Katy Car Accident Lawyer

Helping Victims of Auto Accidents Recover 

Injuries and fatalities resulting from car accidents can devastate the lives of those involved as well as their families and loved ones. A car accident can result in physical injuries, emotional distress, and substantial financial losses, including property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Katy or the surrounding areas, it is critical to secure strong local legal representation. At the Law Office of Shane McClelland, we believe in a truly personalized approach to legal representation. When you choose us, you’re not just getting a law firm—you’re getting direct, one-on-one service with Attorney Shane McClelland himself. Your case will not be handed off to an inexperienced lawyer, like often happens at large car accident firms. Shane takes the time to get to know you personally, understand your story, and tailor his legal strategies to fit your unique situation. 

Call us at 713-987-7107 to schedule a free consultation with a Katy car accident attorney.

Personalized Legal Guidance from a Car Accident Lawyer in Katy 

Car accidents can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, leaving victims physically and emotionally drained. Trying to navigate the legal system alone can be daunting, but with the help of the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, you can rest easy knowing that you have the guidance and support you need to move forward confidently.

• 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.

At the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, we understand the pain and suffering and stress a car accident injury lawsuit can bring. That’s why we’re here to take that burden off your shoulders and fight for the compensation you deserve. Let us level the playing field against insurance companies so you can focus on healing.

If you’ve been injured and are facing medical expenses, lost wages, or other losses, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. 

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.

When you work with an experienced legal professional from the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, you are more than just another case file. Our lawyer, Shane McClelland, is dedicated to having a personalized connection with each client, bringing a humanized approach to a field that is often characterized as cold and harsh. Whether you need support negotiating with insurance companies or advocating your case in court, we are here for you.

Recent Car Accident Settlements From Us

The legal team at the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, is proud to have assisted many clients over the years in getting the compensation they were entitled to after being in a car accident. Throughout the years, we have successfully helped individuals navigate their claims, representing them in a variety of accident cases, ranging from severe interstate accidents to multi-car pile-ups.

The Katy car accident attorney from our firm is here to bring personalized dedication and care to each case. We’ve leveraged tailored strategies to help clients bring home settlements that ultimately make a difference in their lives. Recently, we’ve helped clients secure settlements that cover the full extent of their damages, including lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and property damage.

The results of our car accident settlements speak to the care and attention that we bring to each case. Our compassionate firm is dedicated to helping accident victims secure the compensation that they need to recover and move on with their lives. If you have been in a car accident, our firm is ready to put in the same hard work and dedication for your case. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Where Do Car Accidents Commonly Occur in Katy?

As Katy is one of the busier cities in Texas, its residents suffer from injuries due to car accidents throughout the year. The experienced legal team from the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, has helped multiple clients with these crashes. Some of the most accident-prone areas in the city include:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

By understanding where car accidents are commonly occurring in Katy and the surrounding areas, drivers can exercise extreme caution in these locales, which can help them avoid accidents. However, car accidents are not always preventable, even if drivers have followed all the necessary guidelines and exercised extreme caution. If an accident occurs, the Katy car crash lawyer from our firm is here to help.

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.

These grave statistics are a constant reminder that it is critical to have an experienced and compassionate legal advocate on your side. If you have been in a car accident in Katy or the surrounding areas, the Katy auto accident lawyer from the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, is ready to champion your case and help you obtain the compensation you’re entitled to.

Common Injuries From Car Accidents

According to a 2022 “crash facts” report by the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 15,299 serious car collisions in the state. These collisions resulted in 4,481 fatalities. At least one person is killed in a traffic accident in Texas every 1 hour and 57 minutes. 

Common injuries after a wreck include:

• 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.

It’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. Sometimes, symptoms can take days to appear.

It’s important to document any injuries you sustained so you can use the documentation as evidence when it’s time to file a lawsuit for damages. We can explain more during a free consultation.

Car Accident Types

Various types of car accident cases can occur in Katy, Texas, each with unique circumstances, contributing factors, and legal complexities. These include:

• 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.

At the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, our commitment is to provide comprehensive and tailored legal representation to each client, guiding them through the complexities of their specific car accident case. No matter what type of wreck you were injured in, we are here to advocate for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve from the responsible party. 

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 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.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, get in touch with our team today by calling (713) 987-7107.

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

If you find yourself in a car accident in Katy, Texas, you should take a few essential steps to protect your safety and legal rights.

Step 1: Call 911. The first thing you should do after a car accident is to call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if necessary. Even if the accident seems minor and no one appears to be injured, it is always best to err on the side of caution and call for emergency services. The operator will dispatch the necessary personnel, such as police and paramedics, to the accident scene. If anyone is injured, it is essential to get them medical attention as soon as possible.

Step 2: Exchange contact information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.  After contacting 911, exchange contact information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident and try to:

• 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.

Step 3: Take photographs and gather evidence. If you are physically able, taking photographs of the accident scene is a good idea, including any damage to your car and the other vehicle(s) involved. It would also help to photograph any injuries you or your passengers sustained. Be sure to get the name and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. If you decide to file a lawsuit with your insurance company or take legal action against the other driver, support your case with this evidence.

Step 4: Contact your insurance company.  After the accident, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Be sure to keep a record of the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with at the insurance company. Again, do not admit or discuss fault. 

Taking these steps can help smooth the process for insurance claims and potential legal actions after a car accident. Remember, seeking professional guidance from a Katy, TX car accident attorney as soon as possible can provide valuable assistance in navigating the aftermath of a crash.

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

When it comes to car accidents, one of the first things that often comes to mind is the insurance process. One aspect of this process is communicating with the other driver’s insurance company. You should consult your own Katy car accident lawyer before speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It is their job to protect their insured (the driver who caused the wreck) and their own bottom line. The insurance company is not looking out for your best interests. 

To protect your best interests, it is advisable to contact an attorney immediately following your accident and BEFORE speaking with the other driver’s insurance company.  Your attorney will discuss with you your case and when and what to discuss with the opposing party’s insurance company.

Insurance companies may try to get you to make a recorded statement and ask confusing and poorly worded questions to confuse you and twist the situation. Then the insurance company may use statements against you in an attempt to minimize the amount of money they have to pay. It is best to have legal representation before giving any statement to the other driver’s insurance company.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Car Accident Claims

The process of filing your car accident claim can be highly complicated, making it difficult to understand the optimal ways to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. The actions you take after a car accident can have a serious impact on the ultimate outcome of your case. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can work to strengthen your case and successfully pursue optimal compensation:

• 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.

By avoiding these common mistakes and reaching out to a Katy car accident lawyer, car accident victims can receive the compensation they are entitled to by facilitating a smooth recovery process.

Types of Legal Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims

If you have been involved in a car accident, you must take immediate action to protect your rights and seek legal representation. The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, and it is essential to have an experienced car accident attorney in Katy to guide you through the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries or damages suffered.

• 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.

It is important to note that Texas is a “fault” state, which means that the person found to be at fault for the accident is financially responsible for compensating the victim. If you’ve been in an accident, working with a seasoned Katy car accident lawyer is crucial to figure out who’s at fault and to gather evidence to back up your compensation lawsuit.

If you were in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC as soon as possible by calling 713-987-7107!

Why Choose the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC?

With two decades of experience, Shane McClelland combines a personal connection with expert legal advocacy, ensuring your case gets the attention it deserves from start to finish. Our client-centered approach ensures that your concerns and well-being are prioritized throughout the process. With a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes, we provide transparent communication, keeping you informed at every step. Backed by thorough case preparation and strong negotiation and litigation skills, we are committed to delivering compassionate and effective legal representation.

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

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the liable party. If you do not file a lawsuit within two years, you may lose the right to take legal action related to the accident.

Taking legal action can be extended in certain circumstances:

• 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?

If you are involved in a car accident, and the other driver was at fault but does not have insurance, you may still have options for recovering damages. One option is to use your uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is an optional type of car insurance that can protect you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages. This coverage is typically offered as part of a standard car insurance policy. However, the coverage limits may be lower than those of your liability coverage.

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver and they are found to be at fault, your uninsured motorist coverage steps in to fill the financial gap left by the at-fault party’s lack of insurance or insufficient coverage. This coverage can assist in covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages you and your passengers sustained as a result of the accident.

It is essential to check your insurance policy and understand your coverage so you know what to expect in the event of an accident. If you do not have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, consider adding it to your policy to provide additional protection.

Uninsured motorist coverage is an invaluable safeguard for Texas drivers, offering financial protection in situations where the responsible party lacks adequate insurance coverage. In some cases, you may even be able to “stack” uninsured motorist coverage if you have multiple vehicles on the same policy. This allows you to combine the coverage limits for multiple vehicles.

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

It is often possible to settle a car accident case out of court in Texas. Many car accident cases are resolved through negotiations between the parties rather than through a trial. This is known as an out-of-court settlement.

Benefits to settling a car accident case out of court include:

Save time and money. Going to trial can be long and expensive; an out-of-court settlement can avoid this. Settling out of court also means you do not have to go through the stress and uncertainty of a trial.

Protect your privacy. In a trial, the proceedings are public, and the case details are shared with the public. This can be uncomfortable for some people. An out-of-court settlement allows the parties to keep the facts of the case private.

Resolving a car accident dispute in Katy without going to court usually involves hiring attorneys to negotiate a settlement for each party. This settlement typically includes payment to the injured party and releasing future legal lawsuits. The agreement is then signed by both parties to finalize the settlement. 

Contact the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, Today

Having a Katy, TX car accident attorney can help protect your rights and interests. An attorney can advise you on what to say and what not to say to the insurance company and help negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. They can also help you understand the legal process and what you can expect from the insurance company.

Keep in mind that the insurance company is rarely on your side. Their primary goal is profit, and they often try to pay out as little as possible. So, you’ll want a seasoned attorney on your side who is looking out for your best interests.

Call us at 713-987-7107 to schedule a free consultation with a Katy car accident attorney and get started on your case today.