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Wrongful Death Cases in Dallas–Fort Worth

Wrongful Death cases from motor vehicle accidents can vary significantly in severity and outcome. These cases involve injuries that may require medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can impact quality of life. Settlement values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, recovery time, and long-term effects on the victim's daily activities and ability to work.

Last updated: November 2025

High-Level Statistics

$5,000,000
Median award/settlement
$1,800,000 - $15,000,000
Typical range (25th-75th percentile)
Truck/Commercial
Most common accident type
36+
Cases analyzed
Wrongful Death
Multi-vehicle
$2,150,000
Verdict-Plaintiff
Wrongful DeathMulti-vehicleMotor Vehicle Negligence

A passenger died in a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 183 in Austin. The collision involved two vehicles, one of which was towing a trailer. The impact pushed one vehicle into oncoming traffic, where it was struck by another vehicle. The family of the deceased passenger sued the drivers and their employers, alleging negligence in operation, speed, lookout, and distraction. The defendants argued that while one driver was following too closely, other factors like cell phone use and equipment towing did not contribute to the crash. The jury found one driver and his employer primarily at fault.

Dallas County • 2016

A motor vehicle accident (MVA) refers to any collision or incident involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or other vehicles that results in property damage, injury, or death. In Texas, MVA cases typically involve one or more drivers, passengers, or pedestrians seeking compensation for damages resulting from another party's negligence.

Common injuries

Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor soft tissue damage to catastrophic, life-altering conditions. Common injuries include whiplash and neck injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), broken bones and fractures, internal organ damage, burns, lacerations, and psychological trauma such as PTSD.

Liability overview

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for an accident, you cannot recover damages. Liability is determined by factors such as driver behavior (speeding, distracted driving, DUI), road conditions, vehicle defects, and witness testimony. In MVA cases, establishing clear liability is critical to achieving a favorable outcome.

Factors influencing case value

Several factors influence the value of an MVA case. Injury severity is paramount—more serious injuries result in higher awards. Medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and the defendant's insurance policy limits all play a role. Additionally, the quality of legal representation, availability of evidence, and jurisdiction can significantly impact outcomes.

Timelines

Most MVA cases in the Dallas-Fort Worth area take 12-36 months to resolve, depending on complexity. Pre-litigation settlements may occur within months if liability is clear and the insurance company makes a reasonable offer. Cases that proceed to litigation typically take 18-24 months, while those that go to trial can extend to 24-36 months or longer. In Texas, the statute of limitations for MVA personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about motor vehicle accident cases in Dallas-Fort Worth

Important: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Case outcomes vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Past results are not guarantees of future outcomes. Always consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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