. Fishers and Related Fishing Workers: 86.0 fatal work injury rate; 24 fatalities.
1. Logging Workers: 135.9 fatal work injury rate; 91 fatalities.

If you have suffered an injury at work, you may be entitled to financial damages. Monetary damages you may be able to recover include any medical expenses you incurred as a result of the workplace injury, including doctor and hospital bills, medications, therapy and other related medical expenses as well as expected future medical expenses. You may also be entitled to receive payment for pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, lost wages and benefits, future earnings and diminishment of enjoyment of life due to your injury.

In cases where a workplace injury was the result of gross negligence on the part of another individual or entity, such as an employer or manufacturer, you may be able to collect punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and to prevent the misconduct from being repeated in the future.

If you have suffered an injury while on-the-job, contact the experienced legal team at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare. We will help you receive all due compensation for your injury or loss.

Call The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for your FREE Case Evaluation
972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020

By : Tim O'Hare /June 12, 2018 /Blog, Dallas Personal Injury Attorney /0 Comment Read More

7 Tips for Safe Summer Driving

by Dallas Car Accident Attorney, Tim O’Hare

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Driving during the summer months can feel deceptively safe. After all, there’s no ice on the roads. The weather is hot and dry, keeping roads relatively dry. But statistics actually show that summer is a riskier time to be on the roads. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, August is the deadliest month on U.S. roadways.

What makes summertime more hazardous for drivers? Here are a few factors that can increase summer driving dangers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

Road construction. Not only are there more drivers on the roads during the summer, there is generally more road work being done during the dry summer months. Each year, nearly 700 fatality accidents occur in construction zones. If you’re driving through a work zone, stay alert, pay attention to signs and slow down.

Tire blowouts. Hot weather causes hot air inside your tires to expand. The older and more worn the tires, the higher the risk. Regularly check your tires for signs of wear and tear and have them replaced as needed. If brand new tires aren’t in the budget, many tire shops offer discounts on lightly worn tires that may be in much better shape than your existing tires.

Teen drivers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 38 percent more teenage driver deaths occur during the summer (June to August) than the preceding three months. During the summer, teens may spend more time driving than during the school year, and because they are less experienced drivers, teenage drivers are at an increased risk for accidents.

More motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists. The warm summer months draw people outside, which means there are more pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists on the road. Share the road, keep your eye out for pedestrians and leave plenty of distance between your vehicle and motorcycles.

Keep yourself and your family safe on Texas roads this summer with these tips:

1. Get your car ready for summer. Test your battery, check your tires, have fluids checked and make sure brakes and lights work properly.
2. Wear sunglasses when driving to avoid the hazard of sun glare.
3. Avoid driving in flip flops, which can easily get caught under the pedals.
4. Evenly distribute weight in your car when packing for a road trip.
5. Avoid distractions including cell phone use and eating while driving.
6. NEVER leave children or pets in a car unattended. Temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly climb to dangerous levels in a few short minutes.
7. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination when traveling, and take rest breaks as needed.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one as a result of a car accident, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for a free consultation with an award-winning Dallas car accident attorney.

Call The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for your FREE Case Evaluation

972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020

By : Tim O'Hare /May 24, 2018 /Blog, Dallas Personal Injury Attorney /0 Comment Read More

My 3 Most Memorable Teachers. Who Are Yours?

by Texas Christian Injury Attorney, Tim O’Hare

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“What a teacher writes on the blackboard of life can never be erased.” Author Unknown

This week we celebrate teachers. Those men and women who tirelessly pour into the lives of children day in and day out. There are few professions which impact a human being for a lifetime. Teaching is one. Teachers are often underappreciated for the work they do, but I couldn’t let Teacher Appreciation Week pass by without taking the time to acknowledge the teachers who left a lasting imprint on my life.

My 5th grade homeroom teacher at Valwood Elementary, Ms. Nancy Jewett, was no doubt the most impactful teacher I ever had. Ms. Jewett made me feel like I could do anything. For the first time I can remember, I began to develop self-confidence; a feeling that I really could do anything in my life. Ms. Jewett brought positivity and energy to her classroom. She simply believed in us — in me. Being in her classroom, you couldn’t help but believe in yourself. Every child deserves to know the feeling of confidence, and a teacher can make or break that. Ms. Jewett was a confidence-maker.

Jimmy Gunn was my head football coach at R.L. Turner High School. Mr. Gunn had an incredible work ethic and taught me that hard work always pays off. He taught discipline and that success is a direct result of the effort you exert, whether on the football field or in life. From Coach Gunn, I learned the power of preparation — preparing for excellence; preparing for success. I know that preparation is essential in working toward and achieving your goals, and I have Coach Gunn to thank for instilling that understanding in me.

During college, at The University of Texas, I enrolled in a finance class taught by Dr. Bill Petty. Not only was Dr. Petty an excellent educator, he was a man of strong Christian faith and he demonstrated how to incorporate faith and ethics into business. This has become the highest priority for me in the 17 years since The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare opened its doors. Not only did I learn from Dr. Petty in his classroom, he took time to meet regularly with me for lunch. He was willing to invest in me, imparting to me his wisdom and the importance of always doing the right thing in business. In today’s cut-throat business world, many people lose sight of integrity, but thanks to Dr. Petty, I learned early on that integrity is the foundation of business and I believe that wholeheartedly.

To those of you who teach, never underestimate the impact you are making on the lives of your students — even the most difficult students will remember the time you invested in their lives and the lessons you taught that extend far beyond the walls of the classroom. And for that, I say a warm, heartfelt thank you.

Which teacher influenced your life the most? Tell us about your most memorable teacher on our Facebook page.

By : Tim O'Hare /May 11, 2018 /Blog /0 Comment Read More

Texas Mom Killed by Drunk Wrong-Way Driver

by Dallas Car Accident Attorney, Tim O’Hare

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Last week, a 31-year-old intoxicated driver killed a young Texas mother after he drove the wrong way on Interstate 20 in Duncanville. A witness captured much of the incident on camera, including good Samaritans who rushed to the woman’s aid in an effort to save her life.

Amberly McCray was just 23 years old and leaves behind a 9-month-old son.

Sadly, this was not the first time the driver who took Amberly’s life has been accused of driving while intoxicated.

Every year, more than 300 wrong-way crashes occur on Texas roadways. The National Transportation Safety Board estimates that wrong-way driving accounts for about three percent of all high-speed highway accidents. Wrong-way crashes on highways are particularly deadly, as they involve a head-on collision between two vehicles traveling at high rates of speed. According to Federal data, approximately 350 people die every year as the result of a wrong-way accident.

Although some of these deadly car accidents can be attributed to driver confusion or medical conditions, many times drugs or alcohol are to blame. A 2012 NTSB special investigation report states that nearly two-thirds of wrong-way drivers in fatal collisions were driving under the influence of alcohol, and at least 57 percent had a blood-alcohol level above .15 percent.

While there is never an excuse for drunk driving, there are things we can do to reduce our risk of becoming the victim of a wrong-way crash:

Drive in the right lane. Most drivers drive in the right lane, which means someone who is driving the wrong way is more likely to be traveling in the left lane of oncoming traffic (the lane to the wrong-way driver’s right).

Avoid driving late at night. Many wrong-way and drunk driving accidents occur in the late hours of the night or early hours of the morning. Whether you are on a road trip or simply traveling home from an evening out with friends, make a point to avoid driving late at night.

Report wrong-way drivers. If you see somebody driving the wrong-way, call 911 immediately. The sooner law enforcement is notified the greater the chance the wrong-way driver will be stopped before causing a deadly accident.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one as a result of drunk driving or a wrong-way car accident, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for a free consultation with a Dallas car accident attorney.

Call The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for your FREE Case Evaluation

972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020

By : Tim O'Hare /April 27, 2018 /Blog, Dallas Personal Injury Attorney /0 Comment Read More

O’Hare Law Blog

Do You Know What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident?

Two Killed in Fiery Train-Car Collision; Could This Accident Have Been Prevented?

8 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe on Their Way Back to School

Critical Safety Reminders Following the Death of Dallas Motorcycle Officer Killed by Drunk Driver

In Service to Our Community: The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare Gives Back

Do You Know the Laws About Dog Bites in Texas?

7 Tips for Safe Summer Driving

My 3 Most Memorable Teachers. Who Are Yours?

Texas Mom Killed by Drunk Wrong-Way Driver

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