Understanding Wrongful Death Claims After Fatal Highway Accidents in Houston | Texas Attorneys

The suddenness of fatal highway accidents in Houston leaves family members of deceased victims with permanent and unexpected damages. The emotional injuries are devastating, but death can also take a financial toll on surviving family members who lose that individual's income or must pay medical and funeral expenses. The Houston wrongful death attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help families seek compensation from at-fault parties.

Meeting with an attorney for a free consultation after a family member’s wrongful death can make a positive difference during this difficult time. At Carabin Shaw, our compassionate team will help you understand your rights so you can receive compensation to help you through the grieving process. We offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis, so our clients don’t have to face legal fees they cannot afford.

Read our law firm’s client reviews to find out more from our satisfied clients. Then, contact us online or call our toll-free number to speak with one of our English- or Spanish-speaking staff members.

Approximately half of urban traffic fatalities in Harris County happen on highways and freeways, as opposed to city streets, according to 2024 TxDOT crash statistics. Interstate 45, Katy Freeway, and Loop 610 are all well-known as accident hotspots. The city of Houston, Texas, faces constant infrastructure challenges because of its large population, but population alone does not cause car accidents.

Common causes of Texas automobile accidents include:

• Alcohol- or drug-impaired driving
• Cell phone use
• Speeding
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Distracted driving

All of these causes are preventable, which is why a fatal highway accident lawyer can help surviving family members pursue compensation for negligent driving.

The person who is at fault in a deadly car accident may be liable for damages if their actions were negligent. That means that they breached their duty to exercise reasonable care while driving, and their breach of duty ultimately caused your loved one’s death. The at-fault party does not have to commit a crime to be liable in a Texas wrongful death lawsuit.

Even if your loved one contributed to the cause of the crash, speaking to a lawyer can help you determine if you have a valid wrongful death claim. Texas is a comparative fault state, which means that victims can receive partial compensation proportionate to the defendant’s fault, provided the victim’s fault does not exceed 50 percent.

An attorney can only file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the immediate family members of the deceased party. This includes the victim’s:

• Parents
• Children
• Spouse

In wrongful death claims in Houston, the family members seek the damages they incurred because of the loss, such as that person’s household contributions and companionship. It can also help family members recover money they would have received in retirement benefits if the victim had survived.

A survival claim is also a possibility after a fatal highway accident. This is a claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate, and it benefits the heirs of the estate. Speaking to a lawyer will help you determine whether one or both types of death-related claims are possible.

The majority of valid wrongful death claims resolve with a fair settlement that compensates families for financial and emotional losses. While some families are reluctant to initiate a relationship with an attorney, most find that it benefits them greatly in the long run.

Call Carabin Shaw today on our toll-free number at 1-800-862-1260, and find out how we can help you manage your financial and household obligations after the death of a loved one by seeking wrongful death compensation. Someone is available to speak with you 24/7 to schedule time with our legal team or answer questions you may have about the legal process relevant to your case.

For more information:

• Texas Department of Transportation
• texas.gov
• Texas Statutes 33