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Truck Accident Wrongful Death: What You Need To Know:
Losing a loved one is an incredibly heart-wrenching experience. When that loss is the result of a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, the pain can be even more overwhelming.
In such difficult times, seeking justice might not be your immediate priority, but holding those responsible for the truck accident and wrongful death accountable is essential. Not only can it bring closure to your family, but it can also prevent similar tragedies from happening to others on the roads.
At The Dashner Law Firm, we understand the profound emotional impact that comes with the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one. Our team of dedicated truck accident lawyers is not only committed to providing top-notch legal representation but also to offering compassionate and patient support throughout this challenging journey. Together, we will tirelessly pursue justice, find closure, and fight for the rightful compensation that you and your family deserve.
Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents
Operating large and heavy commercial trucks, including 18-wheelers and dump trucks, leaves little margin for error. Even a momentary lapse of attention from the driver or a minor mechanical issue can result in devastating consequences. Some of the leading causes of truck accidents with fatalities include:
- Driver Fatigue
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Driving Under the Influence
- Aggressive Driving
- Adverse Weather Conditions
- Inadequate Training
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks:
- Inadequate Regulatory Compliance
Improper Truck Maintenance
Negligent maintenance of trucks can lead to mechanical failures such as brake issues, tire blowouts, or steering problems, making the truck more prone to accidents.
Improperly Loaded Trucks
Loading truck cargo correctly and adhering to weight restrictions is crucial for safe transportation. When a vehicle carries excess weight or if the cargo is inadequately loaded, it can lead to significant problems with vehicle handling, increasing the risk of the driver losing control, especially during sharp bends or turns. Additionally, overloaded trucks are prone to equipment failures, such as tire blowouts, posing serious dangers on the road.
Who Is Liable for Your Loved One’s Death?
In a truck accident that results in the death of a loved one, multiple parties could be potentially liable, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the collision. Identifying the responsible parties is crucial in pursuing a wrongful death claim. The following parties may be held liable for your loved one’s death in a truck accident:
Truck Driver: If the truck driver’s negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws caused the accident, they may be held responsible for the wrongful death.
Trucking Company: The trucking company that employed the driver may also share liability if they failed to properly train their drivers, enforced unrealistic schedules, or neglected vehicle maintenance.
Vehicle Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure, such as brake failure or a tire blowout, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty part might be held accountable under product liability laws.
Cargo Loading Company: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can lead to accidents, especially when it affects the truck’s stability. If a separate company handled the cargo loading, they could be liable for negligence.
Maintenance Contractor: In cases where inadequate vehicle maintenance played a role in the accident, the company responsible for maintaining the truck may be held liable.
Establishing liability in a truck accident wrongful death case can be complex, as it often involves thorough investigation, gathering evidence, and analyzing various factors that led to the tragedy. It is crucial to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney who can assess the details of the accident, determine liability, and help you seek compensation for the loss of your loved one.
Truck Accident Wrongful Death Compensation
Losing a loved one in a truck accident is an incredibly devastating experience, and seeking compensation for the wrongful death can be an essential step towards finding closure and financial stability during such trying times. Wrongful death compensation in truck accidents typically covers various damages and losses experienced by the surviving family members. Here are some elements of compensation that may be pursued in a wrongful death claim:
Medical Expenses: The compensation may include medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and any other medical care provided before the passing of the loved one.
Funeral and Burial Costs: Funeral and burial expenses are typically covered to ease the financial burden on the surviving family members, allowing them to give their loved one a proper farewell.
Loss of Financial Support: The compensation may include the value of the financial support and contributions that the deceased would have provided to the family over their lifetime. This may include lost income, benefits, and other financial assistance.
Loss of Companionship: The emotional toll of losing a loved one cannot be understated. Compensation may be awarded for the loss of companionship, care, guidance, and emotional support that the deceased would have provided to their family members.
Pain and Suffering: In some cases, compensation may be awarded to address the pain and suffering endured by the surviving family members due to the loss of their loved one.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the truck driver or trucking company’s actions were particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.
It’s important to note that wrongful death compensation varies from case to case, and the amount awarded is influenced by various factors, including the circumstances of the accident, the extent of the damages, the degree of liability of the parties involved, and the jurisdiction’s laws.
Navigating the legal process and negotiating with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the emotional impact of a loved one’s death. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney can prove invaluable in building a strong case, advocating for your rights, and securing the rightful compensation to help you and your family move forward after such a tragic loss.
The Importance of a Truck Accident Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a loved one in a truck accident due to the negligence or misconduct of others can be a devastating experience. In such tragic situations, you may be eligible for significant damages through a wrongful death claim. However, pursuing such a claim can be incredibly challenging and complex, especially when dealing with multiple defendants and their insurance companies. Attempting to handle it on your own may lead to missing out on rightful compensation.
While you are coping with the loss and trying to move forward, having a compassionate and experienced wrongful death lawyer by your side is crucial. The Dashner Law Firm can provide essential guidance throughout the legal process, adeptly navigate the complexities, and tirelessly seek justice for your loved one. With our determined truck accident attorneys supporting you, you can focus on grieving and healing, knowing that we will handle all legal aspects of your case with utmost dedication.
How our Wrongful Death Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Engaging the services of our wrongful death truck accident lawyer can be immensely beneficial. Here are the ways in which we can help:
Conducting Thorough Investigation: Our attorney will meticulously investigate the fatal truck accident with the assistance of industry experts to gather critical information and uncover the underlying causes.
Establishing Liability: Determining the cause of the crash is essential for identifying all liable entities involved. Our lawyer will work to establish liability and pinpoint the responsible parties.
Gathering Vital Evidence: We will gather and preserve essential evidence to build a strong case in support of your claim, ensuring that your interests are protected.
Building a Compelling Case: Our lawyer will construct a powerful and persuasive case against the responsible party or parties, strengthening your position for a successful claim.
Assessing Damages: The full financial and emotional impact of losing a loved one is significant. Our attorney will thoroughly assess the damages to accurately determine the worth of your wrongful death claim.
The Time to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Is Limited
Texas Statutes section 71.001, if a family member loses their life in a truck mishap, the relatives typically have a two-year window to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit. Yet, certain circumstances might reduce this allowed period. For instance, when pursuing a claim against a governmental body, there might be more paperwork with tighter deadlines to remain lawsuit-eligible.
It’s crucial to engage a truck accident lawyer in Texas promptly after the tragic loss of your loved one to ensure all vital filing timelines are met. Failing to file in time might prevent you from seeking due compensation. Remember, the earlier you reach out to our team of truck accident lawyers, the quicker you can secure the restitution required to rebuild your life following such a devastating loss.
