Driver Killed in Rear-End Collision on Houston Highway After Vehicle Stalls
According to a report from ABC 13 News, a driver was killed in a tragic rear-end collision on a Houston area highway. Notably, the driver’s vehicle stalled shortly before the deadly wreck. The stalled vehicle, a Nissan sedan, was in the travel lanes. The Houston Police Department had received a call about that vehicle. Soon after, it was struck in the rear-end by a jeep that was travelling at a high rate of speed. Unfortunately, the driver of the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene. The motorist who struck the stalled vehicle is being investigated for potential intoxication. Here, our Sugar Land wrongful death lawyer provides a guide to fatal accident claims in Texas.
Civil Claims for a Fatal Crashes are Covered By Wrongful Death Law in Texas
Fatal accidents bring devastating loss to families and complex legal questions about accountability. Under Texas law, certain surviving relatives have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. The process is governed primarily by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.001 through § 71.012. Among other things, the law establishes who may file, what damages are recoverable, and how liability is determined.
Not Everyone Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas (An Overview of Eligibility)
There are many people who can be emotionally affected by a deadly crash in Sugar Land or elsewhere in Southeast Texas. However, state law allows only specific family members to bring a wrongful death action. The surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased each have standing to file the wrongful death lawsuit. They could file as individuals, or in other cases, as a collective group of claimants. If none of these individuals file within three months of death, the personal representative of the estate may bring the wrongful death claim.
Understanding the Basis for Liability in a Fatal Accident
In order to prevail, the claimant(s) must prove that the death was caused by another party’s negligence. These terms mirror the elements of negligence under Texas tort law. Fatal accident claims frequently arise from motor vehicle collisions, workplace incidents, defective products, premises hazards, or medical malpractice. The plaintiff must establish duty, breach, causation, and damages by a preponderance of the evidence. Every fatal crash in Sugar Land should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced wrongful death lawyer.
Fatal Accidents in Texas: Damages for Surviving Family Members
Compensatory damages are designed to recognize both economic and non-economic harm. Under Texas law, beneficiaries may recover for:
- Funeral and burial expenses;
- Out-of-pocket medical costs;
- Loss of financial support the decedent would have provided; and
- Loss of companionship, comfort, and love.
Call Our Sugar Land, TX Wrongful Death Attorney Today
At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, our Sugar Land wrongful death attorney is a strong advocate for grieving families. If you have any questions about a wrongful death claim, we can help. Call us now or contact us online for a free, fully confidential consultation. With an office in Sugar Land, we handle fatal motor vehicle accident claims throughout the region in Texas.
Source:
abc13.com/post/driver-killed-crash-vehicle-stalls-east-freeway-hpd-says/17943584/
