Personal Injury Lawyer Guide – Frisco, Texas

Introduction: Personal Injury Law in Frisco, Texas

Frisco, Texas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, straddling Collin and Denton Counties and fed by major roadways such as the Dallas North Tollway, Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH-121), and U.S. 380. Rapid population growth means more construction sites, heavier traffic, and a higher risk of accidents—from rear-end collisions at Gaylord Parkway to slip-and-falls in bustling retail centers like The Star. If you have searched for a “personal injury lawyer Frisco Texas” or an “injury lawyer near me,” you likely have questions about your rights, the claims process, and how Texas law protects you. This comprehensive guide—grounded strictly in authoritative sources—walks you through the essentials of Texas personal injury law with a principled tilt toward protecting injured victims.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

Negligence and Duty of Care

Most personal injury lawsuits in Texas are rooted in negligence. To win, a plaintiff must establish four elements:

• Duty: The defendant owed a legal duty to the plaintiff.

• Breach: The defendant breached that duty.

• Causation: The breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries.

• Damages: The plaintiff suffered legally compensable losses.

Whether a duty exists is determined by common-law precedent developed by Texas courts and codified in certain contexts by statute (e.g., Texas Transportation Code for motorists).

Statute of Limitations

Texas maintains a strict two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. See Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code (TCPRC) §16.003(a), which states that a person must file suit “not later than two years after the day the cause of action accrues.” Missing this deadline usually bars recovery entirely. Limited exceptions—such as the discovery rule for certain latent injuries—exist but are narrowly applied. Consult counsel promptly to preserve your rights.

Proportionate Responsibility (Comparative Fault)

Texas follows a modified comparative fault system under TCPRC Chapter 33. A claimant may recover damages only if his or her percentage of responsibility is 50 percent or less. The court (or jury) reduces recoverable damages by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault for a pile-up on Preston Road and your total damages are $100,000, your net award would be $80,000.

Damage Categories

• Economic damages: medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other objective financial losses.

• Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, and disfigurement.

• Exemplary (punitive) damages: awarded under TCPRC §41.003 when clear and convincing evidence shows fraud, malice, or gross negligence. Capped by statute.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Texas

Motor Vehicle Collisions

According to Texas Department of Transportation crash data, Collin and Denton Counties consistently log thousands of accidents every year. Congestion along Dallas North Tollway and SH-121 is a frequent source of rear-end and side-impact crashes. Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who negligently caused the collision (and his insurer) is responsible for damages.

Commercial Truck Accidents

Frisco’s proximity to major distribution centers means heavy tractor-trailer traffic. Commercial carriers must comply with both federal regulations (FMCSA) and Texas Transportation Code §644. Given the size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries.

Premises Liability (Slip & Fall)

Property owners in Texas owe varying duties depending on the visitor’s legal status—invitee, licensee, or trespasser—per Texas Supreme Court precedent (Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Gonzalez, 968 S.W.2d 934 (Tex. 1998)). Retail hubs such as Stonebriar Centre must exercise ordinary care to keep premises reasonably safe and to warn of concealed hazards.

Workplace Injuries

While many Texas employers subscribe to the state’s workers’ compensation system, Texas famously allows nonsubscription. If your employer is a nonsubscriber and negligence can be shown, you may file a personal injury lawsuit seeking full damages (not limited by workers’ comp caps). Even subscribership does not shield third-party tortfeasors, such as negligent equipment manufacturers.

Dog Bites & Animal Attacks

Texas adheres to the “one-bite” rule but imposes liability when the owner knew or should have known the animal was dangerous or acted negligently in controlling it (Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974)). Residential neighborhoods around Panther Creek and Phillips Creek Ranch have seen a rise in pet ownership, increasing the potential for incidents.

Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws

Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements

Under Texas Transportation Code §601.072, drivers must carry at least $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (“30/60/25”). Unfortunately these limits may not cover severe injuries. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is optional but highly advisable; insurers must offer it in writing under Texas Insurance Code §1952.101.

Bad Faith Insurance Practices

The Texas Insurance Code Chapter 541 prohibits unfair claim settlement practices, such as misrepresenting coverage or failing to promptly affirm or deny a claim. Victims can recover actual damages, attorney’s fees, and—if the violation was committed knowingly—up to treble damages.

Health Care Provider Liens

Texas Property Code §55.004 permits hospitals such as Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Frisco or Medical City Frisco to file liens for reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the injury, attached to any settlement or judgment. Understanding lien validity and negotiating reductions is crucial to maximizing your net recovery.

Limits on Non-Economic Damages in Medical Malpractice

TCPRC §74.301 caps non-economic damages in medical negligence cases at $250,000 per claimant against a physician or individual health-care provider, and a combined $500,000 against all health-care institutions. No such caps apply to ordinary negligence claims arising from auto accidents or premises liability.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

1. Prioritize Medical Care

Seek immediate evaluation at a local facility—Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Frisco, Medical City Frisco, or Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. Prompt diagnosis both safeguards your health and documents causation.

2. Report the Incident

• Auto accidents: Call 911 and request Frisco Police Department or Texas DPS. Obtain the CR-3 Peace Officer’s Crash Report.

• Workplace injuries: Notify your supervisor in writing as soon as practicable per Texas Labor Code requirements.

• Premises incidents: File an incident report with the property manager; keep a copy.

3. Document Evidence

• Photograph vehicle damage, skid marks, floor hazards, lighting, weather conditions, and visible injuries.

• Collect witness names, phone numbers, and written statements when possible.

• Save receipts for out-of-pocket expenses such as medications, medical equipment, and rideshares.

4. Notify Your Insurance Carrier

Most auto and homeowner policies require “prompt” notice. Provide basic facts only—avoid recorded statements or broad medical releases until you speak with counsel.

5. Track Medical Treatment and Lost Wages

Maintain a chronological file of doctor visits, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, physical therapy appointments, and time missed from work. Accurate bookkeeping strengthens your damages claim.

6. Avoid Social Media Pitfalls

Defense attorneys and insurers routinely mine Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for posts that can be taken out of context. Consider suspending accounts or adopting strict privacy settings.

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

Indicators You Need a Lawyer

• Liability is disputed or multiple parties are involved (e.g., multi-vehicle crash on SH-121).

• Your injuries are serious—fractures, surgeries, traumatic brain injury, or permanent impairment.

• An insurance adjuster is pressuring you to settle quickly or sign a broad release.

• Medical liens or subrogation claims threaten to consume your recovery.

• The defendant is a large corporation or governmental unit requiring notice under Texas Tort Claims Act.

Benefits of Retaining a Frisco Accident Attorney

A qualified Frisco accident attorney understands local courts—Collin County Court at Law, Denton County District Court—and procedural nuances like e-filing and Texas Rules of Civil Procedure §47 (pleading requirements). Attorneys can:

• Investigate promptly, preserve evidence, and hire accident reconstructionists.

• Calculate future medical expenses and diminished earning capacity using vocational experts.

• Negotiate with insurers and, if necessary, file lawsuit and conduct discovery (interrogatories, requests for disclosure, depositions).

• Prepare your case for trial or alternative dispute resolution such as mediation per Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §154.021.

Attorney Licensing and Ethical Rules

Only lawyers licensed by the State Bar of Texas may provide legal services in Texas. You can verify a lawyer’s status using the bar’s “Find a Lawyer” tool. Contingency fee agreements must comply with Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.04, and the attorney’s fee share of recovery is typically one-third to 40 percent, depending on litigation stage.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Emergency and Medical Facilities

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Frisco – 5601 Warren Pkwy, Frisco, TX

• Medical City Frisco – 5500 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco, TX

• Urgent Care of Texas – 11550 Legacy Dr., Frisco, TX

Court Venues Serving Frisco

• Collin County Courthouse: 2100 Bloomdale Rd., McKinney, TX (home to 15th, 199th, 219th, 296th District Courts).

• Denton County Courts: 1450 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX.

How Personal Injury Claims Typically Progress in Texas

• Pre-litigation Investigation and Demand: Your attorney compiles records and sends a demand package to the insurer.

• Filing the Petition: A civil lawsuit begins with an Original Petition under Tex. R. Civ. P. 45, 47.

• Service of Process: Defendants are served by a constable or private process server per Tex. R. Civ. P. 103.

• Discovery: Interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions allow both sides to evaluate the case.

• Mediation: Many Collin and Denton County judges require mediation before trial settings.

• Trial: If settlement fails, a jury will decide liability and damages. Verdicts may be appealed to the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas.

Authoritative External Resources

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Chapter 16 – Limitations Texas Department of Insurance – Auto Liability Basics Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Official PDF) Texas Appellate Opinions Database

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and the facts of every case are unique. You should consult a licensed Texas attorney regarding your particular situation.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and legal consultation.