Has a loved one been killed in a car accident? Don’t let this negligence go unpunished – call our Dallas accident attorneys at 1-877-331-4156 to learn how we can help.
Car wrecks are one of the primary causes of serious injury and wrongful death in Dallas – as well as throughout the state of Texas. When an accident causes serious injury or death, the lives of the victims and their families will change forever. A fatality can create a great deal of pain and suffering for those left behind, and the decedent’s family deserves the justice that they’re entitled to.
The death of a parent will have a lasting effect on a child, not only mentally, but also financially. Why should the victim’s family be further punished by someone else’s actions? They shouldn’t – and that’s where an attorney can help.
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Statistically Speaking
According to the Department of Transportation, at least one fatal car crash occurred in Texas every day in 2012. In fact, one person is killed in an accident every two hours and 35 minutes in our state, which puts the fatality rate in Texas at 1.41 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. While this number may seem low to you, it’s 27 percent higher than the national average.
Fatal accidents increased by 10.82 percent from 2010-2011, and another 9.3 percent from 2011-2012. Approximately 56 percent of the traffic deaths in Texas occurred in rural areas with 44 percent occurring in urban areas such as Dallas and Fort Worth. The most common causes of traffic fatalities were drinking and driving, speeding, and distraction of the driver.
Fatal crashes that are the result of careless, reckless, or negligent conduct can result in the victim’s family holding the driver financially liable for all the damages (costs) associated with the accident. These costs can include all medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of current and future earnings, pain and suffering before death, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, and more.
It is not unusual for the insurance company of the guilty driver to contact the family of the deceased early in the process in an attempt to persuade them to accept a small settlement instead of consulting with a lawyer. Dealing directly with the insurance company rather than seeking legal representation is seldom in the best interest of the surviving family members. You must understand that it is the insurance agent’s job to save their company money – and that is done by denying valid claims and/or settling claims for far less than they’re worth.
Lawsuits and Liability
There are several steps that are necessary in order to obtain a fair settlement when it comes to a fatal car crash. Many times, a settlement cannot be amicably reached and both parties are forced to take the case to court. As in any accident (whether fatal or not), an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is the first step. It’s important to find out what happened and who was at fault. The answers can be quite complicated in nature, especially when the police report or initial investigation are believed to be inaccurate.
If you have lost a loved one due to a fatal car accident in Dallas, Rasansky Law Firm can help you. Speak to one of our experienced personal injury lawyers about your case for free by calling 1-877-331-4156. There’s no obligation, no pressure, and we’ll explain the options you have available to you.
