It is never easy to account for the conduct of other drivers. You could be exercising total caution behind the wheel only to end up in an accident caused by the carelessness of another motorist. Depending on the size disparity between the vehicles, the speed at which the collision occurred, and the road conditions, an auto wreck can very easily result in a fatality. Every year, hundreds of people in Texas are killed by negligent or reckless drivers, leaving devastated families in their wake.
If you have lost a close family member to a deadly crash in Texas, an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney can help you secure maximum compensation for your loved one’s funeral expenses, your pain and suffering, the income your family has lost, and more. With strong legal representation at your side, you take steps to hold the guilty driver responsible for the death of your loved one.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles offer minimal protection compared to cars, so motorcyclists are placed at great risk in a crash. The risk of death is higher for riders without protective equipment like helmets, as a collision with the pavement can lead to fatal injuries. Unfortunately, many insurance companies will attempt to deflect responsibility for motorcycle accidents, blaming the rider for not exercising enough caution even when the fault clearly lies with the driver.
The Cause: Some drivers simply do not notice motorcyclists until it is too late. In many cases, this can be attributed to distracted driving. Texting while driving is the leading culprit in these situations, as drivers who take their eyes off the road for even a second can sideswipe a motorcycle and send it careening off course. A skilled lawyer can uncover proof of the driver’s negligence, presenting evidence such as photographs, traffic camera footage, or witness statements in a wrongful death claim.
See also: Lawyers Potus Presidentzeffgizmodo
Drunk Driving Accidents
An intoxicated driver poses a threat to everyone else on the road, no matter how much the driver insists they can make it home safely. While under the influence, a driver may exhibit worsened coordination, delayed reactions, and dulled senses. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to cause wrong-way crashes and rear-end accidents due to their obliviousness to their surroundings. A significantly impaired driver might even pass out while driving, jeopardizing the safety of any nearby drivers or pedestrians.
Marijuana and other drugs can induce a similar level of impairment behind the wheel as alcohol. Under Texas law, you may be able to pursue punitive damages in a wrongful death claim against a drunk driver.
The Cause: In many cases, drunk driving accidents are the result of bars and pubs overserving their patrons. Under the state’s dram shop laws, you can hold these establishments liable for creating a hazard for other people on the road.
18-Wheeler Accidents
Commercial tractor-trailers outweigh most other cars by several tons. As you might expect, a truck collision involving a car is likely to end with the car totaled and the driver or passengers severely injured or killed.
Trucking companies have an obligation to screen and train any new hires, but this is not a foolproof process. Since truck drivers are represented by corporations, filing a claim against them can be an uphill battle, but a motor vehicle accident attorney can protect your rights during negotiations. To get the most compensation out of your claim, an attorney can identify multiple sources of compensation from different liable parties.
The Cause: Truck wrecks are frequently caused by drunk, fatigued, or distracted truck drivers. However, blame may also extend to the trucking company when employees end up overworked or when weight limits are disregarded to maximize profit. Other contributing factors include poor vehicle maintenance by third-party mechanics or improper cargo loading.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents have a high fatality rate. Even at low speeds, getting hit by a car can result in lifelong catastrophic injuries or death. According to a 2022 study by the National Safety Council, a great majority of these accidents occur in urban areas, and roughly 23 percent of these accidents occur at traffic intersections.
The Cause: Acts of reckless driving like speeding or ignoring traffic signs can result in a pedestrian accident. If a driver cannot brake in response to a person who is crossing the road in front of them, then a crash is almost inevitable. Distracted and impaired drivers are much more likely to strike a pedestrian.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas
In Texas, the right to file a wrongful death suit falls to close family members, including the surviving spouse, parents, or children of the deceased, including both biological and adoptive children. Adult children are not exempt from collecting compensation. If you have lost a loved one to a motor vehicle accident, and you are eligible to collect compensation, you can be paid for the lost income your loved one would have provided, the cost of the funeral, and other expenses and financial losses. You can also be compensated for non-economic damages related to your grief and a loss of companionship or parental guidance.
The important thing to keep in mind with wrongful death claims is the statute of limitations. In Texas, there is a strict two-year time limit during which you can file a claim against a negligent person or liable party. Once the statute of limitations expires, you will not be able to take legal action against the defendant. Exceptions apply for minor plaintiffs, as the statute of limitations will only go into effect after they turn 18.
Contact a San Antonio, Texas Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
Deadly accidents happen on the road every day. We all tend to keep this fact out of mind until we lose someone close to us in a preventable accident. When tragedy strikes, a San Antonio motor vehicle accident lawyer can stand up for your rights in a wrongful death claim and fight to see that justice is served.
