Legally Reviewed by Dale R. Rose on August 5, 2025
Collin County roads see thousands of collisions every year. According to 2024 crash data from the Texas Department of Transportation, McKinney recorded 1,542 total crashes, including 42 crashes resulting in suspected serious injuries. If you have been injured in a wreck, you are likely facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about what comes next. Even if you share some fault for what happened, Texas law may still allow you to pursue compensation — but the sooner you act, the stronger your position.
From the moment a wreck is reported, the other driver’s insurance company begins working to minimize what they pay out. At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, attorney Dale R. Rose brings 27 years of civil trial experience and over 165 first-chair jury trials to every car wreck case he handles. He has litigated in courtrooms across 54 Texas counties and knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate and undervalue claims. When you work with Dale R. Rose, PLLC, you work directly with Dale throughout the entire process — never handed off to a case manager or associate.
⚠ Time-Sensitive — Texas Law Limits Your Window to File
Car wreck victims in Texas generally have two years from the date of the collision to file a lawsuit. Waiting may cost you your right to recover anything.
Dale R. Rose, PLLC handles car wreck cases across McKinney and Collin County on a contingency-fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover for you. With over $18 million recovered since 2010, Dale fights to maximize every claim.
Types of Car Wreck Cases We Handle
Understanding what type of collision you were involved in helps you clearly explain the circumstances to police, doctors, and your attorney. Common car wreck cases Dale R. Rose, PLLC handles include:
Rear-End Collisions
When drivers follow too closely, the risk of a rear-end collision increases significantly. Under Texas law, all drivers must maintain a safe following distance. If the trailing driver was too close and caused the wreck, you may be able to hold them liable for your injuries. Our rear-end wreck attorneys may help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Side-Impact Collisions
Also called T-bone crashes, side-impact collisions occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These wrecks often happen at intersections and may result in serious injuries to occupants on the impacted side, where the vehicle offers the least protection.
Head-On Crashes
Head-on crashes are among the most devastating types of collisions. They occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide, typically on two-way roads or divided highways. Injuries from head-on crashes are frequently severe or fatal.
Distracted Driving Crashes
Anytime a driver takes their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel, they create a hazard for everyone nearby. Our distracted driving attorneys have experience holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm their inattention causes.
Drunk Driving Crashes
Driving under the influence impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and dramatically increases the likelihood of a serious collision. Our drunk driving wreck attorneys pursue full compensation for victims injured by impaired drivers in McKinney and Collin County.
Common Causes of Car Collisions in McKinney
Texas is one of the most heavily traveled states in the country. With McKinney’s rapid population growth creating increasingly congested conditions on US-75, US-380, and local roads throughout Collin County, collisions are more likely to occur. Common driver errors that cause wrecks include speeding, tailgating, running red lights and stop signs, fatigued driving, reckless lane changes, and failure to yield. When a driver’s negligence causes a wreck that injures you, you have the right to pursue compensation for the full scope of your losses.
How a Car Wreck Attorney in McKinney May Help Your Case
Partnering with an experienced McKinney car wreck attorney may significantly benefit you as you navigate the aftermath of a serious collision. Several ways Dale R. Rose, PLLC may provide assistance include:
Legal Knowledge — Car wreck attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of Texas personal injury law, including the specific statutes and standards relevant to your case. This allows Dale to navigate legal complexities and protect your rights throughout the process.
Thorough Investigation — Dale conducts thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, analyzing police reports, and collaborating with reconstruction professionals when necessary to build a strong case.
Determining Liability — Establishing fault is fundamental in car wreck cases. Dale works to determine who was responsible for the collision, considering factors such as negligence, distracted driving, and reckless behavior, and builds a record that holds up under scrutiny.
Dealing with Insurance Companies — Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts. Dale handles all communication with insurance adjusters and negotiates on your behalf to pursue a fair settlement that accounts for the full scope of your losses — past and future.
Valuating Your Damages — Calculating the full extent of your damages goes beyond immediate medical bills. Dale considers long-term medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost earning capacity, and the emotional toll of the collision to ensure you are not shortchanged.
Courtroom Representation — If a fair settlement cannot be reached, Dale is fully prepared to take your case to trial. With over 165 first-chair jury trials across more than 54 Texas counties, he has the courtroom experience to present a compelling case before a judge and jury.
What Compensation May I Recover for My Injuries?
Texas follows a comparative negligence framework, meaning you must demonstrate that the other driver’s negligence caused the wreck and your resulting injuries. A successful claim may allow you to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, surgery, and hospitalization
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Loss of consortium for the impact on your relationship with your spouse
- Future medical expenses for long-term care required as a result of the collision
Car wreck victims in Texas generally have two years from the collision date to file a lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. During that time, insurance companies may try to persuade you to settle quickly and without legal counsel. They do this because they know an attorney will understand how to properly value your claim and account for future costs. You have one opportunity to receive full and fair compensation — make sure you are guided by an attorney focused solely on your best interests.
What to Do after a Motor Vehicle Wreck in McKinney
In the immediate aftermath of a collision, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. Taking the right steps protects both your health and your legal rights.
Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone has been hurt. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further collisions. Exchange contact and insurance information with all involved parties, and document the scene with photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from any witnesses and notify your insurance company. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible — injuries that are not immediately apparent may surface hours or days later, and a delayed medical visit may be used against you by the insurance company.
Additional steps that may strengthen your case include keeping a written record of your symptoms and how the injuries affect your daily life, avoiding signing any releases or settlement documents before consulting an attorney, and preserving all evidence including medical records, repair bills, and any communications with insurers. Avoid posting about the wreck on social media until your case is resolved.
Should I See a Doctor after a Car Wreck in Texas?
Yes — always. Not all injuries show up immediately after a collision. As adrenaline fades, injuries that were not initially apparent may become serious. Seeing a doctor right away benefits both your health and your claim, as insurance companies may argue that a delayed visit is evidence you were not seriously hurt, or that your injuries arose from a separate incident.
Additionally, your attorney may need to call your treating physician to testify about the nature and extent of your injuries if your case goes to trial. While most claims settle, having documented medical evidence from the start gives your case a stronger foundation at every stage.
Can You Pursue Compensation if You Were Partially at Fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, specifically the 51% bar rule. This means you may seek compensation for your injuries even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are not found to be more than 50% responsible for the collision. If your degree of fault is assessed at 50% or less, your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your level of responsibility.
This legal framework underscores the importance of a thorough investigation. Gathering evidence and building a strong case early helps demonstrate the other driver’s contribution to the collision and prevents insurers from overstating your share of the blame.
Holding Drivers Accountable for Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions on North Texas roads. Distractions include any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road — texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers. Under Texas law, texting while driving is prohibited, and our texting and driving wreck attorneys are prepared to hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
When a distracted driver causes a collision that results in serious injuries, they may be held legally responsible for the resulting damages. Dale R. Rose has a track record of pursuing justice for those injured by distracted drivers throughout Collin County and surrounding areas.
Elements of Negligence in a Car Wreck Claim
Texas uses an at-fault insurance system, meaning those injured in a car wreck may have legal grounds to file a claim against the responsible driver. A successful Texas car wreck claim typically requires establishing:
- The defendant owed you a legal duty of care
- The defendant breached that duty by violating traffic laws or driving negligently
- The breach directly caused your collision
- The collision caused you to sustain injuries and other compensable damages
Every person in Texas owes other drivers and pedestrians a duty to operate their vehicle responsibly. If the other driver breached this duty, causing your collision, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your losses. At Dale R. Rose, PLLC, every case is investigated thoroughly to determine cause and fault, and our approach is tailored to the specific facts of your situation.
Protecting Your Rights after a Wreck in McKinney
Because wrecks occur without warning, protecting your rights in the aftermath may feel overwhelming. Beyond seeking immediate medical care, gather and preserve evidence early — photos, witness statements, and police reports all strengthen your case. If you were unable to collect evidence at the scene, return as soon as possible, or ask your attorney to assist. If the collision occurred near a business, security footage may capture what happened.
Be careful when speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. Statements you make early in the process may be used against you later. Dale R. Rose handles all communications with insurers on your behalf. If you have been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, our uninsured and underinsured motorist attorneys may help you explore all available options for recovery. Contact Dale R. Rose, PLLC to schedule a free consultation and find out what your claim may be worth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Wrecks in McKinney
How long do I have to file a car wreck claim in Texas?
Under Texas law, car wreck victims generally have two years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long may result in losing your right to pursue compensation entirely. The insurance company’s investigation begins immediately after the wreck — consulting an attorney as soon as possible helps protect your position.
Can I still recover compensation if the wreck was partly my fault?
Yes, in many cases. Texas follows the 51% comparative fault rule, meaning you may still recover damages as long as you are found to be 50% or less responsible for the collision. Your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney may help gather evidence that accurately reflects what happened and prevents the insurance company from overstating your share of the blame.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but not all do. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, options may be available depending on your own policy, including uninsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys may help you evaluate all potential avenues for recovery so you are not left without recourse because of another driver’s failure to comply with the law.
How is fault determined in a McKinney car wreck?
Fault is established through evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photos and videos of the scene, traffic camera footage, and in some cases reconstruction analysis. Insurance companies conduct their own investigations, but their findings do not always reflect the full picture. An attorney may help gather and present evidence that more accurately represents what occurred.
Will my car wreck case go to trial?
Most car wreck cases in Texas settle before reaching trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney should be fully prepared to take the case to court. Dale R. Rose has tried over 165 first-chair jury trials in courtrooms across Texas, so our clients always have that option available if negotiations stall.
What does it cost to hire a car wreck attorney?
Dale R. Rose, PLLC handles car wreck cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is also free. This arrangement ensures that every injury victim has access to serious legal representation regardless of their financial situation.