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Keith Lapeze • August 31, 2018

One Individual Loses Their Life in a Fatal Highway Car Collision

On Wednesday, August 29, at 8:15 a.m., a fatal car crash led to one individual passing away. The accident occurred on the East Loop freeway between the McCarty and Mercury exits.

Details About the Accident

A black Jeep collided into the backside of a Mazda sedan. The size and impact of the Jeep totaled the smaller car. No information has been released regarding which party lost their life in the fatal highway accident.

The crash resulted in lane closures along the Eastbound side of I-10. It even resulted in the right lane closure of the opposite side of the freeway near the Mercury exit. Given that it was rush hour, the crash caused significant delays and traffic along the busy freeway.

Leading Causes of Fatal Accidents

There are a variety of reasons that car accidents occur, and unfortunately, many of them are preventable and caused by human error. Each year, there are approximately 37,000 deaths on U.S. roads due to automobile collisions.

Some of the prevalent causes of these accidents include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driver fatigue
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Weather conditions
  • Street defects
  • Car defects

Fatal Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims

Losing a loved one in a fatal car crash can cause a lot of emotional and mental distress for family members. On top of this, property damages and medical expenses can become costly. Family members may also suffer financial crisis if they were dependent upon the decedent for financial support.

Family members may be left with a series of questions. How could this happen so suddenly? What caused the car accident to be fatal? If the authorities find evidence proving the cause of the collision was due to negligence, family members or beneficiaries can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the decedent.

Aggrieved individuals, or victims directly affected by the loss of their loved one, can seek these damages for compensation including:

  • Non-economic Damages: Includes damages from pain and suffering, mental anguish, grief, loss of companionship, and other emotional obstacles that result from the loss of the decedent.
  • Pecuniary Damages: These include real-world damages such as funeral expenses, present, and future medical care costs, or the loss of financial support resulting from the crash.

Making a Wrongful Death Claim

Acquiring compensation from a wrongful death claim is more taxing than a personal injury claim. You will need proof of fault, evidence of your relationship to the decedent, and support from a wrongful death attorney to have a valid claim.

Each state has different negligent rules by which the negligent party may raise a defense in the opinion that the decedent had partial or total fault in causing their death.

These claims, which may be false, are an opportunity for insurance companies to avoid compensating victims. The negligence rules can significantly diminish the amount of damages a family member or beneficiary hopes to recover from their loss.

Contributory Negligence

Some states implement this rule that allows the negligent party to bring about an affirmative defense in the case that the decedent contributed to their death in any way.

Comparative Negligence

Some states will reduce the financial award by a certain amount that corresponds to the percent of fault that the decedent had in their death.

After dealing with the traumatic experience of losing a loved one, you deserve to have justice. Hire a wrongful death attorney to secure your claim.

The wrongful death attorneys at Lapeze & Johns have the experience necessary to support your claim and guide you through the process of seeking evidence and proof of your loss.

The loss of a family member in a car crash can be emotionally and financially devastating. The Houston car accident lawyers at Lapeze & Johns want to help you recover from the heartbreaking experience that is losing a loved one in a car accident.

We’ll do everything we can to earn your trust.

Truck Accidents and Your Insurance Rates

By Keith Lapeze • March 1, 2022
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1 Dead After a Fiery Single-Vehicle Accident

By Christopher Johns • February 24, 2022
One driver is dead after their car caught fire in a single-vehicle accident in Dallas, TX. The crash occurred around 2:21 a.m. on Thursday, February 24, on the 11880 North Central Expressway. The Fiery Accident On Thursday, February 24, around 2:21 a.m. a driver was on the northbound side of the 11880 North Central Expressway […] The post 1 Dead After a Fiery Single-Vehicle Accident first appeared on Lapeze & Johns.

How Common are Industrial Accidents in Texas?

By Keith Lapeze • February 24, 2022
Industrial accidents can affect not only the employees working at a plant, but also the residents in the surrounding areas. These accidents can cause burns, lung damage, and brain injuries to anyone who comes into contact. In Texas where chemical plants are common, these accidents are particularly frequent. Learn more about exactly how common and […] The post How Common are Industrial Accidents in Texas? first appeared on Lapeze & Johns.
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