Fort Worth Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
The loss of a loved one in a car accident is a life-altering tragedy. Families in Tarrant County are often left reeling from the emotional devastation while also facing unexpected financial and legal burdens.
At Stephens Law, we understand the profound impact a fatal car accident has on families. While no legal action can replace the person you’ve lost, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and a sense of justice.
Our compassionate legal team is here to guide you through this challenging time, offering the support and advocacy you need to hold negligent parties accountable.
You don’t have to face this process alone. A Fort Worth fatal car accident lawyer from Stephens Law can handle the legal complexities of your case, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Contact us online or call (817) 420-7000 for a confidential consultation to discuss your options.
Key Takeaways About a Fort Worth Fatal Car Accidents Lawyer
- Texas Wrongful Death Claims: Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 71, certain family members are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. A Fort Worth wrongful death attorney can help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the process.
- Survival Actions for Additional Compensation: The estate of the deceased may pursue a survival action to recover damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other losses incurred before death.
- Proving Negligence is Critical: Establishing that another party’s reckless or careless actions caused the accident is essential for a successful claim. A Tarrant County fatal accident lawyer will investigate the circumstances to build a strong case.
- Insurance Companies May Undervalue Claims: Insurers often attempt to minimize payouts in fatal accident cases. Legal representation is crucial for challenging these tactics and pursuing fair compensation.
- Time Limits Apply: Texas law generally allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Acting quickly ensures your rights are protected.
- How Stephens Law Can Help: Our firm provides comprehensive legal support, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers and, if necessary, representing you in court.
Why Choose Stephens Law for Your Fort Worth Fatal Car Accident Case
At Stephens Law, we are committed to providing personalized, results-driven representation for families in Fort Worth who have lost loved ones in fatal car accidents.
- Tailored legal strategies: Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand your family’s specific needs and circumstances. Our approach is designed to achieve a favorable outcome for your situation.
- Comprehensive case analysis: We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts and other professionals to thoroughly examine the facts of the case, ensuring that all evidence is carefully reviewed.
- Relentless advocacy: Whether negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court, we are dedicated to pursuing justice and financial recovery for your family.
When you choose Stephens Law, you gain a partner who will handle every aspect of your case with care and determination. Let us help you navigate this difficult time. Call (817) 420-7000 to learn more about how we can assist you.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Fort Worth Fatal Car Accident Cases
Insurance companies often use tactics to reduce or deny claims, making it even more challenging for families to secure the compensation they deserve. Stephens Law is here to provide the legal support you need to overcome these obstacles:
- Establishing liability: Proving fault in a fatal car accident requires a thorough investigation. We gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to build a compelling case.
- Calculating comprehensive damages: Fatal accidents often result in significant financial and emotional losses. We work with experts to accurately calculate damages, including lost income, medical expenses, and loss of companionship.
- Handling insurance companies: Insurers may attempt to pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Our team negotiates on your behalf, ensuring that your family’s needs are fully addressed.
- Identifying all responsible parties: In some cases, multiple parties may share liability for the accident. We work to hold all negligent parties accountable, whether it’s another driver, a company, or a government entity.
With Stephens Law by your side, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Eligibility for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Fort Worth
Understanding who can file a wrongful death claim is an important step in seeking justice for your loved one. Under Texas law, the following individuals are eligible to file a claim:
- Immediate family members: Surviving spouses, children, and parents of the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit individually or as a group.
- The Estate: If eligible family members do not file a claim within three months of the death, the personal representative or executor of the deceased’s estate may file on their behalf.
Siblings and other extended family members are generally not eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, they may benefit from a survival action pursued by the estate.
A survival action allows the estate to recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had survived, such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages. These damages become part of the estate and are distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the will or state law.
A Fort Worth fatal car accident lawyer can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the legal process.
Types of Fatal Car Accident Cases We Handle in Fort Worth, Texas
Fatal car accidents can occur in a variety of ways, often due to negligence. At Stephens Law, we handle a wide range of cases involving deadly collisions in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas:
- Drunk driving accidents: These preventable tragedies often result in severe consequences. We work to hold intoxicated drivers accountable for their actions.
- Distracted driving accidents: Texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions can lead to fatal crashes. We investigate these cases to prove negligence.
- Speeding and reckless driving accidents: Excessive speed and reckless behavior are common causes of fatal accidents. We use evidence such as skid marks and vehicle damage to establish fault.
- Commercial vehicle accidents: Collisions involving large trucks or delivery vehicles often result in catastrophic outcomes. These cases can be complex, involving multiple parties and insurers.
- Pedestrian and cyclist accidents: Vulnerable road users are at high risk in collisions. We fight for justice on behalf of families who have lost loved ones in these accidents.
Our team is dedicated to thoroughly investigating each case and pursuing justice for the families we represent.
Compensation for Fatal Car Accidents Our Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyers Fight For
While no amount of money can replace a loved one, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and a sense of justice. Compensation in these cases is designed to address both economic and non-economic losses:
- Economic damages: These include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and lost income or financial support.
- Non-economic damages: Compensation for emotional pain, loss of companionship, and mental anguish.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence, such as drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
A Fort Worth fatal car accident lawyer can help you understand the types of compensation available and work to secure a financial recovery that meets your family’s needs.
Steps to Strengthen Your Fatal Car Accident Claim in Fort Worth, Texas
The actions you take in the days, weeks, and months following the tragedy can significantly impact the strength of your wrongful death claim:
- Preserve all documentation: Keep copies of medical records, funeral expenses, and any correspondence with insurance companies. These documents are critical for demonstrating the financial impact of the accident.
- Obtain the police report: The official accident report often contains key details about the crash, including witness statements and the officer’s assessment of fault. Your car accident attorney can help you request this report if you haven’t already done so.
- Document your losses: Keep a detailed record of all financial and emotional losses, including lost income, medical bills, and the emotional toll on your family. This information helps build a comprehensive claim for damages.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim by using your statements against you. Direct all communication to your attorney to protect your case.
- Consult with a Fort Worth fatal car accident lawyer: An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, investigate the accident, and handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.
Taking these steps can help ensure your claim is as strong as possible. At Stephens Law, we are here to provide the legal support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Contact us today to learn how we can help you pursue justice for your loved one.
Fort Worth Fatal Car Crash Lawyer FAQs
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Texas is generally two years from the date of death. At Stephens Law, we ensure that all deadlines are met and your case is handled with care, so you don’t have to worry about missing critical opportunities for justice.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their losses, while a survival action allows the estate to recover damages the deceased could have pursued if they had survived. Our legal team will guide you through the process, ensuring that every avenue for compensation is explored.
Can I still file a claim if the other driver wasn’t charged with a crime?
You may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit even if the at-fault driver wasn’t criminally charged. Civil cases have a different burden of proof, and our attorneys are skilled at building strong claims based on evidence, regardless of the outcome of any criminal proceedings.
How much does it cost to hire a Fort Worth fatal car accident lawyer?
At Stephens Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for your family. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the financial and legal complexities of your case.
Will my case go to trial?
While many cases are resolved through settlements, some may require litigation to achieve a fair outcome. Our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if necessary, providing the aggressive representation needed to fight for justice on your behalf.
Contact a Fort Worth Fatal Car Accidents Lawyer Today
You don’t have to face this difficult time alone. The compassionate and determined legal team at Stephens Law is here to provide the support and advocacy you need.
Call us at (817) 420-7000 or message our Fort Worth fatal car accident lawyers online to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and financial recovery.
