Texas Trooper Killed in Crash While Conducting a Traffic Stop

According to Fox 7, a tragic crash involving a pickup truck resulted in the death of a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper. The 63-year-old DPS trooper was conducting a traffic stop at approximately 3 p.m. on the southbound shoulder of I-35 when a pickup truck rear-ended his patrol car.

Responders transported the man to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, where he died of injuries sustained in the impact. DPS has announced that the cause of the collision remains under investigation.

If you lost someone you love in a motor vehicle collision, a Texas accident attorney from the Cooper Law Firm can assess the circumstances of your case to determine if you have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Attorney N. Eric Cooper takes a compassionate approach to each case he handles while simultaneously taking an aggressive stance against the opposing party. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

In the state of Texas, certain individuals have the right to file a lawsuit if they lose a loved one to a preventable accident. This includes specific relatives of the deceased who incurred damages as a result of the death. For example, the parents, children, or spouse of a deceased individual may bring a claim against the party that is liable for their loved one’s death.

Although filing a lawsuit will not bring your loved one back, it will help protect your financial security so you have one less worry while you are grieving. If you file a successful claim, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses prior to your relative’s passing;
• Funeral and burial expenses;
• Lost wages and lost benefits; and
• Loss of consortium.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?

In most cases, family members have two years from the date of their loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim against the supposed liable party. If none of the eligible family members file a claim within three months of the death, though, the executor may file one on behalf of the estate

How Do You Prove Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death claims are similar to personal injury claims in that multiple elements must exist in order to prove your case and secure the compensation you deserve. In order to win a wrongful death lawsuit, for example, you must prove that:

• The defendant was either directly or indirectly responsible for your loved one’s death;
• Negligence on the part of the defendant played a role in the scenario that ultimately resulted in your loved one’s death;
• You incurred damages because of the unanticipated loss; and
• The damages are quantifiable.

If your relative died because of someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, contact the Cooper Law Firm for quality legal representation during every stage of the proceedings. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a Texas personal injury lawyer. If you want to learn more about wrongful death claims in Texas, visit the USAttorneys website.