Fatalities from Car Accidents in Collin County

Unfortunately, Texas has an uncommonly higher rate of fatal traffic accidents relative to miles travelled by state residents than many other states do. According to statistics published by the Texas Department of Transportation, roadway accidents in the Lone Star State had a fatality rate of 1.29 deaths hundred million miles traveled and 3,652 total deaths, numbers that respectively ranked 16th and first among all other states.

In addition to being tragic incidents that devastate families and communities, fatalities from car accidents in Collin County can also make for complicated legal situations. If you want to pursue civil compensation after losing a family member in a serious car wreck, you should strongly consider speaking with a wrongful death attorney first so you can get a handle on your legal options.

What Kinds of Car Crashes Often Cause Fatal Injuries?

Just as there are many different situations that could cause a motor vehicle accident, there are a lot of different ways that these wrecks could have fatal consequences for one or more of the parties involved. However, there are some consistent trends to be found when tracking fatal car accidents in the area.

The aforementioned 2018 crash statistics from the Texas DoT show that a majority of all deadly car crashes in the state of Texas happened in rural areas, often on two-lane roads that resulted in two vehicles traveling in opposite directions to get into a head-on collision. Fatal accidents also often occurred more often at intersections, during holidays, and late at night, with the latter two types of incidents often involving one or more parties driving while under the influence of alcohol.

If a fatal car crash stems from someone drifting into the wrong lane, driving while drunk, or any other form of negligent behavior behind the wheel, that negligent individual may bear civil responsibility for the death they caused. Importantly, civil recovery may be possible whether a fatal accident results in criminal charges or not.

Recovering Compensation After a Loved One’s Death

Since victims of deadly vehicle wrecks in Collin County cannot file suit on their own behalf, their surviving spouse, children, parents, or their estate administrator or executor can pursue civil recovery in their stead. This unique type of personal injury case is known as a wrongful death claim, and it allows surviving family members or estate representatives to recover for damages they experienced due to their loved one’s death, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship and care, loss of financial support, and loss of inheritance.

In addition, it may be possible in some situations to file a related but separate lawsuit called a survival action to seek restitution for damages a deceased person suffered before they died, like medical expenses, lost wages, and physical pain. Finally, punitive damages may be awarded in certain situations, especially those involving drunk driving.

Talk to a Collin County Attorney About Legal Options Following Fatal Car Wrecks

If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, involving yourself in a civil dispute over that crash may be the last thing on your mind. However, pursuing civil compensation from the person responsible for your loved one’s death is not just about seeking justice for your loss, but also for ensuring your and your family’s financial security in the years to come.

Cases based on fatalities from car accidents in Collin County are generally much easier to handle legally and emotionally with guidance from an experienced and compassionate local attorney. Call today to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options.