Houston Fatal Car Accident Lawyer

Houston Fatal Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents can be terrifying. The worst of them can sometimes end in death. Dealing with legal action after losing a loved one in a car accident can be overwhelming and difficult, especially if you are trying to handle this legal situation on your own without the help of an experienced Houston fatal car accident lawyer. Having someone in your corner who understands what’s at stake and can help you through his tough time can make all the difference.

The Devastation of a Fatal Car Accident

Every car accident has the potential to cause you severe trauma, as they are frightening situations that often come out of nowhere and result in painful injuries. When a car accident is so bad that somebody loses their life, it is a considerably worse situation that nobody ever wants to find themselves in. An experienced Houston car accident lawyer can help you work through the aftermath of such a situation.

An experienced fatal car accident lawyer can make sure you are properly compensated for funeral costs, emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of future income, and all other damages you have suffered as a result of the accident.

Statute of Limitations

If you decide to pursue legal action against the individual who caused the fatal accident, it is vital to your case that you pay attention to your state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including wrongful death claims that arise from a fatal car accident. The state of Texas generally gives you two years from the date of the initial accident to establish grounds, develop a case, gather evidence, speak with an injury lawyer, and file a claim.

If you cannot bring your claim to court before two years have passed, there is a likely chance that your case will be dismissed, your claim will be thrown out, and your chance to seek compensatory damages will pass by with no legal action taken. Building a strong fatal accident case can take some time, so you should get started as soon as you can. If you are concerned that your case isn’t strong enough, bring your concerns to an accident lawyer who can assess it.

What to Do After a Fatal Car Accident?

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, learning that someone in your car has been killed can be one of the most painful moments of your life. Even though it is a very traumatic moment, you should still take the proper steps to protect yourself and any claim you plan to make in the future.

Here are some important things you can do to preserve your claim:

• Hold Yourself Together: It can be almost impossible to keep yourself composed after a car accident, and that’s even more true after a fatal one. You may be feeling a very painful mixture of emotions, including confusion, rage, and despair. You need to try your hardest to hold yourself together and assess your situation. It will be difficult, but it’s absolutely necessary.
• Stay at the Scene: As much as you may want to flee the scene of such a bad accident, that’s the worst thing you could do. Texas state law prohibits fleeing the scene of any accident that involves injury, death, or rampant property damage. If you are caught, you could face significant legal penalties. Stay at the scene and report the accident to the proper authorities.
• Check Yourself for Injuries: It is understandable to be concerned and terrified at the thought of someone being fatally injured at the scene, but you still need to prioritize your own physical health above all. Check yourself for any injuries you may have sustained in the accident, and do the same for anyone else in the car. Look for blood, red spots, bruising, protrusions, and anything that might be broken.
• Call 911: You need to call the police as soon as possible. Get law enforcement to the scene so they can block it off from the public and take control of the situation. Get EMTs so they can check everyone else for injuries.
• See a Lawyer: When you have documented the accident scene, have seen a doctor, and put together a case, you should reach out to a fatal car accident lawyer who can help you build a strong wrongful death claim.

Houston Fatal Car Accident FAQs

Q: What Should I Do After a Fatal Car Accident?

A: If you are involved in a car accident that results in someone’s death, you need to report the accident as soon as you can. Throughout the aftermath, it is important that you stay calm and do everything the right way. This includes reporting the accident, exchanging contact information, and not reacting emotionally, which can be very difficult.

Q: Will I Need to Interact With the Insurance Company?

A: While you should reach out to your own insurance company to let them know what has happened, you don’t ever have to interact with the other driver’s insurance company. If they try to reach out to you personally and convince you to take a settlement, you can either ignore their attempts and tell your lawyer, or you can simply tell them to only contact your lawyer directly.

Q: How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take to Finalize in Houston?

A: In Houston, a car accident claim takes as long as it needs to be fully finalized. Reaching a settlement can be a difficult process, especially if the car accident case is particularly complex. If the accident resulted in someone’s death, it would be more complex. Every case is different, so there is no easy way to tell how long yours may take.

Q: Can You Go to Jail for a Fatal Car Accident in Houston?

A: Yes, you can go to jail for a fatal car accident in Houston, depending on the situation. If the accident was caused by someone’s reckless or negligent driving, they may be charged with vehicular manslaughter and could serve significant prison time. While not every fatal accident will lead to jail time, the details of the case will determine if jail time is justified or necessary.

Contact Us

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we can help you determine your next steps following a fatal car accident. Reach out to us to speak with a valued team member about your case.