# How Often Does Someone Die in a Car Accident in Texas? | Attorney Brian White

**Table of Contents***[*Expand*]*

1. Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Houston, TX
2. Can I Prevent a Fatal Car Accident?
3. Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Accident in Houston, TX
4. What Damages Can I Recover for a Fatal Car Accident in Houston, TX?
5. Deadlines for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Car Accident in Texas
6. Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help

![How Often Does Someone Die in a Car Accident in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/How-Often-Does-Someone-Die-in-a-Car-Accident-in-Texas-300x172.jpg)

According to the [Texas Department of Transportation](https://www.txdot.gov/data-maps/crash-reports-records/motor-vehicle-crash-statistics.html), there were 4,481 traffic deaths in 2022. Based on the available data, one person died because of a reportable [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/) every 1 hour 57 minutes in 2022. By comparison, about five people died in traffic accidents in the [United States](https://www.ghsa.org/news/small-decrease-2022-traffic-deaths-sustains-pandemic-fueled-surge-roadway-fatalities-nhtsa) every hour in 2022. 

Even one death on Texas roads is a tragedy. Understanding why deadly traffic accidents happen can help you avoid being involved in a car accident. Knowing what to do after a car crash and how to protect your legal rights is also in your best interest. 

## Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Houston, TX

Negligence is one of the most common causes of [fatal car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/fatal/) in Texas. A driver is negligent when they fail to use reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle. However, other factors also contribute to the cause of fatal crashes.

Common examples of factors that can lead to a deadly car accident include:

- [Distracted driving](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/distracted-driving/)
- [Speeding](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/speeding/)
- Aggressive and reckless driving
- Texting while driving
- [Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/dui/)
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Hazardous road conditions
- Defective or unsafe vehicles
- Failure to follow Texas traffic laws

There could be other reasons why a fatal car accident occurs. When someone dies in a car accident, the drivers must immediately report the accident to the police and wait for the officers to arrive at the accident scene. 

For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000)

## Can I Prevent a Fatal Car Accident?

You cannot control what other drivers on the road do, but you can control your behavior behind the wheel of a car. Things that you can do to avoid a car accident include:

- Set vehicle controls and GPS before you leave, and do not reset them while driving. Instead, pull over to a safe location to make changes
- Never drive after consuming alcohol. Instead, call a rideshare company for a ride home
- Get plenty of rest and allow someone else to drive if you are tired
- Keep your eyes on the road and watch for others who might not be following traffic laws
- Watch out for dangerous situations and try to avoid them
- Follow the speed limit and Texas traffic laws

Unfortunately, these suggestions cannot prevent all traffic accidents. If you are involved in a traffic accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages. You can talk with a Houston car accident lawyer about filing a claim against the driver who caused the accident. 

## Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Accident in Houston, TX

If your family member died in a fatal car accident in Houston, an attorney can help you explore legal options for filing a [wrongful death claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/). A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for damages caused by the untimely death of a family member.

Under Texas wrongful death laws, the deceased person’s parents, spouse, or children can file a wrongful death lawsuit. If they do not file a lawsuit within three months after the death or there is no one to file a lawsuit, the person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. 

[Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today

## What Damages Can I Recover for a Fatal Car Accident in Houston, TX?

The damages you can recover for a wrongful death claim are more limited than the [damages for a case](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/). Typically, family members can seek compensation for:

- Reasonable and necessary costs of a funeral and burial
- Loss of inheritance, consortium, and financial support
- The loss of the value of goods or services
- Mental anguish and distress
- The loss of support, guidance, companionship, and love
- Medical bills incurred between the injury and the date of death

A jury might award [punitive damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-punitive-damages/) if the at-fault party’s conduct meets the statutory requirement for punitive damages. An attorney can tell you how much your claim is worth during a free consultation.

Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now

## Deadlines for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Car Accident in Texas

You only have a certain amount of time to file a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal car accident. The Texas [statute of limitations](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-the-statute-of-limitations-and-your-personal-injury-case/) for wrongful death claims is two years after the death. If you do not file a lawsuit before this time, you lose the right to pursue a claim in court against the person who caused your loved one’s death.

There could be exceptions to the rule. It is best to speak with a Houston wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. You do not want to allow the person responsible for taking your loved one’s life to avoid legal [liability](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/whats-liability/) for their actions. 

## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help

For more information,[contact](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/contact-us/) the[Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000).

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Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-often-does-someone-die-in-a-car-accident-in-texas/