Plano Car Accident Lawyer Near Me [Top Rated]

Ranked as one of America’s Top 100 places to live, Plano, Texas, is known for authentic Texas cuisine, dozens of expansive parks, and vibrant downtown nightlife. But with an average of 4,000 car accidents per year, Plano is also known for its dangerous roads and intersections. If you are involved in a car accident in Plano, the car accident lawyers at Stewart J. Guss are ready to provide the legal support you need and deserve. We are a national law firm based in Houston with multiple offices around the country. We also work with affiliate law firms in most states that share our focus and dedication to excellence. No matter where you are located, we may be able to help you, so call or contact us now. We are open, for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-898-4877, or you may contact us now by clicking here to submit your case for review.

A Skilled Legal Team With a Track Record of Success

With over 20 years of experience, Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers is a trusted Plano car accident law firm. With offices across the Lone Star State and 24/7 access to legal support, our goal is to deliver the guidance you need swiftly and confidentially. With over 90,000 lawyers in Texas, you may wonder why Plano residents turn to us for trusted legal support. Here are just a few of the many reasons why drivers choose our firm to handle their car accidents:

Experience: With over two decades in the Texas legal field, we bring experience and knowledge to the table.
Outstanding Results: Our team of lawyers works tirelessly to produce favorable results for our clients.
Convenient Office Locations: We have six offices in Texas, with locations in Houston, Dallas, Katy, and San Antonio.
Success With Car Accident Cases: Our lawyers represent Texas residents who are injured in car accidents

As a prospective client, it is also helpful to know that client satisfaction is a top priority at our firm. Stewart J. Guss was recognized as a Top 10 provider of client satisfaction by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. When you choose to work with our firm, you will be treated as a valued client who deserves the right legal service.

Delivering Legal Support to Victims of All Types of Car Accidents

No two car accidents are exactly alike. When we evaluate your case, we will carefully review the type of car accident that caused your injury to determine the best legal strategy for your case. In Plano, there are six general categories of car accidents that can lead to injury.

Head-on Collisions

Of all the types of car accidents, head-on collisions tend to produce the most severe injuries. The force of the collision is much stronger when two vehicles are traveling toward each other and collide. The accident sometimes ejects drivers from the vehicle or pin others inside. Traumatic injuries to the brain and internal organs may also occur. Head-on collisions may occur when one of the following happens:

A driver of one vehicle crosses over the double yellow line into oncoming traffic
A driver travels the wrong way down a one-way street
A driver swerves to avoid hitting an animal or object in the road

Head-on collisions are typically the fault of a driver who veers into oncoming traffic or drives the wrong way down a one-way street. However, this is not always the case. For example, if a driver swerves into oncoming traffic to avoid hitting a pedestrian in the road, then that driver may not be held liable for a resulting collision. Or, if you are driving a rear-ended vehicle and the force of the impact pushes your vehicle into oncoming traffic, it would be difficult to hold you liable for any resulting damages. The car accident lawyers at Stewart J. Guss will review the details of your head-on collision and work to secure compensation for your injuries.

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end collision occurs when a vehicle traveling behind a passenger car strikes the back of the passenger car. Depending on the speed of the vehicle that makes contact with the lead vehicle, a rear-end crash can produce injuries ranging from minor to severe. Common injuries include head trauma, whiplash, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Rear-end collisions often occur for one or more of the following reasons:

The tailing driver is speeding and does not slow down in time to avoid hitting the car in front of it
The tailing driver is distracted and fails to notice the car in front of it has slowed down
The tailing driver is tailgating or following the vehicle in front of it very closely
The tailing driver overestimates the speed of the car in front of it

Often, the tailing driver is at fault for a rear-end collision. However, there are some cases where the lead driver may be at fault. For example, if the lead driver’s brake lights are not functioning or the lead driver suddenly decides to drive in reverse, the lead driver could be the negligent party. For this reason and many others, it is always best to have a lawyer review the details of your accident if you are injured in a rear-end collision.

Side-Impact Collisions

Also known as “T-Bone Accidents,” side-impact collisions often occur at busy intersections. They frequently unfold when a driver turns left in front of another vehicle, causing a crash. Here are some common reasons why side-impact collisions occur:

A driver is speeding through the intersection to attempt to beat a traffic light
A distraction or fatigue impacts a driver’s awareness, causing the collision
A driver makes an illegal turn when a traffic light is red

This type of collision may produce serious injuries - especially to the driver of the car that is hit on its side. This is because there is no bumper, steering wheel, dashboard, or excessive steel to help absorb the crash’s impact. Also, the second vehicle has no time to slow down or brace for the collision. Proving fault in a side-impact collision is not always a straightforward process. Whether another driver hit your car or suddenly cut in front of you and left you no time to avoid hitting it, you should be prepared for the other driver to claim that they had the right of way and that you are responsible for the crash. Regardless of the other driver’s claims, Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers can review the evidence and fight on your behalf to receive compensatory damages after a side-impact collision.

Rollovers

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips over onto its side or turns completely upside down. When a vehicle rolls over during a car accident, the risk of death or serious injury skyrockets. Drivers and passengers may suffer spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones. The head and neck regions of the body are particularly vulnerable because the driver’s head may strike the roof of the car when the vehicle is rolling. While some cars are designed to help safeguard against or withstand the impact of a rollover, there is no way to fully prevent a vehicle from rolling. Here are some factors that may lead to rollover accidents:

The driver strikes a low obstacle, such as a curb, which causes the vehicle to tip and possibly flip over
A driver falls asleep at the wheel and loses control of the vehicle
A head-on collision causes the driver’s car to tip or roll over upon being struck
A driver overcorrects, thereby throwing off the vehicle’s center of gravity

The car accident lawyers at Stewart J. Guss realize the complexities involved in rollover accidents. We regularly help injured drivers and passengers recover damages following rollover accidents and are ready to put our skills to work for you.

Chain Reactions

A chain-reaction car crash occurs when a single collision causes other vehicles nearby to collide with one another as well. For example, consider a scenario in which two cars are stopped at a light at the bottom of an exit ramp and a third car exits onto the ramp without slowing down. If the moving car strikes the second car stopped at the light, the impact of that collision may cause the second car to hit the first car—thereby causing damage to all three parties. Injuries sustained in a chain-reaction car accident are similar to those seen in rear-end collisions. Broken bones, whiplash, head injuries, and damage to internal organs are common among survivors of this type of crash. Severe injuries are especially likely if the impact causes one or more vehicles to pile atop others involved in the crash. Determining who is at fault in chain-reaction crashes is often complicated. There is typically more evidence to review with multiple drivers and vehicles involved, and sometimes there may be a shared fault in a case. The process of gathering, reviewing, and organizing police reports and witness testimony can be a lengthy and complex process that can be handled by a Plano car accident lawyer like Stewart J. Guss.

Single Vehicle Accidents

While most car accidents involve multiple vehicles, some crashes in Plano involve only a single vehicle. In most cases, a single-vehicle accident occurs when the driver collides with a stationary structure like a telephone pole, guardrail, tree, or building. Many single-vehicle accidents happen when a driver is speeding, distracted, fatigued, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A small number of single-vehicle accidents are not necessarily the driver’s fault. They may occur because a driver swerves to avoid hitting a deer or object in the road. Or, the driver may lose control due to precipitation on the road. Here are some examples of single-vehicle accidents that are not the driver’s fault.

A defective vehicle component failed and caused the car’s brake system to fail
A deep, unrepaired pothole caused the vehicle to swerve into a median barrier
Extremely poor road conditions damaged the vehicle’s tires and drove the car to strike a telephone pole

A Plano car accident lawyer can evaluate your case if you are injured in a single-vehicle accident and think a vehicle defect or deferred road maintenance caused your accident. After reviewing the police report, photos, witness testimony, and your medical records, Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers can determine if your single-vehicle accident was the result of someone else’s negligence. More importantly, they can help you pursue the best possible outcome in your case.

Navigating the Car Accident Landscape in Plano

Driver behavior is critical to mitigating Plano’s car accident volume. However, Plano’s aging infrastructure plays a key role in some local accidents. Severe potholes, malfunctioning lights, and deteriorating asphalt all contribute to car accidents in and around Collin County. Local officials recognize the need for maintenance, renovation, and repair. They regularly direct millions of dollars toward traffic engineering updates such as intersection improvements, road reconstruction, road widening, and pavement rehabilitation. Traffic engineers also collaborate with city officials and contractors to roll out improvements to promote smoother traffic flow. Despite continued efforts to improve Plano’s aging infrastructure, deteriorating roads and dangerous intersections still play a role in car crashes. The Car Accident Lawyers at Stewart J. Guss understand how Plano’s infrastructure challenges contribute to car crashes. With decades of experience navigating Plano’s roadways, they can help injured people pursue compensation for car accidents caused by the following traffic and road-related issues:

Potholes: Drivers may blow out a tire or lose control of their vehicle when they hit a deep pothole.
Large Cracks: A large, unrepaired crack in a road can destroy a car’s tires or cause a car to veer into oncoming traffic.
Malfunctioning Traffic Signals: Malfunctioning traffic lights and signals can lead to confusion and collisions.
Insufficient Road Signage: Accidents sometimes unfold due to inadequate road signs or signage hidden by vegetation.

If you feel any of these issues caused your accident, contact us today for a complimentary consultation. We will listen to your story and determine whether you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries, property damage, and time away from work. Most important, we will guide you through the legal process so you know what to expect when you work with one of our Plano car accident attorneys.

What to Expect When Working With a Plano Car Accident Lawyer

At Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, we know every car accident case is unique. We never use a cookie-cutter approach with cases and work to use every piece of relevant evidence to mount a compelling case in your favor. As you consider hiring a lawyer to handle your case, it is helpful to know what you can expect if you decide to move forward with our legal team. Regardless of the type of car accident you experienced, the odds are higher that your case will settle out of court. In some instances, your lawyer will be able to secure a favorable settlement before filing a lawsuit. Fast, favorable settlements are the result of outstanding negotiation skills and experience. This proven track record of success is just one reason why legal sites and organizations rank Stewart J. Guss among the best attorneys in America year after year. With this information in mind, here is a look at a typical car accident case.

You Sustain an Injury in a Car Accident

A car accident leads to injuries, pain, and suffering. After seeking medical help and calling 911, you can expect the police to arrive and file an accident report. While you wait for the police to arrive, you can help your car accident case:

Take photos of the accident scene, including your injuries and damage to your vehicle
Secure names and contact details of other parties involved in the accident
Contact a Plano car accident lawyer for guidance on what to do next
Do not accept on-the-spot settlement offers, no matter how convincing an insurance agent is

Receive Medical Treatment

Serious car accidents can produce a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. Depending on the type of accident and force of impact, your physical injuries may range from minor to severe. You may also develop anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or other mental health disorders because of your injury. Whether you need hospitalization or outpatient treatment, your medical bills will likely mount quickly. At this point in your treatment, an insurance agent may reach out to you to try to coax you into settling for an amount that is lower than what you deserve. Here is what you can do during this phase of your accident timeline:

Follow all treatment recommendations. Notify your doctor if you have a reaction or cannot comply with recommended treatment.
Realize you may need long-term care. If your injuries were severe, you may require continued physical or mental health care.
Politely refuse any settlement offers. You should wait until your course of treatment is completed until you accept an offer.
Contact your lawyer. Your attorney will advise you and can put an end to intimidation tactics.

Get a Complimentary Case Evaluation With a Plano Car Accident Lawyer

If you do not already have a lawyer, this is a good time to hire one. If you are uncertain about the process, you can voice your concerns and questions during a free case evaluation. Here is what you can expect during a complimentary case evaluation with a car accident attorney from Stewart J. Guss:

Share your story: We will listen to your account of your car accident and take a look at any notes and photos you may have.
Assess your potential case: We will determine if you have a case and whether you may be entitled to compensation for damages.
Discuss legal fees: At our firm, you will not have to pay upfront attorney’s fees. We will outline how our contingency fee arrangement works.
Sign an agreement: Once you agree, you provide your signature and let your lawyer get to work on securing compensation.

Negotiate the Settlement You Deserve

Lawyers for both parties will present arguments in favor of their clients and outline why the other party should be held liable for your damages. Negotiations may continue for weeks or months depending on how resistant and cooperative the opposing parties are. Negotiations may unfold in the following ways:

Informal discussions by telephone
Video conference calls
Letters, including formal demand letters
Face-to-face discussions

If your lawyer can agree on a fair settlement with the other lawyer, all parties will sign a settlement agreement. This agreement will outline the details of the compensation you will receive and absolve the other party from any future financial liability in your case.

File a Personal Injury Lawsuit if Necessary

In some instances, your lawyer might be able to arrive at a desirable settlement fairly quickly. But in other cases, your lawyer may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit alleging that another party (usually the driver of another vehicle) was negligent and caused the accident that resulted in your injuries. Your lawyer may take these measures to strengthen your case:

Present your medical records to show the extent of treatment required for your injuries
Seek the expert opinion of medical professionals, including mental health providers, who can attest to the severity of your injuries
Consult with occupational therapists who can describe how your injuries interfere with your ability to perform your job

This phase of your case will take time. Retrieving medical records, police reports, and eyewitness testimony is not always a fast process, even when your lawyer is experienced and well-connected. Insurance companies and opposing lawyers may purposely drag their feet to avoid taking responsibility for your injuries. The Stewart J. Guss legal team is accustomed to handling this type of response and will work to ensure all deadlines are met.

Proceed to Civil Court if Necessary

On rare occasions, lawsuits proceed to civil court where settlement negotiations will continue according to court orders. Both sides will file papers, and the court may order alternative dispute resolution (ADR) such as mediation. If these measures fail, a civil trial is the next and final step. If this is the case, your lawyer will guide you through the proceedings and continue to fight for a fair settlement on your behalf. While it is unlikely that your case will ever get to this phase, the car accident attorneys with Stewart J. Guss have the experience and resources to secure a desirable outcome in civil court. With our legal guidance, you can rest assured knowing you have powerful trial lawyers fighting for your right to fair compensation.

Plano Car Accident Lawyer FAQ

Q: Why should I hire a Plano car accident lawyer?

A: Hiring a Plano car accident lawyer can increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome in your case. From the moment one of our lawyers takes your case and throughout your pending case, your odds of receiving the compensation you deserve increase significantly. In addition to boosting the odds of receiving a good settlement, you can count on us to:

Provide support: Navigating a car accident case on your own can be very stressful. We take on that stress so you can focus on recovery.
Organize your case: Mounting a case requires preparation and a well-organized approach. We can organize everything for you.
Negotiate on your behalf: We will go back and forth with insurance providers to help ensure you receive the highest possible settlement.
Stop intimidation tactics: Insurance companies may try to issue ultimatums or pressure you into taking a lowball settlement. We can stop this.
Avoid missing deadlines: Your lawyer will help make sure you never miss any critical filing deadlines or court appearances.

You will learn more about the many benefits of hiring a lawyer by scheduling a complimentary case evaluation with a member of the Stewart J. Guss legal team. We will tell you how we can help you using clear, understandable language so you can feel comfortable with your decision.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?

A: You do not have to pay any up-front costs to hire a car accident lawyer from our firm. Our lawyers take new cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to worry about being unable to afford legal representation. Here is how the process works in three simple steps:

Step One: You hire an attorney who will begin work on your case right away.
Step Two: Your lawyer will pay required expenses while your case is pending.
Step Three: Your lawyer will receive a percentage of the compensation received in your case.

As you can see from these steps, you do not have to worry about fronting expenses for your case. And your lawyer will receive payment when you receive compensation. So your attorney will always be motivated to work hard and secure the best financial outcome possible.

Q: Could I still win my case without a lawyer?

A: The odds of winning a case or obtaining a favorable settlement drop dramatically when accident victims attempt to represent themselves. Here is why you will have a hard time winning your case without a lawyer:

A lack of experience: As an industry novice, you may lack the legal knowledge, evidence review skills, and courtroom expertise a lawyer has.
No legal connections: Without a lawyer representing you, it can be challenging to secure reports, evidence, and witness testimony quickly.
Mounting fees: Lawsuit filing fees, expert witness fees, and administrative costs can add up quickly without a lawyer to cover those costs.

Finally, remember it takes time to organize a winning car accident case. If you have a family or a full-time job, you will quickly discover how challenging it is to prepare for your case while taking care of your responsibilities at home and work. This can be especially difficult if you are still recovering from your injuries. At Stewart J. Guss, Attorneys at Law, our full-time job is to fight for compensation for our clients. We work around the clock to prepare cases so our clients can focus on recovering from their injuries and their responsibilities at home and work.

Q: How do I know if I have a good case?

A: An experienced lawyer will be able to tell you if you have a good case. Unless you are a skilled legal professional, you would likely be guessing or hoping that you have a good case. If you guess incorrectly, you could spend all your time chasing a very unlikely outcome. Or, if you decide on your own not to pursue your case, you could leave thousands of dollars on the table. Neither of these alternatives is pleasant, and both could be very costly. For these reasons alone, it is best to seek guidance from a lawyer who will review the details of your car accident and determine whether you have a solid case.

Q: How do I hire a car accident lawyer in Plano?

A: At Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, we make it easy to receive quality legal guidance. Within just a few short steps, you can rest easier knowing you have a car accident lawyer in Plano who is ready to fight on your behalf. Hiring a car accident in lawyer in Plano is as easy as one-two-three. Simply choose your preferred way to reach out to our team of legal professionals and put yourself on the path to the compensation you deserve:

One: Contact us online to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with a member of our legal team.
Two: Reach out to us by phone to discuss your case with us.
Three: Request a video consultation through live chat.

We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to review the details of your car accident. Upon completion of your initial case evaluation, you can move forward to finalize the hiring process and be on your way to a fruitful outcome with your case. The legal team of Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, is nationally recognized for protecting the rights of injured victims for more than 20 years. If you were injured in a Plano car accident, call our office right now for a free consultation! Because we take all of our car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us a dime unless we win your case. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so call us today at 800-898-4877 or contact us now by clicking here.

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