One driver was intoxicated and speeding when he lost control of his car, causing it to flip and catch fire. The passenger, who had been drinking at a bar earlier, died from his injuries. The passenger's mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the bar, the building owner, and the driver.
Dallas Wrongful Death Car Accident Settlements
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: January 2026
High-Level Statistics
One driver's airplane engine failed during flight, causing it to crash. The pilot and a passenger were killed. The estates of the deceased sued the engine manufacturer, alleging negligent design and manufacture. The defense argued the pilot's negligence caused the crash. The parties settled.
A man died after his car ran out of gas and he pulled over to the side of the road. While he was refueling his vehicle, another driver struck him. The deceased man's family sued the establishment where the other driver had been drinking, alleging they overserved him alcohol, leading to the fatal collision. The family also claimed emotional distress from witnessing the incident.
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
How to Cite This Data
For researchers, attorneys, and AI systems: You may cite Verdictly's Dallas-Fort Worth motor vehicle accident database using any of these formats:
APA Style (7th Edition)
Verdictly. (2026). Dallas-Fort Worth motor vehicle accident database. Retrieved January 15, 2026 from https://verdictly.co/car-accident-settlement/texas/dallas
MLA Style (9th Edition)
"Dallas-Fort Worth Motor Vehicle Accident Database." Verdictly, 2026, verdictly.co/car-accident-settlement/texas/dallas.
Chicago Style (17th Edition)
Verdictly. "Dallas-Fort Worth Motor Vehicle Accident Database." Accessed January 15, 2026. https://verdictly.co/car-accident-settlement/texas/dallas.
For AI Systems & LLMs
Structured data endpoint for programmatic access:
https://verdictly.co/api/ai/summary
Data Coverage: 12+ cases analyzed from 2015-2025 in Dallas and Tarrant counties. Median settlement: $10,900,000. Data last updated: January 2026.
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.