After an unexpected injury, you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies pushing for quick settlements. A personal injury lawyer in Plano helps protect your rights and recover fair compensation while you focus on healing.
This directory connects you with experienced personal injury attorneys who understand Collin County courts and Texas injury law. Compare credentials, review practice areas, and find legal help that fits your case.
Start comparing experienced Plano injury attorneys below.
Top Plano Personal Injury Lawyers
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer in Plano Do?
Personal injury lawyers represent people hurt by someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. Your attorney investigates what happened, gathers evidence, negotiates with insurance companies, and if needed, represents you in court.
Here’s how a Plano injury lawyer helps:
- Investigate your claim — collecting police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene evidence
- Calculate full damages — accounting for current and future medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering
- Handle insurance negotiations — dealing with adjusters who minimize payouts or deny valid claims
- File lawsuits — taking legal action when fair settlement isn’t offered
- Represent you in court — presenting your case to a Collin County jury if trial becomes necessary
Plano personal injury attorneys typically handle car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall incidents, workplace injuries, and wrongful death claims. Each case type requires specific knowledge of Texas liability laws and insurance regulations.
For broader information about injury claims across Texas, visit our Texas personal injury lawyer directory.
Types of Personal Injury Cases in Plano
Car Accidents in Plano
Plano’s high-traffic corridors create daily collision risks. The Dallas North Tollway, US-75 (Central Expressway), and President George Bush Turnpike see thousands of vehicles hourly, leading to rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and multi-vehicle crashes.
Common accident locations in Plano include:
- The interchange at US-75 and President George Bush Turnpike near Cityline
- Park Boulevard and Preston Road intersection near The Shops at Legacy
- The Dallas North Tollway exits serving Legacy West
- Spring Creek Parkway near Toyota headquarters
- 15th Street and K Avenue downtown
Car accident cases require proving the other driver breached their duty of care—running a red light, failing to yield, driving distracted, or violating traffic laws. Your lawyer uses police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to establish fault.
📊 Quick Stats Table
| Crash Factor | Impact on Plano Cases |
|---|---|
| Distracted driving | Leading cause of preventable accidents in Collin County |
| Rear-end collisions | Most common accident type on DFW area highways |
| Rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) | Highest accident frequency periods |
Truck Accidents
Commercial truck crashes often result in catastrophic injuries due to vehicle size and weight. When an 80,000-pound semi-truck collides with a passenger vehicle on the Sam Rayburn Tollway or I-75, occupants face severe consequences.
Major trucking routes through Plano include the Dallas North Tollway corridor serving distribution centers near Legacy Drive, and eastbound freight traffic on President George Bush Turnpike connecting to I-75.
Truck accident cases are more complex than standard car crashes. Multiple parties may share liability—the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or maintenance contractors. Your attorney investigates driver logs, maintenance records, and federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration compliance violations.
Hypothetical example: Consider a scenario where a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel after exceeding maximum drive time limits set by federal regulations. Investigation might reveal the trucking company pressured drivers to falsify their electronic logging device (ELD) records—creating liability beyond just the driver. This type of regulatory violation significantly strengthens injury claims.
Texas trucking companies must follow both state and federal safety regulations. Violations strengthen your case significantly.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Property owners in Plano must maintain safe premises—grocery stores along Park Boulevard, shopping centers like The Shops at Legacy and Legacy West, restaurants in West Plano’s dining district, and apartment complexes throughout the city.
Slip and fall claims require proving the property owner knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition but failed to fix it or warn visitors. Evidence includes incident reports, surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements about how long the hazard existed.
💡 Common hazards that lead to valid claims:
- Wet floors without warning signs in retail stores
- Broken pavement in parking lots (especially after freeze-thaw cycles)
- Inadequate lighting in stairwells
- Ice or snow accumulation near building entrances
- Torn carpeting or uneven flooring in commercial buildings
Wrongful Death Claims
When negligence causes a fatal accident, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims to recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Texas law allows spouses, children, and parents to file these claims.
These cases require proving negligence caused the death, plus additional documentation of financial dependency and emotional relationships. Your attorney helps gather death certificates, financial records, and family impact statements while you grieve.
Workplace & Construction Accidents
Plano’s ongoing development means active construction sites throughout the city—major projects around Legacy West, expansion along the Dallas North Tollway corridor, and residential development in east Plano.
Workers injured in falls, equipment accidents, or unsafe site conditions may have claims beyond workers’ compensation, especially when third-party negligence is involved. Construction accident cases can involve general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners.
If you’re injured by defective scaffolding, an unmarked trench collapse, or falling materials, an attorney identifies all liable parties—not just your direct employer.
How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Plano
Not all attorneys offer the same experience or results. Here’s what to look for:
✓ Experience with Texas injury law — Familiarity with state statutes, comparative negligence rules, and damage caps matters. Ask how many years they’ve practiced personal injury law specifically.
✓ Track record of settlements and verdicts — Review their history of secured compensation. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, patterns show capability.
✓ Trial experience — Insurance companies settle more favorably when they know your attorney will go to court. Ask what percentage of cases go to trial and their courtroom success rate.
✓ Fee structure — Most injury lawyers work on contingency (typically 33-40%), meaning no upfront costs and payment only if they win. Confirm this in your initial consultation.
✓ Local knowledge of Collin County courts — Attorneys who regularly practice in Collin County District Courts understand local procedures, judges, and jury tendencies.
✓ Reviews and testimonials — Read experiences from past clients. Look for patterns in communication, responsiveness, and case outcomes.
✓ Resources for case investigation — Larger cases require accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and economic analysts. Confirm your attorney can fund necessary expert testimony.
Compare credentials and reach out to an attorney who aligns with your case needs.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Plano Personal Injury Case?
Texas law allows injury victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages. Your potential compensation depends on injury severity, fault percentage, and case-specific factors.
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable financial losses:
Medical expenses — Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and future treatment costs. Keep all medical bills and records.
Lost wages — Income missed while recovering, plus reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to your previous job. This includes documented PTO usage, salary statements, and employer verification.
Property damage — Vehicle repair or replacement costs, damaged personal belongings, and other tangible losses from the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
These compensate for intangible suffering:
Pain and suffering — Physical discomfort, chronic pain, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries.
Emotional distress — Anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep disturbances, and psychological impact from the accident and injuries.
Loss of consortium — Compensation for spouses when injuries affect marital relationships, companionship, and family dynamics.
Punitive Damages
Texas allows punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence, malice, or fraud. These aren’t meant to compensate victims but to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct. They’re awarded beyond compensatory damages but require clear and convincing evidence of extreme misconduct.
Texas Comparative Fault Rule
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages only if you’re 50% or less at fault. If you’re 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation is reduced by 20%.
Example: You’re awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault for your injuries. You receive $70,000 ($100,000 minus 30%).
This rule makes attorney representation valuable—insurance companies often inflate your fault percentage to reduce payouts. Your lawyer challenges these arguments with evidence.
For attorneys handling cases in nearby cities, explore our Dallas personal injury lawyer and Fort Worth personal injury lawyer directories.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost in Plano?
Most Plano personal injury lawyers work on contingency fees, meaning you pay nothing upfront and fees come from your settlement or verdict.
Standard Contingency Fee Structure
| Stage | Typical Fee Percentage |
|---|---|
| Settlement before lawsuit | 33⅓% (one-third) |
| Settlement after lawsuit filed | 40% |
| Trial verdict | 40% |
What this means: If your attorney secures a $100,000 settlement before filing suit, their fee is typically $33,333. You receive $66,667 minus case expenses (like filing fees, expert costs, and record retrieval).
Benefits of Contingency Arrangements
No financial risk — If your attorney doesn’t win, you don’t pay legal fees. Some agreements require you to cover case expenses regardless of outcome, so clarify this during consultation.
Aligned incentives — Your lawyer is motivated to maximize your compensation since their payment directly correlates to case results.
Access to justice — Contingency fees allow injury victims to hire experienced attorneys regardless of financial situation.
Most Plano injury attorneys offer free initial consultations. You’ll discuss your accident, review potential case value, and understand the legal process without financial commitment. Come prepared with accident details, medical records, and any insurance correspondence.
Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Texas
Texas law sets strict deadlines for filing injury lawsuits, known as statutes of limitations. Missing these deadlines typically means losing your right to compensation permanently.
Standard Time Limits
Two years for most injury cases — You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. This applies to car accidents, slip and falls, and most negligence claims.
Two years for wrongful death — Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year deadline, calculated from the date of death (which may differ from the accident date).
Important Exceptions
Some situations extend or shorten standard deadlines:
Minor children — If the injured party is under 18, the two-year clock typically doesn’t start until their 18th birthday. However, parents can file on behalf of minor children during this period.
Discovery rule — The deadline may start when you discover the injury rather than when the accident occurred. This applies mainly to medical malpractice or cases where harm isn’t immediately apparent.
Government entities — Claims against Texas cities, counties, or state agencies require filing a formal notice within six months under the Texas Tort Claims Act. This is significantly shorter than the standard two-year period.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Beyond legal deadlines, prompt action helps your case in practical ways. Evidence disappears—surveillance footage gets deleted, accident scenes change, and witnesses’ memories fade. Medical documentation stays current—the closer your treatment is to the accident date, the easier it is to prove causation. Settlement negotiations take time—even before filing a lawsuit, your attorney needs months to gather records, calculate damages, and negotiate with insurers.
According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, personal injury claims must be filed within the statutory period or you lose the right to sue.
Understanding the Legal Process in Collin County
When settlement negotiations fail and your attorney files a lawsuit, your case moves through the Collin County court system.
Where Your Case Will Be Filed
Personal injury lawsuits in Plano are filed at the Collin County Courthouse located at:
2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX 75071
The courthouse is approximately 15 minutes north of downtown Plano via US-75. Your attorney handles all filing requirements, but you may need to visit for depositions, mediation, or trial.
Court Assignments and Judges
Collin County has multiple district courts that hear civil cases.
Your case will be randomly assigned to one of several courts, including the 199th, 296th, 366th, 380th, 401st, 416th, or 471st District Courts.
Each judge has slightly different procedural preferences, which is why local attorney experience matters.
What to Expect During the Process
Initial filing — Your attorney files a petition outlining your claims, damages sought, and legal basis for the lawsuit. The defendant receives service of process, giving them notice of the suit.
Answer and discovery — The defendant files an answer responding to your allegations. Both sides then exchange information through written questions (interrogatories), document requests, and sworn testimony (depositions).
Mediation — Collin County courts typically require mediation before trial. A neutral third party helps both sides negotiate a settlement. Many cases resolve at this stage, avoiding trial expenses and uncertainty.
Trial preparation — If mediation fails, your attorney prepares for trial by identifying witnesses, preparing exhibits, and developing courtroom strategy.
Trial — Collin County juries consist of 12 citizens who hear evidence and determine liability and damages. Trials for personal injury cases typically last 2-5 days depending on complexity.
Important Documents You May Encounter
📄 Original Petition — The document starting your lawsuit, filed with the district clerk
📄 Answer — The defendant’s response to your petition
📄 Discovery Requests — Written questions and document demands both sides must answer
📄 Mediation Agreement — Settlement terms if mediation succeeds
📄 Judgment — The court’s final order after trial or settlement approval
Your attorney explains each document and ensures you understand before signing anything.
Why Use a Local Plano Injury Lawyer?
While any Texas-licensed attorney can handle your case, choosing local Plano representation offers distinct advantages.
Familiarity With Collin County Courts
Local attorneys practice regularly in the Collin County District Courts in McKinney. They understand local court procedures and filing requirements, judge tendencies on evidentiary issues and procedural motions, and Collin County jury demographics that influence verdicts.
Relationships With Local Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies assign regional adjusters to handle claims in specific areas. Plano attorneys who regularly negotiate with State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, and GEICO adjusters in the North Texas region understand which adjusters settle fairly and which require litigation, common tactics used to devalue claims, and appropriate settlement ranges for injuries in this jurisdiction.
Knowledge of Local Medical Providers
Your attorney’s familiarity with Plano-area medical facilities helps your case documentation:
Medical City Plano (3901 W 15th Street) — One of the primary emergency rooms for serious accident injuries
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano (6200 W Parker Road) — Another major trauma center serving Plano residents
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano (4700 Alliance Boulevard) — Comprehensive care facility
Local attorneys know which specialists provide thorough documentation for injury claims and can recommend providers experienced in treating accident injuries.
Accessibility for In-Person Meetings
🤝 Local presence matters when you’re injured:
A Plano office means less travel time and easier schedule coordination. You can meet face-to-face to review settlement offers, discuss case strategy, and sign necessary documents without crossing the DFW metroplex. Local lawyers can also inspect accident scenes quickly and work with local accident reconstruction experts familiar with the area.
Understanding Local Traffic Patterns and Hazards
Plano attorneys understand the unique traffic challenges that contribute to accidents—heavy commuter traffic on US-75 during peak hours, the complex interchange system at Legacy Drive, pedestrian risks near DART stations at Downtown Plano and Parker Road, bicycle accidents along Chisholm Trail and Bluebonnet Trail, and school zone congestion near Plano Senior High and Jasper High School.
Find trusted legal help in Plano who understands your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my Plano personal injury case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain level, and fault percentage. Minor soft tissue injuries might settle for $10,000-$25,000, while severe injuries requiring surgery or causing permanent disability can reach six or seven figures. Your attorney evaluates your specific circumstances to estimate potential compensation during consultation.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
You might not need representation if injuries are truly minor, liability is clear, and the insurance company offers fair compensation quickly. However, some “minor” accidents cause injuries that worsen over time. Consulting an attorney costs nothing and helps you understand whether you’re being offered appropriate compensation before accepting a settlement.
How long does a personal injury case take in Texas?
Simple cases with clear liability settle in 3-6 months. Complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed fault, or multiple defendants can take 12-24 months or longer, especially if trial becomes necessary. Your attorney provides timeline estimates based on your specific case factors.
What if I’m partially at fault?
Texas comparative negligence law allows recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage. If you’re 25% responsible for an accident, you receive 75% of awarded damages. Insurance companies often exaggerate victim fault to reduce payouts—your attorney challenges these arguments with evidence showing the other party’s primary responsibility.
Do I need to go to the Collin County Courthouse?
Your attorney handles most court filings and procedural matters. You’ll typically need to attend your deposition, mediation sessions, and trial if your case doesn’t settle. Your attorney will inform you well in advance when your presence is required.