Earlier this year, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported some very discouraging news. Work zone fatalities within the state increased 27 percent from 2015 to 2016. In total, 181 individuals were killed and many others were injured during 25,713 work zone crashes. Of those who were killed, 96 percent were motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
This is particularly concerning because Texas’ population continues to grow and construction is necessary. Building new and improving old infrastructure is not about to stop. At any given time, there may be more than 2,500 active work zones across the state. This means there are thousands of areas where drivers need to slow down and be even more cautious than normal. When they fail to be careful, they cause devastating injuries and fatalities.
If you lost a spouse, parent, or child in a work zone accident, contact our Texas wrongful death attorneys at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. right away. We will review your situation, explain your rights, and advise you on the best course of action. Call (281) 283-8500 to schedule a free initial consultation to see how we can help.
Common Causes of Work Zone Crashes
Work zone vehicle accidents are almost entirely preventable. The most common causes are a motorist’s responsibility, including:
- Speeding
- Improperly or unlawfully changing lanes
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Following too closely
- Driving on the shoulder
- Disobeying traffic signs
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
There are also accidents caused by the roadwork or construction itself. Uneven lanes, potholes, and debris on the ground can lead drivers to lose control and hit other motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists. When this happens and you lose a loved one, you may have to bring a claim against a construction company or municipality to recover any potential damages, instead of another driver.
Filing a Texas Wrongful Death Claim
After losing a loved one in a work zone accident, obtaining compensation is rarely you and your other relatives’ first thought. Following an unexpected death, you and your family members band together to grieve and help each other move forward with life. However, in the days or weeks following the deadly crash, you may come to fully realize the financial devastation of the accident. Bills may be piling up, yet your loved one is no longer there to provide their financial and emotional support. Because of this situation and injuries, you should look into filing a wrongful death claim.
Under Texas law, a surviving spouse, parent, or child may have the right to file a wrongful death suit when another person’s wrongful act, negligence, or deceit caused the death of their loved one. Through this type of claim, you can seek compensation for:
- Mental anguish
- Medical expenses
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost inheritance
- Lost companionship
Depending on the situation, you may also be able to ask for punitive damages. These are not intended to compensate you for your injuries, but instead, punish the wrongdoer. It is rare to receive punitive damages in Texas, yet it may be possible if the at-fault party’s actions were shocking or egregious.
Let Our Texas Wrongful Death Lawyers Help You
If you lost a loved one in any type of traffic accident, contact our experienced wrongful death attorneys at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. right away. We understand how difficult this time must be for you and your family. We want to take some of the load off of your shoulders and help you pursue the maximum compensation possible under the law. We will thoroughly investigate what happened to your loved one and do everything we can to hold the at-fault party responsible.
Contact us online or call us at (281) 283-8500 to schedule an initial consultation.