No lawsuit can ever replace the loved one you lost in a fatal truck accident. But holding the trucking company and driver accountable through a wrongful death claim is the only way to seek justice, secure your family’s future, and ensure they can never endanger another life again.
The truth is that trucking companies have never been more reckless. Faced with a worsening driver shortage, they are putting more inexperienced, unqualified drivers on the road—prioritizing profits over safety while deadly crashes continue to rise nationwide. Nowhere is this crisis worse than in Texas, which leads the nation in fatal truck crashes. In 2023 alone, Texas saw 691 fatal truck accidents, claiming at least 702 lives—nearly twice as many as any other state.
When your future is on the line, you can’t afford to trust the trucking companies that put profits first. At Zehl & Associates, our Texas Truck Accident Wrongful Death Lawyers have the experience, resources, and record-setting results to take on the largest trucking corporations in the world and not only win but set records. From day one, we fight to secure the maximum compensation your family deserves and ensure the trucking company is held fully accountable.
Read on to learn how our Undefeated Texas truck accident lawyers do whatever it takes to seek justice on your behalf. We never back down—because no family should ever have to go through this again.
Billions Won: How Zehl & Associates Secures the Largest Truck Accident Wrongful Death Recoveries
When families come to us after devastating truck crashes in Houston and Texas, they aren’t just looking for legal representation—they need someone who will stand by them, fight for them, and help them rebuild their future.
At Zehl & Associates, we know that losing a loved one in a truck crash is an unimaginable tragedy. Our firm is built on more than just record-breaking results—it’s built on an unwavering commitment to the people we represent. From the moment you call, we treat you like family, guiding you through every step of this overwhelming and painful process with care, compassion, and relentless advocacy
Our Commitment to Every Family We Represent:
Every wrongful death case is unique, but our goals are always the same:
- Hold the negligent and reckless parties fully accountable
- Provide our clients and their families with the financial resources to care and provide for themselves for the rest of their lives
- Prevent the dangerous conduct from occurring again in the future
- Never settle for less than the maximum compensation possible
As a result, we repeatedly set records for our clients.
Record-Setting Recoveries for Families Who Lost Loved Ones in Texas Truck Accidents:
- $35M Settlement on behalf of a family who lost their loved one in a Fort Worth truck crash (2025) — the #1 largest single-plaintiff personal injury settlement in Fort Worth history and the #1 largest settlement in the corporate history of Ben E. Keith.
- $37.5M Verdict on behalf of a Dallas family who lost their loved one in a catastrophic 18-wheeler truck accident on I-635 West (2024) — the #1 largest verdict in the corporate history of Oncor Electrical Company.
- $23.5M Settlement on behalf of a client who was seriously injured and whose wife was tragically killed after being hit head-on by a commercial truck — the #1 largest accident settlement in Texas and the largest in the defendant’s 66-year corporate history.
- $20M Settlement on behalf of the wife of a 64-year-old man tragically killed in a head-on with an 18-wheeler in north Houston
We fight for grieving families because they deserve more than justice—they deserve the financial security to move forward, the accountability that prevents other families from suffering the same tragedy, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they have a team that truly cares.
But don’t just take our word for it —hear from our clients firsthand about how we helped them rebuild their lives and why so many say: “Zehl treats you like family.”
What Is Wrongful Death in a Truck Accident?
A wrongful death truck accident lawsuit in Texas is a legal action filed by the surviving family members or representatives of someone who has died due to a truck accident caused by another party’s careless actions or reckless conduct.
Texas law defines wrongful death as a “wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default” that leads to the death of a person (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 71.002).
These lawsuits allow surviving family members to seek full compensation for the emotional, financial, and other losses caused by the death of a loved one.
But filing a wrongful death lawsuit is about more than just financial recovery—it’s about justice. Holding negligent trucking companies and drivers fully accountable is the only way to prevent future tragedies and ensure no other family suffers the same preventable loss.
Who May File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under Texas law, only certain family members have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim, including:
- The surviving spouse
- Children (biological or legally adopted)
- Parents (if there is no surviving spouse or child)
If none of these individuals file a claim within three months of the victim’s death, the executor or personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file on behalf of the family—unless the family specifically requests otherwise.
If your loved one did not create an estate before they died, which is required to pursue and recover survival or “pre-death” damages, our team of probate lawyers can create the estate and, if you agree, seek to have you appointed as the “administrator” of the estate.
What Damages Can I Recover Through a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Losing a loved one in a truck accident is devastating—not just emotionally but financially. If they were your family’s primary provider, you may suddenly face an uncertain future, struggling with bills for housing, tuition, medical expenses, and more.
A monetary recovery may seem inconsequential, but it is often the only way to ensure you can move forward financially in your loved one’s absence.
In a Texas wrongful death lawsuit, families may seek several types of damages to compensate for their losses, including economic, non-economic, and, in some instances, punitive damages.
Common Wrongful Death Damages
- Loss of companionship and mental anguish suffered by surviving family members
- Lost income and financial support the deceased would have provided
- Medical expenses related to the deceased’s injuries before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence or recklessness)
As part of our meticulous approach to calculating damages, our attorneys take the time to get to know your family and carefully evaluate numerous elements that factor into your available damages, including the age and relationship of the deceased to your family, as well as the circumstances surrounding the accident. As a result, we are able to ensure that every aspect of your family’s loss is taken into account, securing the justice and financial support you deserve
While most lawyers have and will never recover punitive damages, our wrongful death lawyers have consistently recovered them in every major case we’ve tried.
Survival Damages
In addition to wrongful death damages, Texas law allows survival claims, which compensate for the pain and suffering your loved one experienced between the time of the accident and their passing. These damages may include:
- The deceased’s medical expenses from the time of injury until death
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased before passing
- Lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned before their death
- Property damage related to the accident
When there is evidence that your loved one suffered and experienced pain before they passed away, our lawyers will always file a wrongful death AND survival claim to ensure that the surviving family members receive the absolute maximum compensation available for their losses and the decedent’s pre-death suffering.
Who Can I Hold Responsible?
To win a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that another party’s negligence caused the fatal crash. In truck accidents, multiple parties may be responsible, including:
- The Truck Driver if they were fatigued, impaired, distracted, or otherwise reckless behind the wheel
- The Trucking Company if ignored safety regulations, pressured drivers to exceed legal driving limits, or failed to properly train and screen employees
- The Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider if a mechanical failure, defective part, or improper maintenance contributed to the crash
- A Third-Party Contractor or Cargo Loader if improper loading, unsecured cargo, or another party’s negligence played a role
Holding these parties accountable isn’t just about justice for your loved one—it’s about preventing future tragedies. When trucking companies and drivers know they’ll be held responsible, they’re forced to change their unsafe practices, making the roads safer for everyone.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Texas Truck Accidents
Texas’ major highways like I-10, I-35, and I-45 serve as key freight corridors, but tragically, hundreds of lives are lost each year due to catastrophic truck crashes on these dangerous roads. According to recent fatality statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 17% of all fatal accidents in Texas involve large commercial trucks.
These tragic accidents are often entirely preventable, whether on the part of a truck driver, trucking company, or another entity responsible for maintaining safety standards.
Leading causes of fatal truck accidents often include:
Driver Negligence
Many fatal truck accidents are caused by truck drivers making reckless or impaired decisions behind the wheel. Common examples include:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating, or using GPS)
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or even prescription medication
- Fatigue and hours-of-service violations (many tired drivers exceed legal limits to meet delivery deadlines)
- Speeding or aggressive driving (e.g., tailgating, unsafe lane changes)
Trucking Company Negligence
Some crashes occur because trucking companies prioritize profits over safety, pushing drivers and vehicles beyond safe limits. Examples include:
- Unrealistic delivery deadlines that encourage speeding and fatigued driving
- Negligent hiring or lack of driver training (putting inexperienced or unqualified drivers on the road)
- Failure to maintain trucks (e.g., worn-out brakes, tire blowouts, faulty steering systems)
Defective Parts or Vehicle Malfunctions
Some fatal truck accidents result from mechanical failures caused by manufacturer defects, poor maintenance, or lack of inspections. Common mechanical failures that lead to deadly crashes include:
- Brake failure (one of the leading causes of truck crashes)
- Tire blowouts (causing loss of control, jackknifing, or rollovers)
- Transmission or engine failure (leading to sudden breakdowns in traffic)
Tragically, most fatal truck accidents could have been prevented if trucking companies had followed safety regulations, drivers had operated their vehicles responsibly, and manufacturers had ensured their parts met industry standards.
When these failures lead to the wrongful death of an innocent driver or passenger, we fight to hold every negligent party accountable. If your family has suffered such a loss, you deserve justice, financial security, and the peace of mind that your case is in the hands of experienced trial lawyers who never back down.
Why Do I Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Enduring the loss of a loved one is even more difficult when their death resulted from another party’s negligence. While you are grieving, the trucking company and its insurers will stop at nothing to avoid responsibility and exploit you, hoping to pressure you into accepting a settlement far below what you deserve.
Only a wrongful death lawyer can stand up to these corporate giants and allow your family to focus on healing while we fight to protect your future.
At Zehl & Associates, we take on the fight so that the trucking company’s insurers aren’t able to take advantage of you in your time of grief. By providing unwavering support during this difficult time, you are able to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.
How Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Go Above & Beyond for Families Affected by Fatal Truck Accidents
From day one, we fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, and stand by you every step of the way:
- Thorough Investigation & Expert Support: We dig deep into every detail, gathering critical evidence like police reports, black box data, and medical records. Our team works with accident reconstruction specialists and forensic experts to uncover the truth.
- Identifying All Responsible Parties: Truck accident cases often involve multiple at-fault parties. Our experience ensures that we identify everyone responsible, exploring all avenues for compensation.
- Calculating Full Compensation: We understand that your losses are far-reaching, from medical bills to long-term financial needs. Our goal is to secure maximum recovery for both economic and non-economic damages.
- Filing Timely Claims: Texas has strict deadlines for wrongful death lawsuits. We ensure that your case is filed on time, avoiding any missed opportunities for justice.
- Proving the Truck Driver’s Negligence: Using key evidence like black box data, driver logs, and expert testimony, we show how the driver’s negligence caused the crash—and how the tragedy could have been avoided.
- Documenting the Full Impact: We work with experts to demonstrate the full impact of the accident on your family’s life, securing compensation for both immediate and future needs.
- Leveraging Technology: We use cutting-edge technology, including accident reconstruction software and forensic animations, to present complex evidence in a clear and compelling way for juries.
- Demanding Maximum Compensation: At Zehl & Associates, we NEVER settle for less than the full compensation you deserve. Our team has a track record of securing record-breaking verdicts and settlements.
- Fighting for You in Court: If the trucking company refuses a fair settlement, we take your case to trial. Our undefeated record in truck accident lawsuits shows we’re prepared to fight for justice.
- Holding the Trucking Company Fully Accountable: We don’t just win cases; we aim to prevent future tragedies by holding trucking companies fully accountable, sending a strong message that negligence will not go unpunished.
At Zehl & Associates, we treat you like family—and we do whatever it takes to ensure justice is served and that your family’s future is protected.
Undefeated Texas Truck Accident Lawyers: Call 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consult
Our Undefeated Texas Wrongful Death Lawyers have won Billions and repeatedly recovered the largest wrongful death verdicts and settlements in history for family members of wrongful death victims across Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and the United States.
If your loved one was tragically killed in a truck accident, call us for a free consultation at 1-8888-603-3636 or send us a confidential email through our Contact Us page.
We’ll answer your questions, explain all of your rights and options, and provide you with the information you need to decide what’s best for you and your family.
All consultations are free, and you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline could prevent you from pursuing compensation.
Yes, a wrongful death claim is a civil case, separate from any criminal proceedings. Even if the driver wasn’t charged or convicted of a crime, you can still seek compensation for your loss.
You may be entitled to economic damages (lost income, medical expenses, funeral costs), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress), and in some cases, punitive damages to punish particularly negligent behavior.
Yes, you must show that the truck driver’s negligence or reckless actions directly caused the accident. However, it is also important to investigate if the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or others share liability.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, proving negligence is essential in holding the responsible parties accountable for the pain and loss they’ve caused. Under Texas law, this requires establishing the following four elements:
Duty of Care
You must first demonstrate that the defendant owed a duty of care to your loved one. This means the defendant had a legal obligation to act in a way that would prevent harm. For example, a truck driver has a duty to obey traffic laws and drive safely.
After establishing that a duty of care existed, you must show that the defendant breached their duty. This breach occurs when someone fails to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. Whether it’s reckless driving, ignoring safety protocols, or failing to maintain equipment, the defendant’s actions—or lack thereof—must be shown to have violated their duty of care.
Causation
Proving causation involves linking the defendant’s breach of duty directly to your loved one’s death. In other words, you need to show that the defendant’s negligence or recklessness caused the fatal incident. For instance, if a trucking company’s failure to maintain its vehicles led to a deadly crash, that negligence is the direct cause of the death.
Damages
The final element requires demonstrating that the death resulted in damages, including medical bills, lost income, and loss of companionship.
Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. There are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses for you to worry about.
The timeline for resolving a claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the responsible parties to settle, and whether the case goes to trial. On average, it could take several months to a few years to reach a resolution.
Yes, Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means you can still recover damages if your loved one was partially responsible for the accident, as long as they were less than 51% at fault.
Only immediate family – spouse, children, or parents – can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. All other family members, including siblings, divorced spouses, and grandchildren, are barred from doing so.
A survival claim, on the other hand, must be filed by the executor, administrator, or legal representative of the estate. If a will exists, the person named as executor or administrator must file the claim, whether they’re the decedent’s spouse, a member of the extended family, or even a close friend. The decedent’s living heir can file a survival claim when there is no will. In the absence of both a will and living heir, a member of the extended family or a representative appointed by the court is permitted to file a survival claim.
Helpful Resources
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Fatal Crash Data: the latest statistics on fatal truck accidents in Texas, including fatal truck and commercial motor vehicle crashes.
- FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) Guidelines for Trucking Safety: The FMCSA’s regulations on trucker safety, hours-of-service rules, and truck maintenance requirements.
- Texas Wrongful Death Laws: The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 71.
Contact the Undefeated Texas Truck Accident Lawyers from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today, Call 1-888-603-3636
For more information, please contact our Undefeated truck accident attorneys in Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours