Wrongful Death After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Texas

Protect your family’s rights after a loss due to negligence

Losing a loved one in a commercial vehicle accident is one of the most devastating experiences someone can face. These crashes often happen suddenly and leave families not only grieving but also searching for answers. Questions about what went wrong, who may be responsible, and what steps come next can feel overwhelming, especially while coping with loss.

During this incredibly painful time, having the right legal support matters. At Coby L. Wooten Attorney at Law, P.C., we understand that families dealing with a wrongful death need more than just legal answers – they need patience, clarity, and someone they can trust. We work to protect your rights, pursue accountability, and provide steady support during a time when you need it the most.

What is considered a commercial vehicle?

A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used primarily for business purposes. These vehicles are often much larger and heavier than passenger cars, which increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries when a crash occurs. Common commercial vehicles include:

• Tractor-trailers and semi-trucks
• Delivery trucks and box trucks
• Construction vehicles
• Garbage trucks
• Buses, company-owned vans, or fleet vehicles
• Utility and service trucks

Since these vehicles are used for business, they must follow strict state and federal safety rules. When those rules aren’t followed, the risk of a fatal crash increases.

Why commercial vehicle accidents are more likely to be fatal

Commercial vehicle accidents tend to cause more serious harm than standard car crashes. The size and weight of these vehicles mean they carry far more force on impact. When a passenger car is struck by a commercial truck, occupants have far less protection. Several factors contribute to the severity of these crashes, such as:

• Mass and momentum: Large trucks require longer distances to stop and generate more force in a collision.
• Height differences: Underride or override crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries.
• Blind spots: Commercial vehicles have significant blind zones that increase the risk of unseen vehicles.
• Long hours on the road: Driver fatigue can slow reaction times and impair judgment.

When something goes wrong, the results are often fatal, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles.

Common causes of fatal commercial vehicle accidents

Wrongful death claims often arise when preventable errors or negligence play a role in a crash. While every case is different, certain factors commonly lead to fatal commercial accidents, including:

• Driver fatigue: Commercial drivers often work long hours and face tight delivery deadlines. When drivers are exhausted, reaction times slow, judgment suffers, and the risk of a deadly mistake increases, especially on highways and rural Texas roads.
• Speeding and aggressive driving: Large commercial vehicles require much more time and distance to stop. When drivers speed, follow too closely, or make sudden lane changes, they may be unable to avoid a collision, leading to devastating consequences.
• Distracted driving: Cell phones, GPS systems, and dispatch communications can all take a driver’s attention off the road. Even a brief distraction can be fatal when a heavy commercial vehicle is involved.
• Improper training or inexperienced drivers: Operating a commercial vehicle requires specialized training. When drivers are improperly trained or pushed onto the road before they are ready, they may not know how to handle emergencies, heavy loads, or traffic situations.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering issues, and lighting problems can all stem from neglected maintenance. When trucking companies fail to inspect and maintain their vehicles, mechanical failures can cause sudden and deadly crashes.
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo: Cargo that is overloaded or not properly secured can shift during transit, making a vehicle unstable or causing it to jackknife or roll over. Falling cargo can also strike other vehicles, creating catastrophic accidents.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol, drugs, and certain prescription medications can impair a commercial driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Even small levels of impairment can be deadly, given the size and weight of commercial trucks.

Who may be liable in a Texas wrongful death case?

One of the most important aspects of a wrongful death claim is identifying all potentially responsible parties. In commercial vehicle cases, liability often extends beyond the driver. Possible liable parties may include:

• The commercial driver
• The trucking or transportation company
• Maintenance or repair contractors
• Cargo loaders or shipping companies
• Manufacturers of defective vehicle parts

Texas law allows families to pursue claims against any party whose negligence contributed to the fatal accident. That said, not everyone affected by the loss has the legal right to file a claim.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Texas?

Texas law limits who may file a wrongful death lawsuit. Eligible parties generally include:

• The surviving spouse
• Children of the deceased
• Parents of the deceased

If none of these individuals file a claim within a certain period, the personal representative of the estate may be able to pursue the case on behalf of the estate.

What damages are available for a wrongful death claim?

A wrongful death claim is intended to help families cope with the financial and personal losses that follow a fatal commercial vehicle accident. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, compensation can provide stability and accountability during an incredibly difficult time. Wrongful death claims may seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering

You and your family deserve compensation for both current and future losses. To help secure the maximum amount, it’s important to support your claim with key evidence.

The importance of evidence in commercial vehicle wrongful death claims

Evidence plays a large role in proving what happened and who is responsible. In commercial vehicle cases, evidence can be extensive and time-sensitive. Key types of evidence may include:

• Police and crash reports
• Witness statements
• Vehicle damage and accident scene photos
• Black box (event data recorder) information
• Driver logbooks and electronic logging device (ELD) data
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Company safety policies and training records
• Toxicology reports, when applicable

Trucking companies often move quickly to protect themselves after a fatal crash. Preserving evidence early can make a difference in the outcome of a wrongful death claim.

Truck accident lawyers guiding families through difficult times

The aftermath of a fatal commercial vehicle accident can feel overwhelming. Families are left grieving while also facing insurance companies, legal deadlines, and countless questions. At Coby L. Wooten Attorney at Law, P.C., we focus on supporting families through one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Wrongful death cases aren’t just about legal claims – they’re about people, loss, and accountability. With extensive experience handling serious truck accident cases in Fort Worth and across Texas, we carefully investigate crashes, identify responsible parties, preserve crucial evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies, all while pursuing justice with care and respect.

You deserve honest answers and guidance from someone who truly listens. If you’ve lost a loved one in a commercial vehicle accident, you don’t have to face this process alone. Contact us today to get started. Let us protect your family’s rights and take the next steps forward with compassion and support.

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