Plano Car Accident Lawyer

Getting involved in a car accident can be a deeply traumatic and overwhelming experience. It’s not just about physical injuries; the emotional and financial implications can be immense. Amidst the chaos and confusion, it’s crucial to have someone who can guide you through the legal maze, someone who can fight for your rights. Ward + White is that someone.

A personal injury attorney from our team would be happy to review your case to see if you are deserving of compensation. Our Plano car accident attorney will work with you personally, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way. After an auto accident, seek medical care as quickly as possible. Then, reach out and schedule an appointment with a personal injury lawyer from our team.

How a Plano Car Accident Lawyer Can Help With an Accident Claim

Facing an accident claim is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Ward + White’s Plano car accident lawyers are here to provide you with the support you need. Some of the ways that we can help you during your time of need include:

Free Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

Our team extends a free initial consultation and case evaluation to everyone seeking our help. This initial meeting lets you understand your rights, potential legal remedies, and the likely course of action in your case. We assess your case’s details and explore its potential strengths and weaknesses to offer an informed perspective on the best way to move forward.

Investigation and Gathering Evidence

In the post-consultation, if you decide to proceed with us, we will conduct an exhaustive investigation into the circumstances of your accident. This step involves gathering all possible evidence to substantiate your claim, including police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimonies. We leave no stone unturned, ensuring that all necessary evidence is compiled meticulously to build a strong case.

Negotiation With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies can be troublesome to deal with, given their propensity to minimize payouts to protect their bottom line. Our team has extensive experience dealing with such entities, negotiating effectively on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement. We evaluate your claim in-depth, considering all past, present, and future costs to advocate for a settlement that fully covers your damages.

Representation in Court, if Necessary

While many car accident cases are resolved out of court, some may require litigation. If your case goes to trial, our competent and assertive attorneys stand ready to represent you in court. Armed with extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of personal injury law, we fight vigorously for your interests.

Plano Auto Collision Laws

Navigating the legal landscape following a car accident in Plano, Texas, can be complicated. Texas follows a “fault” auto insurance system, meaning that the party who caused the accident bears responsibility for any harm caused, as detailed in the Texas Transportation Code Title 7.

Understanding these laws and how they apply to your situation is paramount, and our Plano car accident attorneys are prepared to assist and guide you through it.

Types of Car Accidents

Various types of car accidents occur on the roads, each presenting unique challenges and requiring different forms of evidence.

Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions arise when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-first. They often lead to severe injuries due to the combined force of both vehicles, especially if the accident happens at high speed.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents are far from being random occurrences. They typically result from certain specific actions or conditions that directly contribute to a loss of vehicle control or a lapse in driver judgment. Understanding these causes is essential in preventing future accidents and determining liability after an incident. The following list provides further insights into the most common causes of car accidents:

• Distracted Driving: This is among the primary causes of car accidents, as it diverts a driver’s attention from the road. Distractions can be physical (like reaching for an item), visual (taking eyes off the road), or cognitive (thinking about non-driving tasks). Common forms of distractions include texting or talking on a phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, and talking to other passengers.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is a prevalent cause of accidents. Speeding means that drivers do not have as much time to react to changing road conditions and increase their chances of striking another car or pedestrian. Higher speed limits also contribute to the severity of an accident, leading to more severe injuries and damage.
• Drunk or Drugged Driving: Alcohol and drugs, both legal and illegal, can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. They affect the driver’s concentration, coordination, reaction time, and decision-making process, all crucial aspects of safe driving. 
• Reckless Driving: This involves a willful disregard for the rules of the road. Reckless driving can take various forms, such as tailgating, racing, and ignoring traffic signs.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Weather conditions can significantly influence driving conditions. Different types of weather can present different challenges, including rain, fog, snow, ice, and wind.

By recognizing these common causes of accidents, drivers can take necessary precautions to prevent them. However, if an accident occurs due to these or other factors, establishing the cause is a critical aspect of any legal claim arising from the incident.

Types of Injuries Leading to a Car Accident Lawsuit

The aftermath of a car accident often involves physical injuries, varying greatly in severity and impact. Some injuries are immediately apparent, while others may take time to surface. It’s essential to seek immediate and comprehensive medical attention following a car accident to diagnose and treat injuries, whether they are minor or severe.

The following are common types of injuries that may result from car accidents, which can potentially lead to a lawsuit due to the extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and life adjustments they require:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These are severe injuries resulting from a violent blow or jolt to the head, which can lead to a range of short- or long-term complications. TBIs can result in a host of physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: This injury harms the nerves that run between the vertebrae down the back. Spinal cord injuries often lead to permanent changes in strength, sensation, and bodily functions below the site of the injury. 
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Impact from a car accident can lead to fractures and broken bones. Depending on the force of the impact, these can range from minor hairline fractures to serious compound fractures.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash is common in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. It happens when the head is violently jerked back and forth, damaging the soft tissues in the neck. Similarly, other soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles, can also be injured.
• Psychological Injuries: Car accidents can also lead to psychological injuries. These can manifest as mental health conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety.

These injuries often call for extensive medical treatment and can considerably impact the victim’s quality of life. Hence, they are often the basis of personal injury lawsuits, where the injured party seeks to recover damages for medical bills, missed earnings, pain and affliction, and other losses related to the accident.

Steps To Take After Your Plano Car Accident

If you are involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to follow these steps:

• Ensure the safety of everyone involved.
• Contact law enforcement and ensure a police report is made.
• Seek immediate medical attention even if you think you are not seriously injured.
• Document the accident scene as much as possible, including taking photographs and gathering contact details from any witnesses.
• Report the accident to your insurance company.
• Get in touch with a car accident attorney.

Determining Liability and Proving Negligence in Car Accidents

Texas law requires the plaintiff to establish that the defendant’s negligence caused the accident and subsequent injuries. This involves proving the following elements:

• Duty of care: The defendant had the accountability to act reasonably to avoid harm.
• Breach of duty. The defendant failed in this obligation.
• Causation. This failure directly led to the accident.
• Damage. You suffered harm as a result.Our team of experienced lawyers can help establish these elements in your case.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often aim to protect their interests, and dealing with them can be challenging. It’s best to let an experienced car accident attorney handle these interactions to prevent any misstatements or actions that could inadvertently harm your claim.

Statute of Limitations for Plano Car Accident Claims

Under Texas law, you have two years from the date of the accident to initiate a personal injury claim, as stipulated in the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code section 16.003. Missing this deadline typically means you lose your right to sue, making timely action critical.

Types of Compensation You Can Recover for Your Plano Car Accident

Depending on your case specifics, you may be entitled to various types of compensation.

Economic Damages

Economic damages indemnify you for monetary losses, including medical bills, damage to property, lost salary or compensation, and future loss of earnings. They are typically easier to quantify as they involve tangible costs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are meant to cover damages that can be harder to quantify, such as suffering, pain, emotional torment, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. While these are harder to calculate, they are no less real and deserve compensation. Allow us to fight on your behalf.

Contact Ward + White for an Initial Case Evaluation With Our Plano Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it’s critical to get competent legal help as soon as possible. At Ward + White, our experienced and compassionate team is ready to help guide you through this difficult period.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the intricacies and complexities of car accident cases and have the expertise and determination to fight for your rights. You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Let us be your trusted legal partner.

Give us a call today to speak to a member of our team.