Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving crashes
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Commercial vehicle or trucking crashes
- Red light and intersection collisions
- Head-on or high-speed highway crashes
Fatal Car Accidents
Lost a loved one in a fatal car accident? Leatherwood Law is here to help you seek justice.
No family should have to endure the sudden loss of a loved one due to a preventable crash. If your spouse, parent, child, or sibling was killed in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may have a wrongful death claim under Texas law.
At Leatherwood Law, we help grieving families throughout Houston pursue accountability and financial recovery after tragic auto accidents. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, a wrongful death claim can provide support, closure, and justice.
We handle every case with the compassion it deserves—and the aggressive legal strategy it demands. You focus on your family. We’ll handle the fight.
What Compensation Can a Family Recover?
If someone else’s negligence caused the fatal crash, surviving family members may be entitled to:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support and income
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Medical bills incurred prior to death
- Punitive damages in gross negligence cases
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
Under Texas law, the following individuals may file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Spouse of the deceased
- Children (biological or legally adopted)
- Parents of the deceased
If none of these parties file within three months, the executor of the estate may bring the claim on behalf of the estate.
Why Choose Leatherwood Law After a Fatal Accident?
- We understand wrongful death law: We’ve handled cases involving drunk driving, trucking negligence, and high-speed crashes.
- Compassionate but aggressive: We treat your family with dignity—and hold the at-fault party accountable.
- No upfront costs: We only get paid if we recover compensation for your family.
- Local to Houston: We’re trusted by families across Harris County and the surrounding areas.
What to Do After a Fatal Car Accident
- Request the police report – This is key for proving fault and building your case.
- Preserve evidence – Keep photos, vehicle records, and witness contacts if available.
- Keep medical and funeral documentation – These are essential for calculating damages.
- Call Leatherwood Law – Before speaking with any insurance companies or opposing lawyers.
Fatal Crash & Wrongful Death FAQs
When does a fatal car accident become a wrongful death claim in Texas?
A wrongful death claim applies when a death is caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful act. Common examples include fatal crashes involving speeding, impairment, or unsafe commercial driving.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Texas after a fatal crash?
In Texas, the surviving spouse, children, and parents can file a wrongful death claim. If eligible family members do not file within a set period, the estate representative may be able to file.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas?
Most Texas wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of death. Missing that deadline usually ends the claim.
What compensation can families recover after a fatal car accident?
Families can seek damages tied to financial support, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. Some cases also support punitive damages when conduct is grossly negligent.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival claim?
Wrongful death covers losses suffered by surviving family members. A survival claim is brought for the estate and focuses on what the deceased could have recovered if they had lived.
Speak with a Houston Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Today
If your loved one was killed in a crash, we’re here to help your family seek justice. Contact Leatherwood Law for a free consultation. We’ll explain your legal rights and fight to recover everything your family is entitled to.
Free wrongful death consultation