While many auto accidents result in injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other road users, some wrecks result in loss of lives. When you lose a loved one to an auto wreck, you should not have to deal with financial burdens as you grieve the loss. You should be compensated for the financial losses that come with medical expenses, burial costs, as well as the psychological torture you face. Learning that someone else was responsible for the death may add to the pain and trauma, but there are ways to hold them accountable for their carelessness. A local Houston car accident lawyer can be a priceless ally during this difficult time.
At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we are prepared to help you get the justice you deserve. A compassionate Houston fatal car accident lawyer from our firm understands best how the untimely death of a loved one could change one’s entire life. Reach out now to begin.
Top Causes of Fatal Auto Accidents
Unfortunately, many fatal accidents stem from negligent conduct by parties bearing a legal duty of care. This disregard has continued to cause untold damages and the loss of innocent lives. The top causes of fatal auto wrecks are:
- Speeding
- Road rage
- Drunk driving
- Failure to yield
- Vehicle defects
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe lane changes
Most of these causes can be traced back to negligent driver behaviors. Drivers are usually the last line of defense in matters of traffic safety. Their behaviors, either in the form of actions or inactions, have a direct impact on road safety. However, they are not always to blame. Other parties such as construction companies, vehicle owners, and state agencies may have a hand in traffic accidents. Lousy weather may also contribute to a fatal crash, especially when visibility is limited. A seasoned Houston fatal car accident attorney can review the facts of an auto wreck and identify negligence as it applies to each unique case.
Proving Wrongful Death
When an accident results in someone’s death, a wrongful death lawsuit may be brought forward. The surviving plaintiff must establish the negligent or reckless circumstances that led to the loss of their loved one.
Proving negligence in a wrongful death claim hinges on the same elements as personal injury lawsuits. It must be established that:
- The deceased was owed a legal duty of care
- The duty was breached
- The breach was the proximate or direct cause of death
Essentially, proving wrongful death in a car accident case requires the plaintiff to show that the death would have been preventable but for the defendant’s careless or reckless behavior. A skilled Houston fatal car accident attorney may retain expert witnesses to establish the episodes leading to the accident and determine whether it was preventable in the first place.
Compensation Following a Fatal Car Accident
Wrongful death is often a reason for concern when it comes to the financial freedom and independence of surviving loved ones. Some individuals involved in car accidents have a prolonged stay in the hospital, resulting in huge medical expenses and related costs. Even with medical insurance coverage, families may be forced to incur out-of-pocket expenses. Some patients spend weeks or months in hospital, especially in cases involving traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Others lose their lives at the scene of the accident.
Compensation following a fatal car accident seeks to help the deceased’s estate move on with life by compensating for:
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
- Lost future earnings
- Loss of companionship
- Burial/funeral expenses
- Deceased’s medical expenses
- Deceased’s physical pain and suffering
- Lost wages for the time spent away from work
For more information about potential compensation, connect with an experienced fatal car accident attorney in Houston.
Click to contact our Car Accident Lawyers in Houston today
Discuss Your Fatal Car Accident Case with a Dedicated Houston Attorney
When seeking compensation following a fatal auto wreck, you should keep in mind that there are two ways to settle. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit allows you to recover compensation that the deceased would have been eligible for in a personal injury lawsuit. On the other hand, a survival action covers the losses you endure due to the untimely and wrongful death of a loved one.
A qualified Houston fatal car accident lawyer can differentiate the two and help you get the most out of your case. Contact our experienced attorneys today to learn more and get the legal representation you need to find justice.
Call or text (832) 346-9585 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
