How Can Families File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Traffic Accident on Valentine’s Day Weekend?

Valentine’s Day is a time for love, celebration, and togetherness — but for some families, it can become a tragic reminder of loss. Traffic accidents on Valentine’s Day weekend can turn what should be a joyful occasion into a heartbreaking experience. When a loved one dies due to another driver’s negligence, Texas law provides a path for families to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Understanding the process can help families take the proper steps during an incredibly difficult time.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Texas

In Texas, a wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when someone dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The purpose is to provide financial compensation to surviving family members for the losses caused by the death. These may include medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Only certain individuals are legally allowed to bring a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. According to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.004, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased can file a claim. If multiple family members are eligible, they may act together or designate a representative to pursue the case on their behalf.

Steps for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

1. Seek legal counsel immediately. Working with an experienced wrongful death attorney helps families understand their rights, the strength of their case, and the potential compensation available to them. Briggle & Polan, PLLC has extensive experience guiding families through this process.
2. Gather evidence. Critical evidence includes accident reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene, medical records, and any relevant communication related to the accident. For traffic accidents on Valentine’s Day weekend, details such as road conditions, traffic patterns, and potential distractions are often crucial.
3. File the claim within the statute of limitations. In Texas, wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years from the date of the victim’s death. Missing this deadline can bar the family from seeking compensation.
4. Document damages. Families should keep detailed records of all financial losses, including medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income. Additionally, documentation of emotional impact and loss of companionship strengthens the claim.

Why Working with Briggle & Polan, PLLC Matters

Wrongful death cases are emotionally and legally complex. Our attorneys prepare each case as if it is going to trial, ensuring no detail is overlooked. We guide families through every step, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies or representing them in court. Our goal is to secure the full compensation that surviving family members are entitled to.

Austin Wrongful Death Attorneys

If your family has suffered a loss due to a traffic accident on Valentine’s Day weekend, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone.

Contact Briggle & Polan, PLLC today at (512) 400-3278 or submit our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you pursue justice for your loved one.