Fatal truck accidents in Houston are devastating and nearly always preventable. They happen on Houston highways, including Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 90, as well as in commercial zones and manufacturing hubs. When these accidents happen, families often have to work to prove fault and fight for justice. Talk to a Houston truck accident lawyer today about the loss of a loved one.
Who Can Take Action After a Fatal Truck Accident in Houston
When a person dies in a truck accident, the immediate family members of that individual gain the legal right to seek justice for them. That starts with the spouse or children, and, if there is no spouse or child, the parents of the person who died. The estate of the deceased person can also seek claims for the losses.
The funds recovered in this type of accident can be critical to meeting end-of-life needs, but also providing ongoing financial support for families left behind. However, the family must take action. There is no automatic process to pay for your loved one’s losses if you do not seek legal action.
Proving Who Is At Fault Is Essential
In a truck accident resulting in a fatality, expect the insurance company representing the trucking company and driver to act quickly to reduce any risk of claims. They may try to shift blame or offer a small sum of money as a settlement. Instead, the family needs to work with a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. The attorney will:
- Help prove who is at fault, including the truck driver, trucking company, or third party
- Gather critical evidence to demonstrate fault before the truck company eliminates it
- Seek records such as medical records, Hours of Service records, documentation of mechanical service, and driver training logs to prove fault
Your truck accident lawyer knows the federal trucking regulations that could demonstrate and prove fault if the driver violated them. With evidence like this, the insurance company will find it more challenging to refute claims.
Damages Recoverable in a Fatal Truck Accident in Houston
The family of a person who lost their life as a result of a truck accident can seek compensation for all losses they can document. This includes any losses the victim would have recovered if they lived, as well as any additional losses suffered by the remaining family, including dependents. Examples of losses in truck accident fatalities like this include:
- End-of-life medical care provided
- Funeral and burial costs
- Property damage and lost assets
- Pain and suffering for the victim
- Pain and suffering, and loss of companionship for the family
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of mentoring
There are many potential losses your attorney will document to seek after the accident. Do not settle your case with the insurance company before an attorney reviews the losses and the value being paid to you. These are complex cases with numerous factors to consider, including your loved one’s age, career prospects, earning potential, and the impact of the loss on family members.
Let our Truck Accident Lawyer in Houston Help You
At The Doan Law Firm, a fatal truck accident lawyer can provide you with guidance in recovering fair compensation and justice for your loved one. Let our Houston truck accident attorney build a maximum claim for you and hold those who hurt your family accountable for the losses suffered. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.