It’s difficult enough to heal from the emotional effects of losing a loved one in a fatal car accident. Recovery is even harder when you have to worry about finances. That worry is a reality for many families who experience an unexpected death. A Round Rock car accident lawyer from The Texas Law Dog can work to relieve some of that stress.
“Just Great Lawyers” has recognized our founding attorney, who leads a team equally committed to providing every client with exceptional service and representation. A fatal car accident lawyer in Round Rock from our firm is here to support you through your tragedy and help you find the way to a more secure financial future.
Get Experienced Legal Representation Promptly After a Fatal Car Accident
Act quickly to secure representation after your loved one is killed in a fatal car crash. A wrongful death settlement or trial award can provide your family with needed financial relief and a sense of justice restored. Evidence is the foundation of a successful wrongful death claim.
Evidence collection is more productive when carried out soon after an incident. We have a better chance of gathering video surveillance or traffic-camera footage before it’s erased. There’s less time for physical evidence from the scene to get lost or for witnesses’ memories to dim.
There is also a two-year time limit for filing a claim. Failure to meet this deadline could lead to a case dismissal and denial of justice. Sometimes circumstances warrant deadline extensions, so it’s important to speak with a Round Rock personal injury lawyer even if you think your window of opportunity has closed.
Ways to Secure Compensation for Your Loved One’s Death
According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71, surviving spouses, children, and parents of the deceased can file for damages if another party’s “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default” caused their loved one’s death. The decedent’s executor or administrator can bring the action if no eligible parties do so within three months of the death.
A Round Rock fatal car accident attorney will first work to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s representative. Settling a claim avoids the need for a trial. Trials can be stressful, expensive, and lengthy. Still, if the other side refuses to engage in fair discussions, a lawyer can explain the pros and cons of a wrongful death trial vs. settling.
The team at The Texas Law Dog comprises aggressive, effective trial attorneys. We will not encourage you to settle for less simply to avoid a court fight. Our focus is getting you justice, whether that happens in negotiation sessions or in court.
Comparative Fault Laws
Texas Code Chapter 33 establishes the State’s modified comparative fault system, which applies to personal injury and wrongful death claims. You can only file for damages if your loved one was 50% or less at fault for the fatal crash.
If you are eligible to file, you can still see compensation reduced by any smaller percentage of fault attributed to your loved one. For example, if they are assigned 10% of the blame, you can collect 90% of the total compensation amount.
Round Rock Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reported 39,254 motor vehicle crash deaths in its Fatality Facts Yearly Snapshot. Distracted driving caused 3,026 of those deaths, and speeding led to 11,288. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,904 people died in drunk driving crashes.
In its comparison of motor-vehicle traffic deaths, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recorded 3,769 traffic-related fatalities. A report on impaired driving shows that over a recent 10-year period, 37% of Texas’ traffic fatalities were alcohol related.
What these reports show is that many fatal car accidents are preventable and only occur because of a driver’s decision to engage in unnecessary, unsafe behaviors. While these drivers may face criminal charges for their actions, convictions don’t compensate families for their losses. A Round Rock fatal car accident lawyer can help you get the acknowledgment it deserves.
Damages You May Receive After a Fatal Car Accident
The recoverable damages after a wrongful death can compensate you for your financial and emotional losses. Typically, they include recovery or acknowledgment of:
- End-of-life expenses, such as funeral and burial costs
- Your loved one’s future earnings and work benefits
- Your loved one’s other household contributions
- Your family’s mental and emotional anguish
- The loss of relationship and affection
- Related medical costs if your loved one initially survived the accident before succumbing to the fatal injury
Our team will assess your losses with precision. The other side will likely work to downplay your losses. They may reach out with a fast offer, hoping that in your vulnerable state, you will not realize its inadequacy.
Refer all offers to your fatal car accident attorney in Round Rock for review. We know what your case is worth and can protect you from an unjust, lowball offer.
Punitive Damages
Some offenders show gross negligence. Perhaps they had a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when they crashed into your loved one. Maybe they were speeding and weaving recklessly. In cases like these, the court may impose punitive damages, requiring the offender to pay an additional monetary penalty as a punishment and to send a message to deter such harmful acts.
Punitive damages are also called “exemplary” damages. If your circumstances merit fighting for exemplary damages, our team will pursue them. We work to get the maximum damages available.
Our Round Rock Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Can Lead Your Fight for Justice
The Texas Law Dog does not let injustice go unanswered. The shocking loss your family experiences when a negligent driver causes your loved one’s death is completely unfair.
You should not also face financial instability or ruin. Connect with a Round Rock fatal car accident attorney to fight for justice and financial security. We are here to support your family and ready to lead your fight.
