A car accident in Plano can leave you with many losses that can be difficult to recover on your own. However, you can seek compensation for your losses after a negligence-based crash by hiring a car accident lawyer in Plano. A lawyer can provide the assistance you need, answers to your legal questions, advocacy and negotiation, and support at every step.
The Texas Law Dog uses years of legal experience to guide clients through the claims process. We know how to settle your case as swiftly and painlessly as possible, and we’re also ready to go to court when necessary. A Plano personal injury lawyer can represent your best interests and fight to recover the compensation you deserve. At The Texas Law Dog, we don’t just bark. We bite.
Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Plano
Hiring a lawyer is one of the strongest steps you can take after a car accident, because it means you have someone on your side, ready to fight for your best interests. With insurance companies and at-fault parties looking out for themselves, it’s essential to have legal representation to protect your rights, advocate for your interests, and negotiate a settlement that allows you to get the care you need.
The Texas Law Dog shows you the compassion and care you need while aggressively fighting for you. We ensure you are not taken advantage of during the process. Our legal team has the training and experience to confidently address all of your concerns after a crash. We care about our community and believe in providing personalized care to clients who turn to us for assistance.
The role of car accident lawyers is important when you have been injured in a collision. We maintain open communication throughout the legal process and handle these claims on a contingency-fee basis, so you only pay legal fees after we resolve your case. Our attorneys are accessible and work diligently to serve you. Below is a closer look at key ways we can help with your car accident case.
Gathering Evidence
We conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and collect additional evidence as needed for your case. This may include questioning witnesses and taking their statements, securing a copy of the police report, accessing surveillance or dash cam footage, and much more. We also consult expert witnesses in car accident cases to gather additional evidence indicating the defendant’s negligence.
Dealing With the Insurance Company
You can count on us to take over all communication with the insurance company after a motor vehicle accident. We handle settlement negotiations to protect the outcome of your case and secure the money you need to cover all your expenses. We work diligently to get results without requiring you to go to court, but are prepared for trial if the situation warrants it.
Helping With a Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, we can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party and prepare for court. We have the resources and training to aggressively represent you before a judge and jury and pursue a favorable outcome.
Factors that Commonly Contribute to Plano Car Accidents
While crashes are often the result of negligence, contributing factors can take many forms. At times, the accident may result from a negligent driver’s actions, while at other times, it may result from a driver’s failure to act or to accommodate an external condition. Heavy Plano traffic can further exacerbate these situations. We understand the common causes of car accidents and help build accident claims caused by:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving behaviors
- Weather conditions
- Failing to obey traffic signals and signs
- Heavy traffic
- Road conditions
- Mechanical issues or poor maintenance
Understanding the cause of the accident is important because your Plano car accident attorney can use this information to support your personal injury claim. The factors that contributed to the accident demonstrate the other driver’s negligence and inform our approach to your case. We carefully investigate the accident to gather evidence and clearly determine the cause of the crash in your case.
Plano Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Common Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Car accidents often leave a trail of damage and destruction in their wake. Injured individuals may face months of recovery for serious injuries, as well as exorbitant medical bills for their care. In some cases, long-term medical care and management may also be needed. Injuries from these accidents can present many challenges and range from minor to severe. Some common injuries may include:
- Whiplash
- Lacerations and bruising
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Soft tissue and nerve damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBIs)
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Internal damage
- Disability or disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Death
Regardless of how minimal your injuries appear, medical treatment is essential. Many injuries do not show up right away, so it’s important to see a doctor regardless of your apparent condition. Even after being released from a doctor’s care, you should monitor, report, and treat any injuries that become worse, as well as any new conditions that develop in the wake of your accident.
What to Do After an Accident to Protect the Outcome of Your Claim
A collision can leave you feeling stunned and in pain from potential injuries. In these moments, you should prioritize your safety and try to focus on relaying and gathering information. First, call 911, report the accident to the police, and inform paramedics of your condition so they can provide initial treatment. Be sure to get additional treatment as needed.
Besides keeping your medical records and getting a copy of the police report when it’s complete, you should also collect evidence after a car accident. You can do so by taking pictures of the accident, your vehicle, and injuries. Talk to witnesses who may have been present to see if they would be willing to share their contact information and make a statement.
Notify your insurance company that you were in an accident once you have finished at the scene of the crash. This protects your rights by fulfilling your policy requirements. Next, hire a car accident attorney in Plano to represent you and help you file your claim and communicate with the at-fault driver’s insurer so you don’t harm the outcome of your case or jeopardize your settlement.
Avoid Mistakes to Further Protect Your Claim
In addition to knowing what to do after an accident, it’s also important to know what not to do. First and foremost, do not apologize after an accident or imply that you were at fault. This could keep you from recovering compensation and make you responsible for paying damages instead. Even if you are partially at fault, do not say you’re sorry. Rather, contact your Plano car accident lawyer right away.
Additionally, insurance companies may actively look for inconsistencies in your account of the accident to pay you less. They may look through your social media accounts or try to contact people you know. To reduce the risk of a denied claim, it is recommended to avoid social media and to avoid discussing your accident with others while your case is ongoing.
A Plano Car Accident Lawyer Holds the Other Driver Accountable by Establishing Their Negligence
To recover your losses after a car accident in Plano, you must first establish the other driver’s liability for the collision. This is an important step because it ties them to the cause of the accident and allows you to hold them accountable. At-fault parties often resist accepting responsibility, so we help you systematically establish their liability. To do so, we use the following formula for negligence:
- Duty of care: The other driver owed you a duty of care to follow the rules of the road, avoid reckless behavior, and remain alert and cautious at all times.
- Breach of duty: The other driver acted contrary to their duty by being careless or exhibiting reckless behavior.
- Causation: Because the other driver acted or failed to act in a certain way, their actions caused an accident in Plano that resulted in your harm.
- Damages: You suffered injuries, expenses, and suffering, and have the right to seek restitution for these losses.
While these steps may be part of a set process for establishing fault, the way we build your case is not. Our team customizes our arguments to your circumstances, available evidence, and any nuances or challenges affecting your case. We tailor our legal strategy to the specific facts of your case.
The Impact of Shared Fault on a Car Accident Claim
Each party’s involvement in an accident is evaluated and represented by a percentage of fault. If you contributed to the cause of the accident, you could lose some of your compensation as a consequence of your own liability. It is essential to talk with a lawyer if you think you may be at fault, so they can help ensure your case is as strong as possible and that you recover the maximum amount allowed.
According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33, if your fault is between 1% and 50%, the value of your settlement is reduced in proportion to your fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault for the collision, you would recover only 80% of your losses. Parties who are 51% or more at fault are barred from compensation altogether.
Compensation for a Car Accident Claim
Car accidents can take a lot from you, both financially and emotionally. However, once we establish that the other driver involved exhibited negligence, damages can be determined and distributed. Some common recoverable damages after a car accident include:
- Economic Damages: Economic damages can ease the burden of your monetary losses. Compensation covers medical expenses, damage to your vehicle, and any income you may have lost if you were unable to work. It can even help cover funeral and burial costs in the event of a fatal accident.
- Non–Economic Damages: Non-economic damages extend beyond your financial losses and ease your intangible losses. These damages include your pain and suffering, decreased quality of life, mental and emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment and companionship.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, you may receive punitive damages if you were the victim of extreme gross negligence. Compensation covers the extra severity of your losses and punishes the wrongdoer to prevent them from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
To get an accurate estimate of the potential value of your damages, talk with a car accident attorney in Plano to determine the value of your losses and what factors might affect the amount of your settlement. Our team can also discuss which types of losses may be most applicable to your situation, and what strategies we can use to pursue a settlement that reflects your documented damages.
Time Limits on Car Crash Claims
In most cases, you need to file your claim within the two-year statute of limitations set forth in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16.003. However, the statute of limitations can vary in some cases, so you should talk to a Plano car accident lawyer about the deadlines on your claim. You could lose your right to recover your losses if you don’t file a claim in time, so be sure to consult a lawyer right away.
The Texas Law Dog Provides Unwavering Support
The Texas Law Dog handles your accident claim and fights for fair treatment on your behalf. Regardless of what challenges arise, our team never stops seeking solutions and supporting you.
You can count on a Plano car accident lawyer to provide the support you deserve as we fight for you. Schedule a free consultation with our office today and let us advocate for you, for justice, and for compensation.
