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Wrongful Death Claims in Texas 18-Wheeler Accidents - San Antonio Truck Crash Attorneys

The emotional cost of losing a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident is incalculable. No court can accurately quantify grief, and no amount of money can sufficiently compensate for your loss. Despite this, wrongful death claims provide money for financial and emotional costs associated with fatal truck accidents in San Antonio, Texas. A local lawyer can assist you in negotiating a fair settlement, so you can reduce the economic burden of the loss.

If you’ve lost a family member in a recent, tragic tractor-trailer accident in Central Texas, the compassionate San Antonio truck accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help you file a wrongful death claim. Our expert team will ensure you get the economic and noneconomic damages you are entitled to after unexpectedly losing a loved one due to the negligence of another. Call our toll-free number at 800-862-1260 to schedule your FREE CASE REVIEW. Carabin Shaw also offers English- and Spanish-speaking staff ready to talk with you 24/7.

What is a Wrongful Death Truck Accident Claim?

In Texas, a wrongful death cause of action exists when a person commits a wrongful or negligent act that causes a death. That person or the person’s agent is therefore liable for damages. A skilled lawyer can negotiate a settlement from a liable party or sue the party in court.

In 2024, there were 546 fatal commercial vehicle accidents in Texas, and many of those wrecks involved 18-wheelers in particular. Common causes of fatal truck accidents that warrant a wrongful death claim include:

  • Driver distraction, fatigue, or substance abuse
  • Vehicle breakdown or unsecured loads
  • Poor judgment in maneuvering or braking
  • Disregarding safety laws and regulations

A wrongful death claim is a civil action, not a criminal action. The at-fault party does not need to break a law for you to hire a truck accident lawyer in San Antonio and demand that you receive compensation for your loss.

How Much is Wrongful Death Compensation?

The dollar amount of your wrongful death compensation is dependent on the financial and emotional losses you experienced because of the death. There is no cap on damages you can claim, but your lawyer can only claim injuries that the death caused you as opposed to injuries your deceased family member experienced. These damages include:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of household income
  • Loss of household contributions (such as childcare)
  • Loss of benefits (retirement savings, pension)
  • Emotional anguish
  • Loss of companionship

Your San Antonio 18 wheeler accident attorney can file an additional survival cause of action that covers the damages your loved one experienced before death. Schedule a free case review with the legal team at Carabin Shaw to learn about your options in a wrongful death case.

Paying Taxes on San Antonio Wrongful Death Compensation

One of the most common questions clients ask their Texas attorney when filing a wrongful death claim is whether they have to pay taxes on a settlement or judgment. In general, plaintiffs do not have to pay taxes on money they receive as compensation for injuries. This is because the IRS allows you to exclude it from your gross income.

Your wrongful death attorneys will help you understand when to pay taxes on a settlement. You generally have to pay taxes on punitive damages the court awards for gross negligence, as the IRS does not consider this compensation for injury but rather additional income.

Allowing Your Lawyer to Carry the Burden of a Lawsuit

Losing someone in an 18 wheeler accident in San Antonio causes emotional heartache and grief that is insurmountable when compared to most injuries you can suffer throughout life. Seeking compensation for your loss can add to the stress of your recovery while you figure out how to exist without your loved one by your side, but hiring an attorney can help.

An experienced legal professional can help you to mainstream the legal process, so you don’t have to rehash the details of a truck accident in San Antonio TX, but can instead focus on the positive impact your loved one had on your life.

Get Compassionate Legal Services with Carabin Shaw | Call Now to Book Your FREE Consultation!

The San Antonio, Texas legal team at Carabin Shaw can help you financially recover from the unexpected loss of your family member. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t have to pay us unless we win your case. Find out more about our compassionate legal services by reading our client reviews, and then contact our law firm to learn how we can help you with your wrongful death case.

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Client Reviews
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We are very glad we called Carabin Shaw after our accident. We now recommend them to everyone. - Griselda S.
★★★★★
You want Carabin Shaw on your side after an accident. They were excellent. - Valerie S.
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In our opinion, no one is better, Carabin Shaw is the Law Firm you want on your side after an accident. - Amanda G.
★★★★★
The attorneys and staff went out of their way to help us after our accident. Thank you Carabin Shaw. - Melinda F.
★★★★★
We did our research after our accident and chose Carabin Shaw. They were great. Highly recommend. Joel Y.
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