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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.

Share the Road: May is Motorcycle Safety Month

by Dallas Christian Injury Lawyer, Tim O’Hare

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Nearly all motorcycle riders involved in accidents are injured — at least half of those are seriously injured. Each year, more than 5,000 people die in motorcycle accidents, and that number has been on the rise in recent years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and as the weather warms up and we see more motorcyclists on the roads, it’s the perfect time for all drivers to review safety tips to help keep Texas roads safe. Any time you are operating a vehicle on the road — motorcycle, car or truck — you are responsible to do your part to keep all motorists safe, including motorcyclists.

Not all motorcycle accidents are preventable, but many of them are. Share the road with motorcyclists and other motorists and take precautions to avoid an accident that could be prevented. Here are some motorcycle safety tips for all drivers from a 4-time winner of D Magazine’s best personal injury lawyers in Dallas:

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.

If you drive a motorcycle, remember these important motorcycle safety tips:

Get proper training before you ride. Enroll in a class that will train you on how to safely and properly operate a motorcycle.
Keep yourself visible. Wear a reflective helmet and clothing to increase your visibility at night. Always signal before changing lanes or turning.
Use extra caution when road conditions are unfavorable, such as during bad weather, on undivided highways, or poorly maintained roads.

In order to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents that occur each year in the U.S., all drivers must commit to being aware of their surroundings and to share the road with motorcyclists.

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

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 06, 2019 /Blog, Dallas Personal Injury Attorney, Uncategorized /0 Comment Read More

What is Good About Good Friday?

by Tim O’Hare

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Today is Good Friday. A day where Christians around the globe take time to stop, remember and reflect on the very center of our faith, our world — Christ’s death on the cross.

What is “good” about the death of the Man on whom the Christian faith is centered?

What makes it good is the why behind His death. And what happened after He died.

The death of Jesus was the sacrifice for our sin. Every shameful, wrong, or hurtful thought, word, action. The sin that separates us from God. Christ’s death was the sacrifice for it all.

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed.’” – 1 Peter 2:24

His death on the cross was the bridge that makes a way between us and a holy, righteous, perfect God.

And the best part about Good Friday? We know it doesn’t end there.

But on that day over two thousand years ago, the world may not have known. His enemies believed they had finally brought an end to this Man who had caused such a disruption. The Enemy thought he had won.

But Good Friday was only the beginning. Sunday was coming.

We remember and honor Good Friday because we know we have Sunday to celebrate. Sunday — the day Jesus defeated sin and death. The day He overcame evil. The day He rose from the grave.

Jesus is ALIVE, and because of His death and His resurrection, we have grace. We have forgiveness. We, too, can triumph over sin and death.

Do you believe?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

God gave so we can live. Now and forever more. And all you have to do is believe and confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord to receive this free gift.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Today truly is a GOOD Friday!

By : Tim O'Hare /April 19, 2019 /Uncategorized /0 Comment Read More

Finding CHRIST in Christmas

“Look for Christ and you will find Him. And with Him, everything else.” – C.S. Lewis

This year it seems our culture has gone further than ever before in its attempts to take Christ out of Christmas.

From replacing “Merry Christmas” with “Happy Holidays,” to removing Nativity displays from public property, society is certainly more concerned with being politically correct than recognizing the One True Reason for this season.

It’s easy to watch the news and wonder what’s gone wrong with our world, but the answer is so simple. We’ve neglected the baby in the manger, and have replaced him with consumerism and man-made idols.

If you’re seeking peace, love, joy, or hope this Christmas, you won’t find those wrapped under your tree. To find true joy, hope, and peace, you must first find Christ. As C.S. Lewis put it, “Look for Christ and you will find Him. And with Him, everything else.”

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart,” the Scriptures tell us in Jeremiah 29:13.

When we take time to remember, reflect upon, and honor the One God sent to bring us love, peace, joy, and hope, we will find them in the most unexpected way. We will find love, peace, joy, and hope in the baby in a manger — God’s only Son who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died as a sacrifice for the sin of all men.

Christ defeated death, and on the 3rd day, he was alive again. It is through belief in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, his death, burial and resurrection that we can know true love, joy, and peace, and have hope of eternal life in heaven when our time on earth is over.

This gift — Jesus — is a free gift; one you have the choice to accept or reject. If you choose to accept this gift, and believe in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ to cover the gap between you and a perfect, holy God, you can have eternal life

All you need is faith. As the Scriptures say, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Seek Christ this holiday season and with Him you will find everything else.

From our family to yours, Merry CHRISTmas!

By : Tim O'Hare /December 23, 2015 /Blog, Uncategorized /0 Comment Read More

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

By : Tim O'Hare /June 24, 2013 /Uncategorized /0 Comment Read More

Trucking accidents: Negligence & victim’s compensation

by Tim O’Hare

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Trucking accidents account for nearly 450,000 motor vehicle accidents each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at least 5,000 motorists die every year as a result of trucking accidents and approximately 140,000 people are seriously injured in large truck accidents each year. Of those killed, 74 percent are occupants of a passenger car, while only 16 percent are occupants of the truck.

A large percentage of those accidents can be related to driver negligence — often on the part of the truck driver. In fact, in 2006, roughly 24 percent of truck drivers who were involved in traffic accidents had a previous speeding conviction. A driver’s negligence can be attributed to one of many factors including:

Talking on the phone while driving;
Driving while fatigued or drowsy;
Driving over the speed limit;
Aggressive driving;
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
Inexperienced driving;
Inattentive driving;
Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo (in a commercial truck).

In an effort to reduce the number of trucking accidents due to driver fatigue or drowsiness, the Federal Carrier Safety Administration requires trucking companies to comply with these “hours of service” rules:

Drivers may not drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. If the driver is using a sleeper, he or she may split the 10 hours off into two intervals, as long as one is at least two hours long.
Truck drivers may not drive beyond the 14^th hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Truck drivers may not drive more than 60 hours in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days.
Drivers may not start a seven to eight day driving period if they have not been off for at least 34 consecutive hours.

Victims of trucking accidents can receive compensation if they have suffered bodily injury or property damage in an accident caused by a truck driver’s negligence.

If you have been involved in a traffic accident with a commercial truck, contact the experienced legal team at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare. We will help you receive the compensation you are due for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage and pain and suffering.

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

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

By : Sasha Miller /April 25, 2012 /Uncategorized /0 Comment Read More

Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance coverage in Texas

by Tim O’Hare

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There are nearly 17 million licensed drivers in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, roughly 25% of those drivers do not carry liability insurance. Although liability insurance is required by law, there will always be irresponsible drivers who choose to take a gamble, rather than purchase the required insurance.

In Texas, motorists who are caught driving without liability insurance can be fined on their first offense. Consecutive offenses could result in suspension of their driver’s license and even vehicle impounding. In the City of Dallas, uninsured drivers can have their car towed.

In an October 2011 Dallas Morning News article, Jerry Johns, president of the Southwestern Insurance Information Service in Austin, explained that in Massachusetts, the state with the nation’s lowest percentage of uninsured drivers, uninsured drivers could spend up to a year in jail. Johns believes the potential for jail time is a “pretty good deterrent,” and that Texas should enforce similar penalties for driving without liability insurance.

The financial consequences of driving without insurance aren’t the only potential consequences. In the event of an accident where physical injury or property damage occurs, lack of insurance can be devastating to all parties involved. Since 1977, the Texas Insurance Code mandated that all insurance companies doing business in Texas offer uninsured motorist protection as well as underinsured motorist protection. Essentially, drivers who do have insurance, are covering uninsured and underinsured motorists with their policies when they take out Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists coverage. (Hit-and-run drivers are considered uninsured motorists.)

Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance coverage applies to the policyholder and any family members residing in the same household, as well as passengers in the insured vehicle and anyone driving the insured vehicle with the owner’s permission. Uninsured and underinsured insurance coverage does not apply to vehicles owned by the policyholder that are not listed on the policy.

If you have been injured or have suffered property damage in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist, burden of proof falls on your insurance company to establish the negligent driver was, in fact, uninsured. In the event of injury or the unfortunate event of death in a car accident, working with a trusted personal injury attorney will ensure you receive all compensation due to you. If you have been injured in a car accident, or have lost a loved one in a wreck, call us. The experienced legal team at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare will guide you through your case and ensure you get everything 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 : Sasha Miller /March 20, 2012 /Uncategorized /0 Comment Read More

Severe Burn Injuries as a Result of Negligence

by Tim O’Hare

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The injuries one can suffer as a result of negligence on the part of another person are often life-threatening. Frequently, people who suffer severe injuries and survive live the rest of their lives with scarring, disfigurement and the inability to care for themselves.

Gas explosions, chemical spills and electrical fires are all common causes of severe burns. Serious burns can cause significant disfigurement — and even death — to the victim. When the injured person survives severe burns, he or she will have to live with scars for the rest of their lives. When the event that caused those burns, such as a chemical spill or a gas explosion, was the result of the negligence of another person, the victim is entitled to seek financial compensation for their suffering.

How can negligence lead to such a catastrophe? Employers often overlook unsafe work environments. Sometimes the cost to bring a work environment up to standard is deemed too expensive for the business, so owners take the risk, hoping they won’t be found out and that no deadly accident occurs. In these cases, what businesses owners fail to recognize is that code standards for work environments are set for a specific reason — to avoid undue injury or death in the workplace. These are not standards that should be ignored.

In the case of a severe burn injury due to negligence, the negligent party must be held accountable for his or her actions (or lack thereof) that ultimately led to the resulting injuries. Victims should be compensated for their suffering, medical bills and lost wages, and this is allowed by state law.

Burn injuries vary from first to third degree burns. First-degree burns are the most minor, and typically heal on their own. Third-degree burns, however, often result in permanent damage to the victim’s skin, fat, muscle and even bone. Permanent scarring and disfigurement are often the result of third-degree burns.

If you or a loved one has been seriously burned in an accident such as a gas explosion, chemical spill or electrical fire that was the result of the negligence of another, you are entitled to financial compensation. Contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare to work with a personal injury attorney who is experienced in dealing with severe injury cases. Contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call us at 972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020.

By : Sasha Miller /February 21, 2012 /Uncategorized /0 Comment Read More

The Dallas Bar Association

By Tim O’Hare

In 1873, a group of 40 Dallas-area lawyers founded the Dallas Bar Association with the purpose of supporting a literary undertaking and maintenance of a legal library. Since its inception, more than 135 years ago, the Dallas Bar Association (DBA) has been dedicated to continuing education for its lawyer members, public service programs and improving the administration of justice.

For Dallas area attorneys, The Dallas Bar Association provides a number of resources and membership benefits such as:

Attorneys in the Dallas area can continue their education with more than 350 continuing legal education (CLE) courses offered each year by the DBA. These courses are offered free of charge to DBA members.
The Senior Lawyers Committee provides mentoring services to attorneys.
Lawyers can participate in the DBA’s Lawyer Referral Service Panel, which connects inquiring individuals with an attorney.

The DBA also provides services to the public.

On the DBA website, there are community legal resources and consumer tips for the public.
There are also fee dispute and grievance procedures and information on how the legal system works.
Individuals who need legal assistance can take advantage of the Lawyer Referral Service or have legal questions answered by volunteer attorneys on LegalLine.

Whether a Dallas attorney or a member of the public, The Dallas Bar Association exists to ensure outstanding legal service is provided in Dallas. Continuing education is an important component of practicing law, and the DBA provides easy access to continuing education courses to help attorneys maintain their professional licenses.

The resources available to the public set an expectation of excellence that Dallas attorneys are encouraged to reach. The public has access to quality legal aid, and the DBA works with thousands of area attorneys to ensure legal aid is available to anyone who needs it.

Dallas personal injury attorney Tim O’Hare is a member of the Dallas Bar Association, Christian Legal Society, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Tim O’Hare is also on the Public Forum Committee of the Dallas Bar Association.

If you have been injured in a car accident, suffered injury on someone else’s property, or experienced an injury or illness in some other manner, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for a free initial consultation with an experienced Dallas personal injury attorney. Call us at 972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020.

By : Sasha Miller /December 08, 2011 /Uncategorized /0 Comment Read More

School Zone Safety Tips

By Tim O’Hare

Pedestrian accidents account for nearly 60,000 traffic deaths each year with many of those accidents occurring in pedestrian crosswalks and school zones. People most at risk for being hit while crossing a street include children and the elderly. Some statistics show that 41% of pedestrian accidents happen during 3p.m. and 4 p.m., when children are getting off school busses and crossing streets in school zones.

Most pedestrian accidents are a result of inattentive or distracted driving, driver’s failure to yield right of way, turning into an intersection without looking for pedestrians, and pedestrians ignoring walk signals or crossing the street without looking for oncoming traffic.

With the kids back in school, it’s important to review school zone safety, for both pedestrians and drivers.

In most states, including Texas, the use of cell phones is strictly prohibited in school zones. Some states specify hand-held cell phones. Put down the phone when driving through an active school zone. That conversation can wait and isn’t worth the risk of potentially hitting a child crossing the street.
The speed limit in an active school zone drops to 20mph. Even if you’re in a hurry, don’t rush through a school zone. Children’s lives are precious. Slow down. Receiving a traffic ticket in a school zone can cost you double what it would if you were pulled over outside a school zone.
Teach school-aged children the importance of paying attention while crossing the street. While slower speed limits and crosswalk guards help, it is important that children crossing the street pay close attention to traffic, look both ways before crossing the street, and don’t rely solely on the crosswalk guard to get them across safely.

When driving, always give pedestrians the right of way, even if they aren’t in a crosswalk. The use of cell phones increases the risk of accidents for both drivers who are talking on the cell phone and pedestrians who are crossing the street. Whether walking or driving, put down the cell phone and pay attention to the traffic and pedestrians around you.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call us at 972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020.

By : Sasha Miller /October 05, 2011 /Dallas Personal Injury Attorney, Uncategorized /0 Comment Read More

Wear your helmet – it could save your life

Although the use of helmets can reduce the risk of serious injury or death in an accident, Texas laws do not require motorcyclists to wear helmets. Prior to 2009, the law required that a motorcyclist be covered with a minimum of $10,000 health insurance for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in order to legally operate or ride a motorcycle without a helmet.

On June 19, 2009, Governor Rick Perry signed a new law repealing that law. The new law requires the Texas Department of Insurance to give proof of health insurance for individuals at least 21 years old. Individuals carrying health insurance are not required by law to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.

Additionally, the law prohibits police officers or highway patrol from stopping or detaining a motorcyclist for the sole purpose of determining whether or not they have completed a motorcycle safety course or is covered by insurance.

Whether or not the law requires a motorcyclist to wear a helmet, the fact remains that wearing a helmet while riding or driving a motorcycle can save your life in the event of an accident. In 2008, motorcycle helmets saved 1,829 lives.

A 2009 study by the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) found that the use of motorcycle helmets had increased to 67 percent from 63 percent in 2008. However, in states that do not require motorcyclists to wear a helmet only 55 percent of motorcyclists wore helmets, whereas 86 percent use helmets in states that do require all motorcyclists to wear helmets.

While some motorcyclists would claim that the use of helmets interferes with their vision or hearing, a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that the loss of lateral vision can be recovered if the motorcycle driver turns his or her head slightly more when changing lanes. The study found that hearing loss only occurred between the speeds of 30-50mph, because of the sound of wind, and that the use of a helmet does not affect a motorcyclist’s hearing.

Even if the law does not require you to wear a helmet while driving or riding on a motorcycle, think twice before making the decision to ride without one. Wearing a helmet is a small price to pay considering that helmet could save your life in an accident.

If you have been seriously injured or lost a family member in a motorcycle accident, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hareand ask to speak with Tim O’Hare, the Dallas personal injury attorney who has been riding motorcycles for most of his adult life. Currently, Mr. O’Hare rides a 2009 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. Hiring a lawyer who also rides to handle your motorcycle case is the right choice. Call us today at 972-960-0000, or toll-free at 1-888-960-0020.

By : Sasha Miller /May 17, 2011 /Uncategorized /0 Comment Read More

Uncategorized

Share the Road: May is Motorcycle Safety Month

What is Good About Good Friday?

Finding CHRIST in Christmas

Hello world!

Trucking accidents: Negligence & victim’s compensation

Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance coverage in Texas

Severe Burn Injuries as a Result of Negligence

The Dallas Bar Association

School Zone Safety Tips

Wear your helmet – it could save your life

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