Fort Worth, TX – The highways in Texas and other states are often the scene of fatal accidents. This is because drivers of large commercial vehicles have a very dangerous job, and they often put others at risk if they make mistakes.
Lawyers can file cases on behalf of any victims if there is evidence of negligence.
One person dies during interstate accident in Fort Worth area
On May 9th, 2023, a fatal crash occurred in the southbound express lanes of Interstate 35W in North Fort Worth, Texas, leading to the closure of the lanes near Meacham [1]. The crash occurred on a Monday afternoon and caused significant traffic delays in the area.
The accident involved multiple vehicles, including a semi-truck and several passenger cars. The collision occurred in the left express lanes, causing the closure of those lanes while emergency responders worked to clear the scene and investigate the cause of the crash. The identity of the victims involved in the accident has not yet been released.
The closure of the express lanes resulted in significant traffic backups in the area, with delays stretching for several miles. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) advised drivers to seek alternate routes or expect delays while the lanes remained closed. They also reminded drivers to exercise caution and follow all traffic laws while driving.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that it may have been caused by driver error or distracted driving. The involvement of a semi-truck in the crash raises concerns about the safety of large commercial vehicles on the highway.
This accident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the dangers of distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the United States, with over 3,000 people killed and over 400,000 injured in distracted driving accidents in 2021 alone.
In an effort to reduce the number of distracted driving accidents, many states have implemented laws banning the use of handheld devices while driving. However, these laws are not always effective at curbing distracted driving behavior, and education and awareness campaigns may be necessary to encourage safer driving practices.
Furthermore, the involvement of a semi-truck in this accident highlights the importance of safety regulations for commercial vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets safety regulations for commercial vehicles, including driver qualifications, hours of service, and maintenance requirements. These regulations are designed to keep both truck drivers and other drivers on the road safe. Fort Worth truck accident lawyers also sue drivers who violate such regulations.
However, accidents involving commercial vehicles can still occur, and it is important for trucking companies to prioritize safety and ensure that their drivers are properly trained and equipped to operate their vehicles safely.
In conclusion, the fatal crash on I-35W in North Fort Worth serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the dangers of distracted driving. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to improve safety regulations and education for both personal and commercial drivers on the road. As the investigation into this accident continues, it is important for all drivers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety on the road.
Wrongful death cases against commercial drivers in Texas
Wrongful death cases against drivers in Texas can arise when a driver’s negligence or recklessness causes a fatal accident. These cases allow the surviving family members of the deceased to seek compensation for their loss and hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions.
Under Texas law, a wrongful death claim can be brought by the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased with the help of Texas truck accident lawyers. If the deceased did not have any surviving family members in these categories, then the claim can be brought by the executor or administrator of the estate.
To establish a wrongful death claim in Texas, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant (the at-fault driver) was negligent and that this negligence caused the death of the victim. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, which leads to harm to another person.
In a wrongful death case, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed a duty of care to the victim, that the defendant breached this duty, and that this breach caused the death of the victim. For example, if the defendant was texting while driving and caused a fatal accident, the plaintiff would need to show that the defendant had a duty to drive safely, that texting while driving breached this duty, and that this breach caused the victim’s death.
If the plaintiff can establish these elements, they may be entitled to compensation for damages such as funeral expenses, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Texas law also allows for punitive damages in certain cases, which are intended to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior in the future.
However, it is important to note that Texas operates under a modified comparative fault system. This means that if the plaintiff is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their damages will be reduced proportionately to their level of fault. If the plaintiff is found to be more than 50% at fault, they will be barred from recovering any damages.
This system can be complex and may require the assistance of an experienced attorney to navigate. An attorney can help the plaintiff gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case for compensation.
It is also important to note that there is a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Texas. This means that the claim must be filed within two years of the date of the victim’s death, or it may be barred.
Overall, wrongful death cases against drivers in Texas can provide a way for surviving family members to seek justice and compensation for their loss. While these cases can be complex, an experienced attorney can help guide the plaintiff through the legal process and work to achieve a favorable outcome. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it may be worth speaking with an attorney to explore your legal options.
Advice from a local lawyer
USAttorneys.com can get people connected with local lawyers in their area. Anyone who needs a referral can call 800-672-3103
Sources:
- https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/traffic/fatal-crash-closes-i-35w-express-lanes-near-meacham/3213492/#:~:text=A%20crash%20in%20the%20southbound%20express%20lanes%20%28left%29,Interstate%2035W%20in%20North%20Fort%20Worth%20Monday%20afternoon.
