Unparalleled Representation for Victims of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Unfortunately, truck accidents are common in the Katy area, and they can lead to severe harm or even fatalities. If you or someone you care about has been injured due to a truck driver’s reckless or negligent behavior, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
In these situations, it’s essential to get the help of a skilled Katy truck accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck collision in Katy, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC for a free consultation. You can reach us by calling (713) 987-7107 or by filling out our contact form.
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ToggleAdvantages of Working with Our Experienced Trucking Accident Attorney
Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be challenging and confusing. Trucking insurance companies often have legal teams working to minimize their financial burden, which means getting the compensation you need and deserve can be difficult. That’s why having a knowledgeable attorney on your side is so important.
When you partner with the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, experienced Katy truck accident attorney Shane McClelland will personally fight for your right to receive the compensation you need for the losses you have suffered.
With a proven track record of success, Mr. McClelland has the experience and knowledge necessary to handle your case effectively. He understands what it takes to win financial compensation for his clients and will work tirelessly to get you the results you deserve. He will work closely with you to understand the details of your case, build a solid legal strategy, and represent your interests throughout the legal process.
Contact us at (713) 987-7107 to learn more about your options and how he can help you fight to win your lawsuit.
Our Recent Truck Accident Case Results
Our dedicated Katy trucking accident lawyer at the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, has a strong record of helping truck accident victims in the area. We work hard to secure full compensation for their damages to help them recover. Whether our clients need coverage for lost income, medical costs, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, or other damages, we have helped them obtain the compensation they were entitled to.
Among our recent truck accident cases, we have secured significant settlements for clients who have been involved in multi-vehicle crashes involving 18-wheelers. Our firm has also secured wrongful death settlements for family members who have lost their loved ones in a truck accident. As truck accidents tend to involve severe injuries, a semi-truck accident lawyer can fight for compensation that covers past medical expenses and long-term care.
Our compassionate Katy truck accident lawyer is deeply aware of the devastating effect that truck accidents have on a victim and their family. Our firm can tirelessly work on your case, helping you pursue justice and receive the compensation you’re entitled to. If you have lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, we can secure adequate support for your family and hold the negligent parties accountable.
The Role of a Truck Accident Lawyer
Attorney Shane McClelland will gather all relevant information to uncover the reason for the accident and pinpoint anyone liable. This evidence is then utilized to construct a strong case in your best interest. Attorney McClelland will file a lawsuit on your behalf to recover damages for your injuries, lost wages, and other expenses.
Insurance companies often try to lowball settlements. Attorney McClelland communicates with them on your behalf, leading negotiations with the insurance company, trucking company, and other liable parties to reach a settlement or award that adequately compensates your losses. If necessary, Attorney McClelland will represent you in court, negotiating settlements and presenting your case to the jury.
Once a settlement or award is reached, we manage the distribution of funds and ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. We ensure that the settlement is distributed correctly and fight for maximum compensation to cover your losses.
How a Local Katy Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Being involved in a truck accident can be particularly catastrophic. Our Katy 18-wheeler accident lawyer has witnessed firsthand how truck accidents can have long-lasting or even permanent negative consequences on the lives of our clients. By being local to the area, we have the following advantages to help you navigate your claims and secure maximal compensation:
- Tailored care. At the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, our lawyer, Shane McClelland, is hardworking and dedicated to giving each client the personalized attention they deserve. We base our firm on this client-focused approach, we look to establish personal connections to deeply understand your concerns and case goals. Based on your needs, we can tailor a personalized legal strategy to recover the optimal compensation.
- Knowledge of high-impact areas. As our firm is based in Katy and the surrounding areas, we are deeply aware of which intersections and roads, such as the Katy Freeway, are highly prone to truck accidents. We can leverage this knowledge, such as where traffic cameras are placed and the common causes of crashes at these locations, to efficiently and effectively prove fault in your case and hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Understanding of trucking rules and regulations. As truck accidents can involve multiple potentially liable parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and the trucking company’s insurance company, proving fault is a complex legal process. A Katy truck accident lawyer has a deep understanding of state and federal trucking laws. They can leverage this to hold these parties accountable for their negligence, such as reckless driving behavior.
- Key negotiation skills. Insurance companies that represent trucking businesses are heavily resourced, with teams of corporate lawyers who are hired to help them protect their bottom line. A compassionate Katy 18-wheeler accident lawyer knows the common tricks these lawyers use to try to avoid paying accident victims the compensation they’re entitled to. They can leverage their own negotiation strategies to fight for your rightful compensation.
- Strong case development. As truck accidents commonly cause serious injuries that lead to long-term disability or even death, it is critical for accident victims and their families to receive the compensation they need for long-term care. A truck wreck lawyer in Katy can work with local accident reconstruction specialists and medical specialists to strongly build your case, working to optimize your compensation for past, present, and future losses.
If you have been a victim of a truck accident in the Katy area, having a skilled local attorney can make or break the outcome of your case. By working with the detail-oriented Katy semi-truck accident lawyer from the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, you can leverage our local resources and knowledge to effectively navigate your claims process and secure the compensation you’re entitled to.
Common Injuries Sustained in Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents can lead to severe injuries. Being aware of the types of damages that can result from truck accidents can help you take steps to safeguard yourself and your loved ones. Common types of injuries sustained in trucking accidents include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: These injuries can range from mild concussions to skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can have long-lasting and permanent effects, including cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries can result in chronic pain and decreased mobility, making daily activities difficult.
- Bone Fractures: Truck crashes can leave you with broken bones, especially in your arms, legs, and ribs. If the break is severe or in multiple places, it can result in ongoing pain and make it hard to use the affected limb again fully.
- Internal Injuries: Internal harm, like lung, liver, or spleen damage, can be caused by truck collisions. These kinds of injuries may not be immediately noticeable after the crash, but if left unchecked, they can become a dangerous risk to one’s health.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Limited mobility, swelling, and discomfort can be caused by soft tissue damage, such as sprains, strains, and contusions.
It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after a truck accident to determine the extent of your injuries and receive proper treatment. In some cases, these injuries can have long-lasting effects that can impact your ability to work and enjoy life. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may benefit from the guidance of a Katy truck accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving a combination of factors. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents is essential for improving safety on the road and holding at-fault parties responsible. Some common causes of truck accidents in Katy include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often have tight delivery schedules and spend long hours on the road, leading to exhaustion and decreased attention. This can result in reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and an increased risk of accidents.
- Improper Maintenance: Not taking care of the truck can lead to serious mechanical problems, like a tire blowout or brake failure, which can compromise the driver’s control of the vehicle, putting themselves and others on the road in danger.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, browsing the internet, or making phone calls while behind the wheel takes a driver’s attention away from the road and increases the risk of an accident.
- Improper Loading: The maldistribution of weight can cause the truck to tip over or become uncontrollable, especially when navigating sharp turns or steep inclines.
- Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, and making sudden lane changes can cause accidents and put other drivers on the road at risk.
- Substance Abuse: Truck drivers who drive under the influence of substances put themselves and other drivers on the road at risk and can face serious legal consequences if they are involved in an accident.
- Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions can make it more difficult for truck drivers to see the road and react to changing conditions. Heavy rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and make it more difficult to control the vehicle.
Katy truck accident Attorney Shane McClelland can help you build a strong case and negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
Determining Fault in a Truck Accident Case
Determining fault in a truck accident case involves a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the collision. Several factors contribute to establishing liability, and these often require the expertise of accident reconstruction specialists, investigators, and legal professionals.
- Investigating the Accident Scene: The first step in determining fault in a truck accident case is thoroughly investigating the accident scene. This includes taking photographs, measuring skid marks, and examining the positions of the vehicles involved in the accident. Any physical evidence, such as road debris or vehicle damage, can also provide insight into how the accident occurred and who may have been at fault.
- Interviewing Witnesses: The testimony of anyone who saw or heard anything leading up to or during the incident can provide valuable insight.
- Examining the Vehicles Involved: This includes checking for mechanical issues that may have contributed to the accident, such as brake failure or tire blowouts.
- Reviewing Relevant Documents: When investigating a truck accident, the black box on the truck can provide essential details about the vehicle’s speed, braking, and other crucial factors that might have played a role. The logbook, which keeps track of the driver’s work hours, can also help determine fault by showing the driver’s level of fatigue at the time of the crash.
Attorney Shane McClelland will help you navigate the complexities of the legal process, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights after a truck accident.
Liability in Truck Accidents
Who’s at fault in a truck accident can be a complex matter, with liability potentially resting on multiple parties, including:
- Truck Driver: Typically, truck drivers are held responsible for truck accidents since they control the vehicle and make decisions while driving.
- Trucking Company: They have the duty of keeping the truck in good condition, ensuring the driver is trained well, and following all federal trucking regulations.
- Truck Owner: If they are aware of any issues with the truck and fail to have it repaired, they are accountable for the accident. If the owner allowed someone who wasn’t licensed or trained to operate the truck, they would be held responsible for any resulting accidents.
- The Manufacturer of the Vehicle or Its Parts: If a truck accident in Katy, Texas, is caused by a defect in the truck or its parts, then the truck manufacturer or parts supplier may be held responsible for the accident. This could be due to a design flaw, manufacturing error, or incorrect labeling of the vehicle or its components.
Determining who is responsible is a complicated process that requires a thorough investigation. Attorney McClelland will work diligently to meticulously investigate your truck accident to identify all of the potentially liable parties.
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in Katy
In the case of a truck accident in Katy, Texas, you may be eligible for compensation for several types of damages. This compensation can help cover the financial losses incurred due to the accident and compensate for the physical and emotional distress caused.
- Medical Expenses: These expenses include hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and other medical procedures. You may also be eligible for compensation for future medical expenses if the injury is expected to cause long-term consequences.
- Lost Income: A truck accident can seriously impact your life, especially if it leaves you unable to work for an extended period. If the accident has caused you to miss out on the income you would have earned, you may be eligible for compensation. If your personal injury is permanent, additional compensation may be available for future lost income.
- Property Damage: Your vehicle may have sustained damage if you’ve been in a truck accident. You may be eligible for compensation to help with the expenses of fixing or replacing it.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensation is designed to help you recover from the non-economic losses you’ve experienced from the accident.
- Punitive Damages: These damages are intended to punish the responsible party for their actions and deter similar behavior in the future.
The exact compensation you can recover for a truck accident in Katy, Texas, will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. It is recommended that you consult with Attorney Shane McClelland to determine the full extent of your rights and options for compensation. With his help, you stand a better chance of receiving the maximum compensation possible for your losses.
Factors Influencing Katy Truck Accident Settlement Amounts
The amount you can expect to receive for a truck accident settlement is dependent on various factors. An experienced Katy truck accident lawyer can examine the details of your case to help you understand the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. Specifically, they may consider the following factors:
- Your truck accident injuries. While minor injuries are still entitled to compensation, they may lead to lower amounts than severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disabilities. A lawyer can analyze key evidence, such as medical reports and expenses, to determine how the severity and extent of your injuries may impact the value of your compensation.
- Lost income or earning capacity. If your truck accident injuries keep you out of work for a short or long period, you could be entitled to compensation for lost income. Furthermore, if your injuries impact your earning potential in the future, this loss of future income can be taken into account for your settlement.
- Fault determination. As Texas follows modified comparative negligence laws, the amount of compensation you would be entitled to is proportional to your liability for causing the accident. If you were found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you may not be entitled to any compensation. Our experienced truck accident attorney can help you determine your level of fault.
An experienced semi-truck accident lawyer can take into account further details, such as insurance policy limits, pain and suffering, other non-economic damages, and the evidence and documentation available for the case, to help you understand the compensation you may be entitled to. A Katy trucking accident lawyer can fight for your optimal compensation.
Understanding Wrongful Death Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can have serious negative consequences, especially when they lead to the loss of a loved one. A wrongful death truck accident happens when an individual’s reckless or negligent behavior causes a fatal accident that involves a commercial truck. Such cases can be particularly worrisome, not only because they lead to the death of a loved one, but also because they can leave families struggling with financial and emotional burdens.
In Texas, certain family members are allowed to file a wrongful death claim after their loved one has been killed in a fatal truck accident. This includes the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. Depending on the case details, if no eligible family members file a wrongful death claim within the given statute of limitations, the personal representative or executor of the deceased estate can bring forward a claim.
While the Katy semi-truck accident lawyer from the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, understands that no compensation amount could ever replace your loved one, we can help you pursue justice by holding negligent parties accountable for the death of your family member. Furthermore, our compassionate Katy truck accident lawyer can secure compensation to prevent you from suffering financial hardship as a result of someone else’s negligence.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Katy Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you have fallen victim to a truck accident in Katy or the surrounding areas, you are likely suffering from severe emotional, physical, and financial damages. Our experienced and compassionate truck wreck lawyer in Katy can help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to for all you have lost.
Shane McClelland provides legal advice and guidance throughout the legal process, helping you make informed decisions. If you or someone you care about was injured or killed in a truck accident in Katy, Texas, Attorney Shane McClelland can help.
Get the compensation you deserve with our truck accident lawyer in Katy, Texas. Contact the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC, at (713) 987-7107 to schedule your free case review today!