SERIOUS ATTORNEYS FOR SERIOUS INJURIES
Practice Areas
Chandler Ross is the best hands down! You can not go wrong with these attorneys!
— Tracy P.
Losing someone in a car accident is one of the most painful experiences a family can go through. One moment, life is normal. The next, everything changes. If your loved one died in a crash on I-35, Loop 288, University Drive, or anywhere else in Denton, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Texas law. The personal injury lawyers at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys in Denton, Texas are here to help your family understand your rights and take action.
Table of Contents
- Fatal Car Accidents in Denton and Across Texas
- Texas Wrongful Death Law: What Families Need to Know
- Who Is Liable in a Fatal Denton Car Accident?
- What Damages Can a Family Recover After a Fatal Crash?
- The Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas
- How Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys Handles Fatal Crash Cases in Denton
- FAQs About Fatal Car Accident Lawyers in Denton
Fatal Car Accidents in Denton and Across Texas
Texas roads are among the most dangerous in the country, and Denton County is no exception. Texas crash data shows 4,150 deaths and over 251,000 injuries in 2024, with a reportable crash occurring every 57 seconds. That number represents real families, real grief, and real financial loss. Denton sits at the crossroads of I-35E and I-35W, two of the busiest and most hazardous corridors in North Texas. Heavy traffic from University of North Texas students, commuters heading to Dallas and Fort Worth, and commercial trucks sharing Loop 288 all contribute to serious crash risk in and around the city.
In 2024, 1,053 people were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, accounting for 25.37% of all traffic deaths in Texas. Speeding and distracted driving added to that toll. Crashes at or near intersections claimed 1,050 lives in 2024, and head-on collisions resulted in 617 fatalities. Many of these deadly crashes happen at the kinds of busy intersections Denton residents use every day, including spots along Carroll Boulevard, Teasley Lane, and the US-380 corridor near the courthouse square.
A particularly sobering fact from TxDOT’s 2024 data is that not a single day went by in Texas without a traffic accident fatality. When a fatal crash happens close to home, the impact on a family is immediate and lasting. Medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering pile on top of grief. A fatal car accident lawyer in Denton can help your family pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. Call Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500 for a free consultation.
Texas Wrongful Death Law: What Families Need to Know
Texas law gives surviving family members the right to file a civil claim when a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence. The Texas Wrongful Death Act has been codified as Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, and it provides the exclusive remedy for wrongful death in Texas, compensating the decedent’s spouse, parents, and children for losses sustained as a result of the death. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 71.002, a person is liable for damages arising from a death if the injury was caused by that person’s wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default. That covers a wide range of conduct, from drunk driving and speeding to reckless lane changes and distracted driving.
Under Texas CPRC Section 71.004, an action to recover wrongful death damages is for the exclusive benefit of the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. Siblings, cousins, and other relatives generally do not have standing to bring a wrongful death claim in Texas. Natural or adoptive parents are entitled to recover for the wrongful deaths of their children, but stepparents may not recover for the wrongful death of a stepchild absent legal adoption. These distinctions matter, and getting them wrong can affect your ability to recover.
Texas also recognizes a separate survival action under CPRC Section 71.021. The survival statute allows recovery for personal injuries held by the victim at the time of death to be enforced by heirs or personal representatives of the estate. Generally, the only cause of action that survives is one for the recovery of damages for personal injuries sustained by the deceased prior to death. In practical terms, this means the estate can recover for the pain and suffering your loved one experienced before they died, as well as medical costs incurred between the crash and death. Both a wrongful death claim and a survival action can often be pursued at the same time, which is why working with an experienced car accident lawyer is so important from the start.
Who Is Liable in a Fatal Denton Car Accident?
Liability in a fatal crash is not always limited to the driver who caused the collision. Texas law allows families to pursue claims against multiple parties, depending on the facts of the case. A drunk driver who ran a red light near the Denton County Courthouse may be personally liable. But if that driver was operating a company vehicle, their employer could share responsibility under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. If a defective brake system or tire failure contributed to the crash, the vehicle manufacturer could face product liability claims.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001. This means that even if your loved one was partly at fault, your family can still recover as long as the other party was more than 50% responsible. Your recovery would be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to your loved one. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the deceased to reduce or eliminate their payout. Having a car accident lawyer on your side means someone is fighting back against those tactics.
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 601.291, any driver involved in a collision resulting in bodily injury or death must provide evidence of financial responsibility to the investigating officer. When a driver fails to carry proper insurance, your family may need to pursue an uninsured motorist claim or look to other sources of recovery. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys will investigate every angle of your case, from the CR-3 crash report filed by the responding officer to witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction evidence. No stone gets left unturned.
What Damages Can a Family Recover After a Fatal Crash?
Texas law allows surviving family members to pursue both economic and non-economic damages in a wrongful death case. Economic damages include the deceased’s lost earning capacity, the financial support they would have provided over their lifetime, medical expenses incurred before death, and funeral and burial costs. If your spouse earned a salary, your children relied on that income, or your parent contributed to household expenses near the UNT campus or the Denton suburbs, those losses are quantifiable and recoverable.
Non-economic damages cover the losses that are harder to put a number on but are just as real. These include loss of companionship, loss of parental guidance, mental anguish, and grief. Texas courts recognize that losing a parent, spouse, or child causes profound emotional harm that goes far beyond financial loss. In cases involving particularly reckless conduct, such as a drunk driver or a road rage incident on I-35, the court may also award exemplary (punitive) damages under CPRC Section 41.003 if the defendant’s conduct is proven to be grossly negligent or malicious by clear and convincing evidence.
Every case is different. Past results in other cases do not guarantee the same outcome in yours, since the facts, liability, and available insurance coverage vary from case to case. What we can tell you is that Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys will work to build the strongest possible case for your family. Call us at (940) 800-2500 to talk through what happened and find out what your family’s claim may be worth. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
The Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas
Time is one of the most critical factors in a wrongful death case. Under Texas law, the wrongful death statute of limitations is two years from the date of death, the same as the personal injury statute of limitations. That means surviving family members have only two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for the loss of a loved one. Miss that deadline, and the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, no matter how strong the evidence is. The clock starts running from the date of your loved one’s passing, not the date of the accident.
Although the filing deadline is strictly two years, some circumstances can lead to an extension, a process often called tolling the statute of limitations. One exception applies to minor children: the statute of limitations does not begin until the child turns 18, though a guardian or surviving parent can still pursue the claim on the child’s behalf. Other exceptions may apply in limited circumstances, but you should never count on an exception to save your case. Acting quickly protects your rights.
Beyond the legal deadline, there are practical reasons to move fast. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. Surveillance footage from intersections near the Denton Civic Center or along US-380 gets overwritten. The CR-3 crash report filed under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.065 is a foundational piece of evidence, and your attorney needs time to review it, identify errors, and gather supporting documentation. The sooner you contact a car accident attorney, the better your family’s position will be. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys can begin working on your case right away, so call (940) 800-2500 today.
How Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys Handles Fatal Crash Cases in Denton
Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys is a personal injury law firm based in Denton, Texas. We represent families throughout Denton County who have lost loved ones in fatal car accidents. Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in Texas and handle cases across the North Texas region. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for your family.
When you call us after a fatal crash, we start by listening. We want to understand what happened, who was involved, and what your family has been through. From there, we gather the evidence needed to build your case. That includes the official TxDOT CR-3 crash report, which is available under Texas Transportation Code Section 550.065 to persons with a direct interest in the accident, such as family members of a deceased victim. We also obtain police reports from the Denton Police Department, review medical records, consult accident reconstruction professionals when needed, and analyze insurance coverage across all potentially liable parties.
We handle communication with insurance adjusters so your family does not have to. Insurance companies often use delay tactics, dispute liability, or make lowball offers in the weeks after a fatal crash. We know how those tactics work, and we push back. Whether your case resolves through a negotiated settlement or goes to trial at the Denton County courthouse, we are prepared to fight for your family every step of the way. Families across Denton, Corinth, Argyle, Flower Mound, and the surrounding communities have trusted us to handle their most difficult cases. If your family needs a car accident lawyer who will treat you with respect and fight hard for results, contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500.
FAQs About Fatal Car Accident Lawyers in Denton
Who can file a wrongful death claim after a fatal car accident in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 71.004, only the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Siblings and other relatives generally do not qualify. If none of those family members file within three months of the death, the executor or administrator of the estate may file on behalf of the beneficiaries, unless the family members object. If you are unsure whether you qualify, call Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500 for a free consultation.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law gives surviving family members two years from the date of the deceased’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This deadline comes from the Texas statute of limitations under the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Missing this deadline will almost certainly result in your case being dismissed. Limited exceptions exist, such as for minor children, but you should never rely on an exception. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident to protect your family’s rights.
What damages can my family recover in a fatal car accident case?
Your family may be able to recover economic damages such as lost earning capacity, lost financial support, medical expenses incurred before death, and funeral costs. You may also recover non-economic damages including loss of companionship, mental anguish, and grief. In cases involving grossly negligent conduct, such as a drunk driver or a reckless driver, exemplary damages may also be available under Texas CPRC Section 41.003. The value of your case depends on the specific facts, available insurance, and the strength of the evidence. Past results in other cases do not guarantee a similar outcome in yours.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action in Texas?
A wrongful death claim is brought by surviving family members (spouse, children, or parents) for their own losses, such as grief, lost support, and loss of companionship. A survival action, governed by Texas CPRC Section 71.021, is brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate and covers the damages the deceased personally suffered before death, such as pain and suffering and medical bills incurred between the crash and the time of death. Both claims can often be pursued at the same time, and a Denton fatal car accident lawyer can help your family pursue both if the facts support it.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company has already offered a settlement?
Yes. Insurance companies make early settlement offers to close cases quickly and cheaply, often before your family fully understands the scope of your losses. A settlement offer made in the days or weeks after a fatal crash rarely reflects the full value of your wrongful death claim. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you generally cannot go back and ask for more money. Before signing anything, call Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500. We will review the offer at no cost and let you know whether it fairly compensates your family.
Content prepared by Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, principal office located in Denton, Texas. Attorney responsible for this content: Chandler Ross. All attorneys at this firm are licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. Past results described on this site do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter, as results depend on the unique facts and law applicable to each case.
