Top Fatal Car Accidents Houston: Top Attorney Services

Understanding Fatal Car Accidents in Houston

Fatal car accidents, also referred to as traffic fatalities, are a tragic reality in Houston, Texas. According to the Houston Police Department, the city has witnessed numerous fatal car accidents in recent years, leading to devastating consequences for countless families. These accidents can occur for various reasons, including reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving. In some instances, vehicle defects or road hazards may also contribute to these tragic events. The impact on families is profound, as they are left to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one and the emotional and financial burdens that follow.

How Common are Fatal Car Accidents in Texas?

Unfortunately, fatal accidents are common in Texas. In 2022, Houston saw 308 fatal accidents, claiming the lives of 326 people. These were just a fraction of the deaths across the state from motor vehicle collisions.

 The Texas Department of Transportation’s most recent annual report shows:

• 4,481 people were killed in a car accident in 2021. By comparison, 4,497 people were killed in 2021 on Texas roadways.
• The fatality rate for Texas was 1.55 deaths for each 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
• Accidents in rural areas accounted for a little more than 50% of deaths.
• More than a third of all deaths were single vehicle accidents where a car was run off the road.
• 1,030 people died in accidents happening around intersections.

The deadliest month in 2022 was September, with 427 people killed. The least deadly month was February, with 322 fatalities.

What Causes Fatal Car Accidents in Houston?

Fatal accidents are caused by many of the same factors that lead to non-fatal wrecks. The most common reasons for fatal accidents include:

• Speeding. The faster a vehicle is going, the more force it will generate when it collides with another car. A car also needs more space to stop when it is traveling fast.
• Drunk driving. An intoxicated motorist will make many errors while driving and is at risk of falling asleep. Drunk driving is linked to roughly 1 in 4 fatal accidents in Texas—a huge problem.
• Driver inattention. Distracted drivers cause many accidents because they cannot see someone in their path and therefore do not hit the brakes in time.
• Unsafe lane changes. A person might change lanes without checking their mirrors, which leads to a collision with another car or motorcycle on the road.
• Failure to yield. Many fatal accidents are caused by motorists who run a red light, refuse to stop at a stop sign, or fail to yield on the freeway.
• Defective tires. When tires lose their tread, they can no longer grip the road. They are also more likely to blow. A motorist will be unable to stop in time.
• Poor road conditions. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and lack of proper signage can contribute to fatal accidents.

Piecing together what happened is critical in fatal accident cases. If you were involved in the crash, call the police as soon as possible to come out. You might also need to call to request an ambulance.

What to Do After a Fatal Car Accident

If you or a family member is involved in a fatal car accident, taking immediate action is crucial to protect your rights. First, contact the Houston Police Department to report the accident and provide any necessary information. Ensuring that the accident is officially documented is vital for any subsequent legal proceedings. Next, seek medical attention for anyone who is injured, as prompt medical care can be life-saving and also serves as important documentation of injuries. Gathering evidence from the scene is also essential; take photos, collect witness statements, and note vehicle information. Finally, reach out to a fatal car accident attorney in Houston to discuss your options and determine the best course of action to ensure justice and compensation for your family.

Investigating a Fatal Crash

The Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division is tasked with investigating fatal car accidents in the city. This thorough investigation process involves collecting evidence from the scene, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing vehicle data. In some cases, the investigation may also require accident reconstruction to accurately determine the cause of the crash. As a family member of a victim, it is crucial to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide any necessary information. This cooperation helps ensure that the investigation is comprehensive and that justice is served for your loved one.

Proving Negligence and Fault

To recover damages in a fatal car accident case, it is essential to establish negligence and fault on the part of the other driver. This can be achieved by thorough evidence collection from the scene, including witness statements, vehicle data, and medical records. A thorough investigation conducted by a skilled fatal car accident attorney in Houston can help build a strong case by meticulously analyzing all available evidence. Proving negligence and fault is critical to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your loss.

The Importance of a Fatal Car Accident Attorney

The aftermath of a fatal car accident can be overwhelming for families, leaving them grappling with emotional trauma and financial burdens. This is where a fatal car accident attorney becomes invaluable. An experienced attorney can help families navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their losses.

A fatal car accident attorney conducts a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering crucial evidence and interviewing witnesses to build a strong case. This meticulous approach is essential in proving negligence and fault, which are critical for securing compensation. In Houston, the Houston Police Department (HPD) plays a significant role in investigating fatal car accidents, and a skilled attorney can work closely with the HPD to ensure the investigation is comprehensive and accurate.

Beyond the legal aspects, a fatal car accident attorney provides sensitive and compassionate support to families, helping them cope with the emotional trauma of losing a loved one. They guide families through their rights and options under Texas law, including the possibility of filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

By hiring a fatal car accident attorney, families can ensure their rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve. This includes covering medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income. In a bustling city like Houston, having a local attorney with in-depth knowledge of the legal system can make a significant difference in achieving a successful outcome.

Wrongful Death Cases in Houston

Texas law gives some family members the right to file a wrongful death action after losing a loved one. This is a civil action for money damages after the wrongful death of a family member. Fatal car accidents qualify when a motorist was careless or reckless behind the wheel and struck your loved one. You might also sue if a defect on the car led to the fatal accident.

Family members may seek financial compensation (called damages) for:

• Loss of financial support provided by the deceased
• Loss of household services provided by the deceased
• Surviving family members’ pain and mental anguish
• Loss of companionship, society, and love
• Lost savings or inheritance

The amount you might receive will depend on many factors, including your loved one’s age and income, as well as how much they supported you financially.

The deadline for filing this lawsuit is two years, with the clock starting on the day your loved one died. If you miss the deadline, your claim will be barred. Texas gives the surviving spouse, children, and parents the initial right to file the claim in court. However, if they don’t file in three months, then the personal representative for the estate must file.

The estate might also file a survival action, seeking compensation for medical bills and the deceased’s conscious pain and suffering. Call The Stano Law Firm. We have experience with both wrongful death and survival actions and can guide your case through the court system.

The Seat Belt Defense & Comparative Negligence

Texas has a proportionate responsibility law found at Section 33.001 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which outlines the legal responsibility in such cases. This statute says that a person cannot seek compensation if they are more than 50% responsible for the accident. Section 33.012 says that a claimant’s damages are reduced in an equal percentage to their share of responsibility. So someone who is 40% at fault can still sue—but they receive 40% less.

These rules apply to wrongful death cases. We need to look closely at what actions your loved one took before the fatal collision. Are they in any way responsible for the collision? Were they speeding? Did they run a red light?

If so, then their percentage of fault matters. You might be unable to sue if your loved one bore most of the blame for the accident. If their share of responsibility was less than 50%, then you will receive less compensation.

One question that arises is whether failing to wear a seatbelt makes someone responsible for an accident. Unfortunately, the failure to buckle up might negatively impact your case. Texas courts have begun to allow defendants to raise the seat belt defense. We will review all facts to see if we can minimize any contributory negligence from your loved one.

The Fatal Car Accident Claims Process

Navigating the fatal car accident claims process can be daunting, but understanding the steps involved can help families manage this challenging time. The process typically begins with a thorough investigation into the accident. This involves gathering evidence, such as photos from the scene, witness statements, and vehicle data, to determine the cause of the accident and identify the responsible parties.

Once the investigation is complete, a fatal car accident attorney can help families file a wrongful death lawsuit. This lawsuit seeks compensation for various losses, including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. The defendant’s insurance company will review the claim and may offer a settlement.

Negotiating with insurance companies can be complex, but a skilled attorney can ensure families receive a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the amount of compensation.

Throughout this process, a fatal car accident attorney provides invaluable guidance and support, helping families navigate the legal system. In Houston, Texas, the claims process can be particularly complex and time-consuming, but with the help of an experienced attorney, families can achieve justice for their loved one.

Understanding the fatal car accident claims process empowers families to better navigate the legal system and secure the compensation they need to move forward.

Recovering Damages

In the aftermath of a fatal car accident, family members may be entitled to recover various damages. These can include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. A knowledgeable fatal car accident attorney in Houston can guide you through the complex process of recovering these damages, ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation available. In some cases, family members may also be eligible for punitive damages, which are intended to punish the negligent driver for their reckless behavior. By working with an experienced attorney, you can navigate the legal system more effectively and secure the financial support needed to cope with your loss.

Compassionate Legal Representation for Fatal Car Accidents in Houston

The Stano Law Firm has negotiated many settlements for clients who lost a spouse, parent or child in a car wreck. We will gladly meet with anyone who has questions in a free consultation. Get in touch with us today by filling a form or call us at (832) 777-0390.