Three-vehicle crash claims woman’s life
by Benjamin Treviño | December 22nd, 2023 | Auto Accident, Fatal Crash
EDINBURG — The Edinburg Police Department is investigating a December 19 car accident that claimed one woman’s life. The accident happened at approximately 8:02 a.m. in the 4900 block of S. Business 281 near Alberta Road.
The accident reportedly involved three vehicles, but no details were provided about how the crash occurred. According to City of Edinburg Spokesperson Roxanna Lerma, one woman sustained serious injuries in the crash.
She was transported to Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, but was later pronounced dead, according to the news release. Her name was not immediately released.
As of this writing, police were still conducting an investigation.
Wrongful death claims
When a person’s death is caused by someone else’s negligence, the result is considered a wrongful death. This includes deaths that result from automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents. In Texas, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within 2 years of the decedent’s death.
Who can initiate a wrongful death claim?
According to Texas law, only close family members can bring a lawsuit. Typically, this includes surviving children (biological and adopted), a spouse, or the victim’s parents. Stepchildren who were never legally adopted, siblings, grandparents, and the victim’s fiancé are not allowed to file a claim under this statute.
Any compensation that is awarded will be divided among all eligible beneficiaries.
Who has priority?
The victim’s surviving spouse and children are generally considered to be the priority recipients. If minor children are the beneficiaries of a wrongful death judgment or settlement, a “guardian ad litem” will be appointed by a court to represent the best interests of the children.
What types of damages are available?
Damages in a Texas wrongful death can include the following:
- lost income or other financial support
- the value of lost household services the deceased would have provided
- mental pain and anguish experienced by the survivors
- lost love, companionship, comfort, and society, and
- the value of any lost savings or inheritance.
Exemplary or punitive damages might also be awarded, but only if the death resulted from a “wilful act or omission, or gross negligence.”
Put the J. Gonzalez Law Firm on your side
Wrongful death lawsuits are complex cases, involving difficult legal issues. They often require expert testimony to provide evidence concerning the values of different damages. The experienced personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm are experts in Texas law, and they know how to formulate a winning case.
The J. Gonzalez Law Firm works on a contingency basis, which means you only pay if they win the case for you. Your initial consultation is also free. Make contact today via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
