If you’ve been in a distracted driving accident in Katy, Texas, finding the right legal help is essential. At the Law Office of Shane McClelland, we know the difficulties you are facing, from dealing with legal matters to handling unexpected financial issues. Our team is committed to giving you clear, practical support and using our knowledge to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our approach is based on understanding and professionalism, ensuring that you receive the attention and guidance needed for your specific situation. We focus on the legal details so you can concentrate on healing and recovery.
If you’re ready to move forward, contact the Law Office of Shane McClelland at 713-597-4836 for a free consultation. Let us help you explore your options and start the path toward resolution and justice.
Understanding Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving refers to any behavior that takes attention away from driving, whether visual, manual, or mental. This includes instances where a driver’s focus is not on operating the vehicle, such as texting, eating, or using a cell phone. The consequences of distracted driving are serious, leading to thousands of car accidents, injuries, and deaths each year. Despite efforts by law enforcement, distracted driving accidents continue to increase, putting not only the driver but also passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists at risk.
Rear-end collisions and unsafe lane changes are common outcomes of distracted driving, resulting in serious injuries and significant financial burdens for accident victims. The life-changing impact of these car crashes can lead to medical bills, career disruptions, and a reduced quality of life.
Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can be divided into three types: visual, manual, and mental distractions.
- Visual Distraction: This occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road. Examples include looking at a GPS device, reading a text message, or glancing at a billboard.
- Manual Distraction: This involves taking hands off the wheel. Common examples are eating, adjusting the radio, or reaching for an object in the car.
- Mental Distraction: This type of distraction happens when a driver’s mind is not focused on driving. Examples include daydreaming, engaging in a heated conversation, or worrying about personal issues.
These behaviors can cause dangerous situations, such as a rear-end collision when a driver fails to notice stopped traffic or side-swipe accidents caused by drifting out of lanes.
Legal Implications of Distracted Driving in Texas
Texas law takes distracted driving seriously, with specific rules and penalties to reduce the number of car accidents caused by inattentive drivers. The legal system addresses various forms of distracted driving, stressing the need for drivers to give their full attention to the road. Distracted driving is considered a form of carelessness, making drivers legally responsible for any accidents they cause.
Texas Laws on Distracted Driving
Texas has implemented strict laws to reduce distracted driving, particularly targeting the use of handheld devices. The use of handheld cell phones for texting while driving is prohibited, especially in school zones and for novice drivers under the age of 18. Additionally, bus drivers are also restricted from using handheld devices while driving. These laws aim to enhance road safety and reduce the number of distracted driving accidents.
Penalties for Distracted Driving
If a distracted driver fails to exercise reasonable care for safety, they may face legal consequences, including fines and potential criminal charges. The state imposes fines ranging from $25 to $99 for first-time offenders caught texting while driving, with repeat offenders facing fines of up to $200. In cases where texting while driving leads to serious injury or death, the driver can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to $4,000. Please be aware that legal regulations including potential fine amounts may change over time. For the most current and accurate information, consult with a legal professional to ensure accuracy in your specific situation.
Steps to Take After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you find yourself involved in a distracted driving accident, taking immediate and proper actions can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Consulting with an experienced Texas car accident lawyer immediately is important to protect your rights, ensure you receive fair compensation, and avoid costly mistakes. Your legal team will advocate for your future while you focus on your recovery.
Immediate Actions at the Scene
Right after a car accident, certain actions are important. First, call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved, including contact details and insurance information.
Document the scene by taking photographs of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. These steps help protect your rights and ensure that accurate records are available for any later legal proceedings.
Seeking Medical Attention
Getting medical attention immediately after a distracted driving accident is important, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries may not be immediately visible but can have serious long-term effects. A thorough medical evaluation will help identify any hidden injuries and create essential medical records to support your personal injury claim.
These records support your car accident claim and ensure that you receive compensation for all medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
Gathering Evidence
Collecting evidence after a distracted driving accident is important to building a strong case. This includes collecting photographic evidence at the scene, documenting vehicle damage, and noting skid marks and crash impact locations. Witness statements can provide valuable support for the events.
Additionally, obtaining 911 call recordings, dashcam videos, and surveillance footage can further support your claim. Detailed notes about the incident will help in recalling facts later during legal processes.
Final Step: Call a Lawyer for Help
After a distracted driving accident, the last step is to call a lawyer who can help you through the process. With a dedicated car accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on getting better while they take care of the legal details. They will gather evidence, talk to insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed.
Compensation for Distracted Driving Accident Victims
Victims of distracted driving accidents often face significant financial and emotional hardships. At the Law Office of Shane McClelland, we are committed to obtaining the highest compensation possible for our clients to help them recover from their injuries and losses. Compensation can cover various damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We understand the challenges involved in personal injury cases and work diligently to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they deserve. Our experienced car accident attorneys carefully assess each case, considering all aspects of the victim’s suffering and financial losses.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are often one of the most immediate and significant costs faced by victims of distracted driving accidents. Compensation can cover hospital bills, rehabilitation fees, and long-term care expenses. It’s important to document and claim all medical expenses to ensure complete coverage of treatment needs.
Our team will assist you in gathering all necessary medical documentation to present a strong compensation case.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Victims of distracted driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for lost wages due to injuries sustained in the accident. This includes reimbursement for income lost during recovery and potential reductions in future earnings due to injuries.
Lost wage claims can also cover career retraining costs if the victim cannot return to their previous job. Our attorneys will help you calculate and claim these losses to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional distress that an accident victim endures due to their injuries. These non-economic damages compensate victims as they address the intangible losses experienced after an accident.
Common methods for calculating pain and suffering include the multiplier method, where medical expenses are multiplied by a certain number, or the per diem method, assigning a daily rate for the duration of the suffering.
Our team will ensure that pain and suffering are included in your demand for damages during negotiations or in a lawsuit.
How Our Katy Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
At the Law Office of Shane McClelland, we understand the challenges involved in distracted driving accidents and are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to our clients. Our experienced car accident attorneys focus on establishing fault and holding negligent drivers accountable. We handle every detail with care, ensuring that our clients receive personalized attention and legal representation tailored to their unique situations.
Our team employs a thorough approach to investigating accidents, gathering evidence, and working with experts to reconstruct the incident. This detailed process helps build a strong case, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome. We also excel in negotiating with insurance companies, leveraging our reputation and knowledge to secure fair settlements for our clients.
Personalized Legal Representation
The Law Office of Shane McClelland is committed to providing personalized legal representation to each client. We emphasize clear communication and support, ensuring that clients receive individualized attention throughout their cases. Our goal is to achieve optimal financial results while empowering clients with knowledge about their legal journey. Clients can rest assured that they will incur no legal fees unless their case results in a successful recovery.
Investigating the Accident
A detailed investigation is key to proving who is at fault in distracted driving accidents. Our team at the Law Office of Shane McClelland gathers and assembles the necessary evidence, including forensic accident reconstruction, to establish a strong claim.
With extensive experience litigating against large corporations and major insurance companies, we adopt an aggressive litigation style and are always trial-ready to protect our client’s rights.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Negotiating with insurance companies is an important part of securing compensation for distracted driving accident victims. Our experienced car accident attorneys excel in these negotiations, effectively countering insurance tactics to ensure fair settlements. By leveraging our firm’s precise reputation and knowledge, we improve the chances of achieving a positive outcome for our clients.
Why Choose the Law Office of Shane McClelland
Choosing the right law firm can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. The Law Office of Shane McClelland is committed to providing personalized legal representation, ensuring that each client feels valued and understood. Our client-centered approach shines through in glowing testimonials and client reviews. It is also demonstrated by our documented case successes. We have a formidable reputation for achieving prompt results in distracted driving accident cases, emphasizing our dedication to securing maximum compensation for our clients.
Prospective clients can expect a free consultation, ensuring they have an opportunity to discuss their case without financial burden. Our commitment to providing top-notch legal services makes us a trusted choice for accident victims seeking justice and compensation.
Proven Track Record
The Law Office of Shane McClelland has a proven track record of successfully securing substantial recoveries for clients in distracted driving cases. With 20 years of experience serving clients in Katy, TX, Shane McClelland has developed a reputation for efficiency and achieving significant financial outcomes. Our law firm has over 160 five-star reviews on Google, showcasing our dedication to client satisfaction and exceptional legal representation.
Client-Centered Approach
At the Law Office of Shane McClelland, we believe that building trust with clients is essential for running a client-centered law firm. Shane McClelland views his clients as people struggling with legal problems, rather than just another case number. We prioritize clear and consistent communication, treating clients with compassion and respect throughout the legal process.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been involved in a distracted driving accident, contact the Law Office of Shane McClelland for a free consultation. Clients can reach us by calling 713-597-4836, reach out to speak with a dedicated car accident attorney today.
