deadly auto accidents in texas

Deadly auto accidents in Texas increased significantly in 2021. There were 4,480 motor vehicle fatalities, the second highest number ever recorded in the state. This alarming statistic has prompted Texas officials to implement a number of programs designed to improve road safety and curtail serious traffic accidents.

Many of the roadway deaths in Texas last year were entirely avoidable, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Excessive speed accounted for one third of all of crash fatalities. Another 27 percent of the victims would have lived had they been wearing a seat belt. Distracted driving (such as texting and cellphone use) and driving under the influence were also significant contributors to the excessively high fatality rate.

Among other measures to enhance safety, TxDOT is examining infrastructure improvements to make the roadways themselves more suitable for traffic conditions. In addition, the state has provided grants to multiple police agencies to expand traffic rules enforcement. One hopes that these initiatives will help reduce traffic fatalities, but in the meantime, people who have lost loved ones in fatal car crashes have legal remedies available.

When a traffic accident leads to death, the decedent’s estate and close family members may be entitled to some form of compensation from the person at fault. There are two types of lawsuits that can be filed in the wake of a fatal accident:

  • Survival actions — A lawsuit to recover the personal losses of a fatal accident victim is known as a survival action because the claim survives the victim’s death. The purpose of a survival action is to allow the victim’s estate to recover for losses caused by the accident, just as though the victim had survived. Claims are brought by the decedent’s estate or other legal representative. The money recovered is distributed to the estate beneficiaries as named in the decedent’s will or provided by law. These are usually the victim’s immediate family members.
  • Wrongful death actions In Texas, the spouse, children and parents of a fatal accident victim can claim compensation for their own losses by way of a wrongful death action. Family members can claim damages for loss of companionship or consortium, loss of emotional support and mental anguish. They can also demand compensation for economic losses, such as money they would have received in financial support from the victim but for his or her untimely death.

Fatal accident cases are often complex and contentious. Anyone who has lost a close family member in a collision would be wise to consult with a wrongful death attorney to best protect their rights and finances.

Located in Conroe, Hope & Causey is one of suburban Houston’s most highly respected personal injury law firms. Our attorneys work diligently to maximize each client’s recovery. If you have lost a family member due to the negligence or fault of someone else, feel free to contact us online or call 936-441-4673 for an initial consultation.