Katy Car Accident Lawyer

Helping Victims of Auto Accidents Recover 

Personalized Legal Guidance from a Car Accident Lawyer in Katy 

• Investigating the Accident: If you’ve been involved in an accident, having an experienced attorney on your side is essential to help you navigate the legal process and determine who is at fault. We will thoroughly investigate the accident by gathering key evidence and carefully reviewing all relevant traffic laws and regulations to ensure no violations have been committed, covering all possible angles.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Negotiations with insurance companies can be tricky and time-consuming. Let us take the burden off your shoulders by representing you and protecting your rights during these discussions.
• Filing a Lawsuit: We can help you navigate the legal process and represent you in court. We build a strong case and fight for fair compensation for any damages or injuries you sustained in the accident.
• Understanding Legal Rights and Options: We thoroughly explain your legal rights and options under the relevant laws and regulations in Texas. We guide you in navigating the legal system and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and resources necessary to understand and assert your legal rights and achieve a favorable outcome.

Working With a Local Katy Car Accident Lawyer Near Me

By choosing to hire a local Katy car accident lawyer, you are gaining access to various advantages. Our dedicated team is aware of the unique details of local court systems, Katy’s traffic laws, and the specific areas where accidents are commonly prone to happen. As we are local, we are truly accessible and have in-depth knowledge of the local courts, judges, and juries. Our firm can provide you with hands-on legal representation, as we are available to discuss your case directly in person.

Recent Car Accident Settlements From Us

Where Do Car Accidents Commonly Occur in Katy?

• The intersection of 1463 and Hwy 90. This intersection tends to be the most dangerous in Katy, and it experienced 14 crashes, 7 injuries, and 1 fatality in 2023. In this area, construction and high school traffic contribute to frequent lane changes. This causes serious crashes, 50% of which resulted in injuries in Katy.
• The intersection of I-10 and Hwy 90. In this intersection, speeding vehicles coming off the freeway and quickly changing lanes increase the risk of serious crashes. In 2023, this intersection saw 19 crashes, of which 15% resulted in injuries. There was one death in this intersection that year.
• The intersection of 1463 and I-10. This area is prone to common rear-end collisions as a result of stopped vehicles. In 2023, there were 40 crashes in this intersection, resulting in 4 injuries.
• The intersection of Katy Fort Bend and I-10. This area sees high volumes of retail traffic, increasing the risk of crashes. In 2023, there were 4 crashes and 2 injuries sustained in this intersection.

Key Car Accident Statistics in Katy

Car accidents in Katy are a serious public health threat to individuals in the region. Katy is highly congested, and drivers can exhibit negligent or reckless behavior. This commonly leads to car accidents, which can result in severe injuries. By understanding the following car accident statistics, drivers can remain alert on the road:

• According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 427,008 reported car accidents in 2023 in Texas.
• Of these crashes, 54,317 were suspected to have resulted in minor injuries, and 9,679 may have caused serious injuries.
• In 2023, there were 2,057 fatal car accident crashes in Texas, resulting in 2,204 fatalities.

Common Injuries From Car Accidents

• Traumatic Brain Injuries- A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe injury caused by a blow or penetration to the head. It can result in symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, headaches, dizziness, and loss of consciousness in severe cases.
•  Spinal Cord Injuries- The spinal cord is a delicate and vital part of the body that controls movement, sensation, and reflexes. When the spinal cord is damaged, it can lead to loss of sensation, mobility, and in severe cases, paralysis. Because of the forces pushing against you in a car wreck, backs are very susceptible to injuries.
• Broken Bones- Car accidents can also cause broken bones, particularly in the limbs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Whiplash- Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are jerked forward and backward in a rapid motion, causing strain and damage to the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness.
• Burn Injuries

Car Accident Types

• Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle crashes into the back of another that is either stopped or moving slowly. This can happen due to distracted, drowsy, or reckless driving and can result in serious injuries such as whiplash and head injuries.
• Head-on collisions: When two vehicles collide at their front ends, the result is a head-on collision. These accidents can have devastating consequences and frequently result in severe injuries or death. Such crashes result from driver mistakes, such as driving impaired or recklessly.
• T-bone accidents: Also known as side-impact accidents, this happens when the side of one vehicle slams into the side of another. These often occur at intersections when one driver disregards a red light or stop sign, and can result in severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and internal damage.
• Sideswipe accidents: Sideswipe accidents happen when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another while traveling in the same direction. These accidents are often caused by distracted drivers or a car drifting into another lane.
• Rollover accidents: Rollovers happen when a car flips over onto the side. They can be caused by going too fast or by the design or condition of the vehicle. These types of accidents can be hazardous and even deadly.
• Hit-and-run accidents: A hit-and-run incident is a collision where one driver flees the scene, leaving behind potential injuries or casualties. These types of accidents can lead to severe legal consequences for the responsible party.
• Single-vehicle accidents: These occur when only one vehicle is involved in the accident. Single-vehicle accidents can happen due to driver error, poor road conditions, or mechanical failure.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: Accidents involving more than two vehicles can be an absolute nightmare. Not only can they result in serious injuries or even fatalities, but it can be more difficult to determine fault and liability.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

There are multiple potential causes of car accidents, some of which include:

• Distracted Driving: This includes using a cell phone while driving, eating or drinking, or even applying makeup or shaving. These activities take a driver’s attention away from the road, leading to severe accidents and injuries.
• Reckless Driving: Speeding, blowing through red lights and stop signs, and taking illegal turns are all dangerous maneuvers that harm other drivers and pedestrians walking in crosswalks and can result in devastating collisions.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medication can impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and make safe decisions on the road.
• Poor Road Conditions and Weather: Drivers must stay vigilant when navigating the roads, as neglect and inclement weather can lead to potholes, slippery surfaces, reduced visibility for drivers, or poorly maintained roadways.

What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Car Accident?

• Get the driver’s name, address, and phone number.
• Note the other vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number.
• Keep this information easily accessible for future reference.
• Do NOT discuss or admit fault with anyone.

Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Car Accident Claims

• Failing to immediately seek medical attention. Even if you do not feel like you have sustained serious injuries, it is of utmost importance to have a medical professional evaluate your condition. Multiple types of injuries, such as internal injuries or soft tissue injuries, may not have apparent symptoms right away. An experienced medical professional can monitor your condition and generate a report to show how your injuries were related to your car accident.
• Not collecting adequate evidence. Car accident victims who rush to get away from the car accident scene without collecting enough evidence are likely weakening their claims. If it is safe to do so, it is urged to take videos and photos of the crash site, the associated vehicles, physical injuries, and the conditions that may have led to the crash. It is also important to gather the contact information of witnesses and collect the police report to strengthen the case.
• Handing over a recorded statement. Directly after your car accident, insurance companies will try to pressure you to drop the claim or admit fault. They will use various tactics to avoid paying you the compensation you’re entitled to. If they request a recorded statement from you, do not provide this without first consulting a lawyer. A Katy car accident lawyer can make sure you do not downplay your damages or admit fault without intending to do so.
• Being pressured into accepting a settlement. As insurance companies are commonly only interested in optimizing their bottom line, they will likely try to rush you to settle on an offer amount that is worth less than the damages you’ve suffered. It’s critical to speak first with a car accident lawyer in Katy. They can handle communications with the insurance companies on your behalf and negotiate an optimal settlement.
• Taking too long to file your claim. In Texas, there is a certain amount of time you have to file your claim, known as the statute of limitations. If you do not file your claim before the statute of limitations that applies to your case, you can lose your rights to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Furthermore, waiting to seek medical care or collect key evidence can also compromise your case, resulting in lower compensation amounts.
• Failing to listen to medical professionals. Skipping appointments, failing to adhere to medical treatment plans, and not following recommendations from a doctor can make it seem like certain injuries are less severe than you are claiming them to be. Be sure to keep detailed records of all your medical expenses and visits, as well as evidence of the completion of your prescribed treatment, to bring forward a strong case.
• Failing to hire a Katy car accident attorney. Many individuals may try to navigate the car accident claims process on their own. This can leave them prone to being taken advantage of by insurance companies and presenting a weak case, which does not fully implicate the responsible party’s fault and demonstrate the extent of your damages. An experienced Katy car crash lawyer is here to support you, protect your rights, and build a strong case.

Types of Legal Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims

• Medical Expenses: One type of compensation that victims can recover is the cost of any medical treatment they received as a result of the accident. This can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and any anticipated cost of future medical care. Victims should keep all bills and receipts related to their medical treatment, as they will need to provide documentation of their expenses when seeking compensation. But the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC can help gather your medical records after a car accident.
• Lost Wages: If you’ve been injured and cannot work, you must keep track of any loss in wages you may have experienced. It’s essential to consider not just the time you had to take off work to recover from your injuries but also any potential impact on your future earning potential. Pay stubs and other documentation to back up your lawsuit can be helpful when seeking compensation.
• Property Damage: You may be able to get compensation for damage to your vehicle or personal property from an accident, including items in the car. You need to document the damage with photos and keep bills for repairs or replacements to show as evidence.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering compensation can include various physical and mental distress types, such as physical pain, anxiety, and depression. It may be challenging to calculate, but our Katy car accident attorney has the experience to help you determine an appropriate amount.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, victims recover additional damages as a way of punishing the at-fault party for particularly egregious conduct. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Why Choose the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC?

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?

• If you are involved in the accident and were a minor, the statute of limitations will start once you turn 18.
• If you cannot file a lawsuit because of a mental or physical condition at the time of the accident, the period in which you can file a lawsuit may be extended until you’re capable of doing so.
• If you are considering filing a lawsuit after a car accident, consult with a Katy car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you comply with the applicable deadlines and to receive guidance tailored to your specific situation.

What if the Other Driver Was at Fault But Does Not Have Insurance?

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Can I Settle a Car Accident Case Out of Court in Katy?

Get Started with an Experienced Katy Car Accident Lawyer Today!