Common Causes of Fatal Accidents on Rural Texas Roads | Wrongful Death Claims in the Hill Country

Call Toll-Free: 1-800-862-1260

Driving through Texas’s Hill Country is picturesque, but also dangerous. Those rural roads through charming towns like Fredericksburg and New Braunfels also harbor deadly hazards, including deep drop-offs, a lack of barriers, and heavy commercial traffic. An alarming uptick in rural highway accidents in Texas can be attributed to numerous causes, from fatigue to risky driver behaviors. For every crash that occurs, a family is left grieving and often needing an experienced lawyer to help them win the financial support they need to survive.

If you have lost a loved one on a rural Texas roadway, the Antonio car accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help. We offer free case reviews, and you pay nothing unless we win your case, making expert legal guidance affordable to everyone. We have English- and Spanish-speaking professionals available 24/7 at 1-800-862-1260, or you can contact us online.

Whether you are heading to a music festival in Kerrville or a weekend escape in Wimberley, you will likely travel a few dangerous rural roads to get to your destination. Although less than half of all crashes in Texas occur in rural areas, the rate of fatalities is nearly the same as it is for urban roads. Hidden dangers that increase the risk include:

• Higher rates of speed
• Narrow roads lacking clear lane markings
• Sudden, sharp curves
• Lack of barriers or adequate shoulders
• Poor lighting and limited visibility
• Presence of wildlife

Open roads often lull drivers into a false sense of safety, making them more relaxed behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this mindset can lead to potentially dangerous driving behaviors, such as:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driving while impaired
• Failing to obey traffic signals
• Drowsy driving

If the driver who hit your loved one was guilty of any of these behaviors, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for burial expenses, lost income for your family, and other losses. While the damages can’t bring your loved one back or reverse what happened, they can make it easier for your family to move forward after your tragedy. Contact an attorney to determine whether you are eligible for a wrongful death claim.

Texas law allows spouses, children, and parents of the deceased to file a wrongful death claim. If none of these parties files a claim within three months of the death, the executor of the estate may also file a claim unless a family member requests that they not do so. A wrongful death claim allows survivors to seek the following damages:

• Medical and funeral expenses
• Lost earning capacity
• Lost inheritance
• Mental anguish
• Loss of companionship

Your lawyer will calculate your damages based on your current and future losses to ensure you receive sufficient compensation for your family. They will also investigate the accident to identify the precise cause and determine whether another party's negligence led to the crash.

A negligent driver fails to use reasonable care to keep others safe on the road, such as speeding or driving while intoxicated. You must show negligence to hold the other party liable for the damages you are seeking.

The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Texas is two years from the date of the death. Don’t wait to seek help from an experienced lawyer who will investigate the accident and hold responsible parties accountable. Our law firm’s client reviews attest to our ability to help accident victims and survivors. Call us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 or contact us online now to get started with a free case review!

For more information:

• Rural and Urban Crashes and Injuries by Severity
• Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71
• Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16