EVERY STORY MATTERS
Houston Fatal Truck Accident Attorneys Vow to Aggressively Pursue Compensation for Your Loss.
On behalf of my family, we are extremely grateful to The de la Garza Law Group for all their legal assistance. We highly recommend this firm. – Mariann B.
No family should ever lose a loved one in a Texas truck accident. It is unacceptable. And yet, this horrifying tragedy plays out often on Texas highways.
HERE FOR CLIENTS
We recognize that this is an exceptionally challenging time for you and your family and take every step to make the process as easy on you as possible.
Texas Wrongful Death Claims Following Fatal Truck Accidents
While nothing can bring back a loved one who was tragically killed in a truck accident, family members can and should pursue a wrongful death claim for at least two reasons:
1. The grieving family members—specifically spouses, children and parents—of the deceased have a right under Texas law to bring claims for compensation for their losses. Additionally, in situations where the death results from the willful act or omission of or from gross negligence by the trucker or trucking company, spouses and children of the deceased may obtain an additional award of money in the form of exemplary damages. The money awarded by the jury, while nothing compared to the monumental loss, can be a huge help to families that are, beyond their emotional devastation, burdened financially.
2. By holding the truck driver and trucking company accountable for their wrongdoing, we discourage truck drivers and trucking companies from engaging in practices that endanger others on the roads. In this way, we help make Texas roads and highways safer for all Texans.
The Texas Department of Transportation keeps detailed records of all fatal truck accidents. According to the most recent data, in 2019, there were 543 fatal truck accidents, resulting in 613 deaths. The counties experiencing the most fatal truck accidents in 2019 were:
Harris County – 36 fatalities
Dallas County – 28 fatalities
Travis County – 17 fatalities
Tarrant County – 17 fatalities
Fayette County – 15 fatalities
Midland County – 15 fatalities
Bexar County – 12 fatalities
Ector County – 12 fatalities
Lubbock County – 11 fatalities
Harrison County – 10 fatalities
Houston, Texas Fatal Truck Accident Lawyers
In a single moment, a truck driver’s poor choices can forever devastate a family. At The de la Garza Law Group, we are here to help.
We know that no two cases are the same. We pride ourselves in offering each client representation that is tailored to the facts and circumstance of her or his case. We are here to answer your questions and help you in any way we can.
At The de la Garza Law Group, we represent families in all types of Texas wrongful death claims. We recognize that this is an exceptionally challenging time for you and your family and take every step to make the process as easy on you as possible. We have decades of experience handling Texas truck accident claims and know what it takes to succeed.
Aggressively Representing Families of Texas Fatal Truck Accident Victims
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There was always an answer from him every time I had a question
Mario was very professional at all times. The one thing that made me at ease with him was that when I would text him, I would get a response every time within 10 minutes or less. - Robert C.
Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are responsible for safely operating their massive vehicles. Semi-trucks and other commercial trucks have large blind spots, are difficult to maneuver, and can take up to the length of three football fields to come to a complete stop. To be sure, driving a semi-truck is no easy task and requires the full attention of a highly trained driver.
While most truck drivers take their job seriously and do everything possible to remain safe while on the road, unfortunately, that is not always the case. As a result, most fatal Texas truck accidents are caused by truck driver negligence. The following are among the most common causes of Houston truck accidents:
Impaired driving
In an effort to fight off fatigue, some truck drivers rely on either illicit or over-the-counter drugs. While these substances may have the temporary effect of increasing their awareness, they also impact a driver’s judgment and reaction time.
Aggressive driving
Whether it be speeding, or quickly changing lanes, aggressive driving can cause a truck driver to lose control of their rig, potentially resulting in a chain-reaction truck accident.
Truck equipment defects
While most truck accidents involve driver negligence, some result from defective truck components. The most common defects involve a truck’s braking system and tires.
Distracted driving
Truck drivers spend countless hours on the open road. To combat the boredom that can come along with these long drives, some truck drivers watch television or use their cell phones. This removes their attention from the road, increasing the chance of a serious accident.
Drowsy or fatigued driving
Most truck drivers are paid by the mile. This incentivizes drivers to cover as much ground as possible per day. While state and federal laws mandate drivers take rest breaks, many drivers ignore these requirements, putting others on the road at risk.
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other potential causes of a Texas truck accident. Those who have lost a loved one in such an accident should reach out to a dedicated truck accident lawyer to discuss their options and learn more about the process of filing a wrongful death claim.
THE DE LA GARZA LAW GROUP CAN HELP
Mario de la Garza personally assisted in all legal matters pertaining to/and getting settlements for all medical bills and restitution for the family until the matter was concluded. - Mariann B.
Texas Wrongful Death Law
When someone is killed in a Texas truck accident, the victims’ family members—the spouse, children, and parents–can bring wrongful death claims against the responsible parties, pursuant to the Texas Wrongful Death Act, which is codified at Sections 71.001 to 77.012 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
To prevail on a wrongful death claim based on a Texas truck accident, the plaintiff must prove the following elements:
- The defendant owed a duty of care to the accident victim;
- The defendant violated that duty, either by some action or failure to act; and
- The defendant’s breach of the duty owed to the accident victim resulted in their death.
When it comes to establishing liability against a truck driver, the first and third elements do not typically present much of an issue. This is because all truck drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road, and, in the case of a fatal accident, the damages and their relationship to the event are usually reasonably apparent. These cases often come down to proving the second element, that is that the truck driver and/or their company violated their duty and that their breach of duty caused the accident.
Holding Trucking Companies Liable
Under Texas law, the trucking company can be liable in two general ways. First, the trucking company, as the truck driver’s employer, can be held vicariously liable for their employees’ negligent actions. If a plaintiff can prove that a truck driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the fatal accident, the trucking company will be liable under vicarious liability. Second, a trucking company that engaged in negligent practices that contributed to the fatal collision can also be liable for its own negligent acts or omissions. These contributing negligent acts can include, but may not be limited to, negligent hiring, training, and/or retention. Holding the trucking company liable is crucial to a family’s ability to recover, as truck drivers rarely have the means to provide families with the full amount of compensation they deserve.
A Team of Texas Personal Injury Lawyers Dedicated to Helping You Get Your Life Back on Track
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Contact The de la Garza Law Group to Speak With an Experienced Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer
Texas truck accident cases can be complex, especially when large insurance companies get involved. Those who have recently lost a loved one in a Texas truck accident should reach out to an experienced attorney for assistance with their claim.
At The de la Garza Law Group, every case is personal. While we have more than two decades of experience handling wrongful death claims, we also recognize that we cannot know what is important to you until we take the time to listen. We understand that losing a loved one in a tragic accident greatly impacts your emotional and financial wellbeing, and we vow to aggressively pursue compensation for your loss.
★★★★★
Thank you! You guys are #1 to me.
Mr. Mario de la Garza and his team are one of a kind and hands down the best law firm in Houston. They really do care about you and take your case seriously. He takes your calls and actually takes the time to talk to you and explain how everything is going to work and he leaves no questions unanswered. I also want to say his team is the best! Lidia thank you so much for always replying to all my emails, calls and messages. All though I know I was a pain at times, she was always so responsive, patient and would always return my calls when she said she would. – Christina L.
★★★★★
I was fortunate to have him on my team and recommend him highly.
Mario de la Garza is a good lawyer. He secured insurance reimbursement for a personal injury that has taken 2.5 years settle. He was compassionate and patient and provided good counsel when solutions appeared non- existent. He was tenacious with medical providers, coordinated payments on a timely basis and worked well with insurance companies. I was fortunate to have him on my team and recommend him highly. - HP
★★★★★
My experience with The de la Garza Law Group was phenomenal.
Me being a 21 year old juggling my time as a full time employee and a full time college student dealing with a car accident sounded terrifying, but with the help of Mr. Mario de la Garza all my worries went away. He made the process so easy and met every one of my expectations and more. I would highly recommend The de la Garza Law group to anybody especially young adults who are terrified of having to deal with a car accident for the first time. Trust and believe The de la Garza Law Group will not disappoint. - Stefanie G.
★★★★★
Mario fought for every single penny in my case.
I was in a 18 wheeler car accident late August 2019. And as soon I got out the hospital, I looked up a good Injury attorney law firm to help me with this case. And the De la Garza law firm was the first one to pop up. They took care of me throughout the nine months. They have a great staff. With great people. I give them 5/5 stars. Mario fought for every single penny in my case. You got to respect a lawyer that’s willing to go beyond for you. I highly recommend De la Garza’s law firm. Thank you guys. - JW
★★★★★
I would definitely use Mario again.
The one thing that made me at ease with him was that when I would text him, I would get a response every time within 10 minutes or less. There was always an answer from him every time I had a question. He was always on time or a few minutes early when we had to meet up for things pertaining to my case. He would even work & reach out to me about my case on Saturdays & Sundays (7 days a week). I would definitely use Mario again if needed and would highly recommend him to someone else needing an attorney. - Robert C.
★★★★★
We are extremely grateful to The de la Garza Law Group
Our case pertained to an auto-pedestrian collision involving a commercial vehicle that resulted in catastrophic injuries to my brother. Unfortunately, and ultimately these injuries resulted in his wrongful death due to this hit and run in the Houston area. On behalf of my family, we are extremely grateful to The de la Garza Law Group for all their legal assistance. Mario de la Garza personally assisted in all legal matters pertaining to/and getting settlements for all medical bills and restitution for the family until the matter was concluded. We highly recommend this firm.
– Mariann B.
★★★★★
His team is very professional and I would highly recommend to anyone.
My experience with Mr. De la Garza was very pleasing during a difficult time. My case was a workplace injury causing serious injuries that unfortunately lead to a wrongful death. He was very patient with all of us due to several families being involved in this case and worked well with us all. I am glad he didn’t turn down our case (like others did). I was very pleased with how everything was handled in this case and the outcome as well. His team is very professional, and I would highly recommend to anyone. Thank you, Mr. de la Garza and team. – Lisa L.
★★★★★
I fully recommend The de la Garza Law Group for any legal representation.
Attorney Mario de la Garza, who is fluent in English and Spanish, is very professional and passionate about his work. My daughter and I are very satisfied with the outcome. At The de la Garza Group you will find a friendly and communicative staff, which along with the attorney, will handle your legal case with a very positive and professional demeanor. - Desiree D.
★★★★★
Thank you for your help.
My experience with De la Garza law group was a very long pleasant experience it was a little difficult to keep up with it since this was my 1st experience with an attorney, but he did really great to keep in touch even though I have a very busy schedule with work and hard to reach and was very informative before, and during the whole process. Thank you, Mr. de la Garza for your help. – Denise G.
★★★★★
It’s like a breath of fresh air having someone like Mario fight for you.
I have been a client of Mr. De la Garza two times now where he shows professionalism and honesty and a definite care for the people he represents. I got in a car accident in February and it caused such a hardship coming close to an end. It’s like a breath of fresh air having someone like Mario not only represent you but fight for you. I hope not to have any more accidents but if I did I will look forward to working with him again! – Ashley V.
Our team of Houston wrongful death lawyers is dedicated to helping clients obtain compensation for their loss.
If you have lost a loved one in a Texas truck accident, give us a call today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation. To learn more, call 713-784-1010, or call toll-free at 844-784-1010.
We proudly represent clients throughout Texas, including all major metropolitan areas. We represent many clients throughout the greater Houston area, including Harris County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Jefferson County, Chambers County, Waller County, and Montgomery County, including The Woodlands, Pearland, Pasadena, Baytown, Clear Lake, Galveston, Conroe, and Sugar Land.