A wide-load convoy transporting a large submarine propeller was traveling on a two-lane highway. The top of a woman's car was ripped off by the oversized propeller. The woman was killed in the incident. Her children sued the companies involved in the convoy, alleging negligence in carrying the cargo. A jury found the defendants responsible for her death.
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
Parents filed a lawsuit after their daughter died in a car crash. They alleged the vehicle was defective and the manufacturer was negligent. The manufacturer argued the vehicle was not defective and they were not negligent. The court ruled in favor of the manufacturer, stating there was no defective product and no manufacturer negligence.
A jury found a trucking company and its driver mostly at fault in a wrongful death case. The accident occurred when a truck driver stopped in a traffic lane after an object damaged her truck's brake line. The deceased driver collided with the stopped truck. The jury determined the trucking company and driver were negligent, as was the deceased driver to a lesser extent.
One driver stopped a tractor-trailer on the highway just over a hill. The other driver crested the hill and struck the trailer. The collision resulted in injuries to the driver and her two sons, and tragically, the death of the younger son. The driver and the father of the deceased child sued the tractor-trailer driver and his employers, alleging negligence for stopping on the highway. The defense claimed the driver stopped due to a trailer light issue and was returning to the truck when the crash occurred.
One driver lost control of a vehicle while trying to pass another in bad weather. The vehicle flipped, and a passenger was ejected and died. The driver argued the accident was due to weather and the passenger not wearing a seatbelt. The other driver claimed the first driver was negligent in passing, controlling speed, and maintaining a lookout.
A motor vehicle accident occurred, resulting in a fatality. The case involved multiple parties and experts in fields such as accident reconstruction, pathology, and accounting. The matter was resolved through a settlement.
A flight nurse died when a helicopter crashed shortly after taking off. The helicopter company was accused of negligence. The company denied wrongdoing and disputed the injuries and damages. The parties agreed to a settlement.
One driver's daughter died in a car accident. The plaintiff hired an attorney to represent her in a wrongful death case against the truck driver and trucking company. The case settled for $250,000. The attorney did not give the plaintiff the full amount she was owed. The plaintiff sued the attorney for malpractice, fraud, and other claims. The court found the attorney deceived the plaintiff and awarded her the remaining settlement amount plus exemplary damages.
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.
A driver lost control of his vehicle after a tire separation and collided with the rear of a parked tractor trailer. The driver was killed, and passengers in his vehicle were seriously injured. The passengers and the driver's estate filed suit against the tire manufacturer, tire installer, trucking company, and trailer manufacturer. The jury found in favor of the plaintiffs.
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.