What are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fort Bend County?
The common reasons for car accidents include:
- Distracted Drivers
- Speeding
- Failure to Signal
- Reckless Driving (rapid lane changes)
- Damaged Road Surfaces
- Broken Traffic Lights
- Tired Drivers
- Driving Dangerously In Severe Weather Conditions
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
- Failure to Obey Traffic Lights & Signs
If you were involved in a car accident and sustained bodily injuries, we are here to help get you the legal compensation you deserve. Our car accident lawyer in Fort Bend County is experienced in representing individuals involved in car accidents. Give the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC a call today at 713-987-7107 for a review of your car accident case and to schedule a consultation.
Distracted Drivers in Fort Bend County
Unfortunately, increased traffic and congestion are not the only cause of car accidents. Distracted drivers, like those who text, make phone calls, or drive while intoxicated are making our roads and highways increasingly dangerous for our loved ones. Some statistics show that 80 percent of car accidents are caused by distracted drivers.
If you have been injured in a car accident, the Law Office of Shane McClelland can help you understand your legal rights and the options available to pursue all of the money you deserve against a distracted driver.
Our Fort Bend County car accident lawyers have successfully represented injured drivers and passengers in almost every imaginable auto accident scenario. From distracted drivers, head-on collisions, T-bones, drunk driving accidents, and hit-and-runs, no case is too complex for our car accident attorney to handle.
What Type of Legal Compensation Can Car Accident Victims Recover?
Victims of car accidents are entitled to recover financial compensation for their injuries. Financial compensation in car accident cases is commonly referred to as damages. Our Fort Bend County car accident lawyer can assess your situation to determine how much and what categories of compensation you are entitled to under the law. From there, he can build a strong car accident case on your behalf, tailoring his strategies to meet your unique needs.
The types of legal compensation that our car accident attorney may be able to recover for you can include:
- Past and future medical care and medical expenses
- Emergency room care
- Surgical care
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Drug and medication expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of consortium or physical intimacy
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and disfigurement
Recovering from a major car accident is painful and stressful. It affects every facet of your life. You are not only missing work, but you have large medical expenses and a car that has significant damage. Our Fort Bend County car accident injury lawyer is here to give you and your case the personalized representation it deserves.
What Steps Can You Take to Protect Your Right to Damages?
Statistically, every American will be involved in about 3-4 motor vehicle accidents throughout their lifetime. A car accident can be a stressful and distressing experience, especially if you’ve been injured by the actions of a negligent driver. After all, even a “minor” car accident can result in catastrophic injuries that necessitate surgical procedures and ongoing medical treatments. However, if you are not careful, you could make a mistake that will prevent you from collecting the compensation you need.
At the Law Office of Shane McClelland, we have successfully represented injured drivers and passengers in a variety of complex car accident claims. To help you protect your rights to damages, we’ve compiled a list of 20 steps you need to take immediately after an accident:
- Turn on your hazard lights and, if possible, move your vehicle out of the line of traffic.
- Call 911 immediately.
- If you’re injuries are not too severe, take pictures of your injuries, any vehicles involved, and the entirety of the accident scene.
- Check that everyone – passengers and drivers – are safe and unharmed.
- Don’t say “sorry” or admit/imply fault for the collision.
- Exchange license and insurance information with the driver(s).
- Help law enforcement complete the accident report and get statements from witnesses.
- Write down the names and badge numbers of all responding officers.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident until the officers give you permission.
- Talk to witnesses and write down their names and phone numbers.
- Seek immediate medical assistance, even if you don’t think you’re injured—you may be in shock from the collision and not realize that you’ve been injured.
- Make sure the doctor notes that your injuries are due to a car accident in your medical record.
- Request a copy of your updated medical and billing records from your medical provider, and request a copy of the accident report from the police.
- Take notes about the doctors you meet with and the treatments you receive.
- Keep an ongoing record of your injury-related financial losses (bills, receipts, lost wages, etc.).
- Gather your own insurance documents to determine if you have: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, Medpay coverage, or Underinsurance / Uninsurance Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
- Notify your insurance company about the collision.
- Contact a qualified car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
- Do not speak with or give a recorded or written statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company’s adjuster, direct them to your attorney.
- Do not post about the accident on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat etc.).
The defendant’s insurer may engage in questionable tactics to deny or compromise your right to damages. Do not speak with or give a recorded or written statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you can’t complete any of these steps due to your injuries, contact a trusted friend, family member, or legal representative for assistance. At the Law Office of Shane McClelland, we can utilize the full measure of our firm’s resources to ensure that your claim is protected.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for filing car accidents in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. If the accident resulted in the wrongful death of a person, then the family or loved ones of the deceased victim have up to 2 years from the date of the victim’s passing to file a wrongful death suit.
There are some exceptions to the statute of limitations in situations that involve car accident victims who are under the age of 18 and if injuries are discovered late.
- If a victim of a car accident was under the age of 18 at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations will begin on their 18th birthday, which will allow them time to file a lawsuit as an adult.
- In some cases, car accident injuries have delayed symptoms. If the victim discovers an injury later and it resulted from the accident, then they have up to 2 more years to file a lawsuit.
Were you involved in a vehicle collision? Get in touch with a seasoned Fort Bend County car accident injury lawyer at Law Office of Shane McClelland as soon as possible — 2 years may sound like a long time, but getting started sooner gives you and your attorney more time to build a solid case. Schedule an appointment today — 713-987-7107.
What Can You Do to Avoid a Car Accident?
It is possible to reduce the risk of being involved in a traffic accident.
The following will help you avoid being in a car accident:
- Enter Traffic Carefully: If you are merging onto the highway or turning at an intersection be vigilant of other driver’s blind spots.
- Never Assume Everyone Follows the Rules: Look twice to make sure no vehicles are running red lights.
- Avoid Excessive Distractions: Talking/texting on a cell phone, eating, taking your hands off the well and loud use of your stereo may distract you from the road.
- Take Care of Your Vehicle: Take special care of your vehicle, specifically your safety equipment; such as: brakes and lights, headlights and tires.
- Do Not Rely on Your Mirrors: When you are reversing do not solely use your mirror, turn your set and make sure the path is clear.
- Do Not Tail the Car in Front of You: Keep a safe distance away from the car in front of you.
- Stay Calm: Road rage and aggressive driving can lead to accidents, try your best to stay calm.
If you have suffered an injury in a traffic accident, the personal injury attorney at the Law Office of Shane McClelland is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today to discuss your options.
Contact Our Fort Bend County Car Accident Lawyers & Recover the Compensation You Deserve
If you entrust a Fort Bend County car accident attorney with your injury claim, then you may be able to recover compensation for expenses stemming from your injuries. Let the Law Office of Shane McClelland carry the load for you and level the playing field against large corporations and insurance companies so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries from your car accident.
We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. If you have suffered injuries and you have outstanding medical expenses, lost wages, or have suffered any loss, then contact Shane McClelland today. The Law Office of Shane McClelland provides experienced personal injury representation. Call us for a consultation.
Call 713-987-7107 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer and get started on your case today.
