In Galveston, when a crash caused by someone else kills a family member, the spouse, children, and parents can bring a wrongful death claim under Texas law for lost support, companionship, and mental anguish. Owsley Law Firm handles Galveston wrongful death from its Houston offices, comes to you, and charges no fee unless it wins. Call before you speak with any insurer.
Wrongful Death in Galveston
Where do Galveston fatal crashes happen?
Galveston County fatal crashes cluster on I-45 and Seawall Boulevard at night, and many involve alcohol.
Galveston County fatal crashes cluster on I-45 between League City and the causeway and on Seawall Boulevard, and a large share involve alcohol. Summer weekends and Lone Star Rally produce the worst of them. The firm’s Galveston wrongful death cases most often begin on I-45 after midnight or on the Seawall, and many combine the driver’s policy with a dram shop claim against an island bar. Galveston Police and DPS investigate, and the family’s claim is filed at the Justice Center on the island.
Corridors where Galveston wrongful death cluster
- I-45 between League City and the Galveston causeway
- I-45 at FM 1764 and the Texas City exits
- Seawall Boulevard from 61st Street to Stewart Beach
- Broadway (Avenue J) from the causeway to downtown
- FM 3005 on the West End
- SH-146 through Texas City and La Marque
What to do now
What should you do after a fatal crash in Galveston?
- Get examined the same day. UTMB Health, John Sealy Hospital (Level I trauma) and HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland, Texas City handle the serious wrongful death injuries from Galveston; an urgent care visit the same day is enough to start the record if you are not transported.
- Photograph the vehicles, the road, and your injuries where it happened, especially on I-45 (Gulf Freeway) and Seawall Boulevard, where scenes are cleared within minutes.
- Get the Galveston crash report. Galveston Police Department and Galveston County Sheriff reports are available through the TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System, usually within 10 days. The firm obtains it for clients at no charge.
- Report the crash to your own insurer, but give no recorded statement to the other driver’s carrier until you have counsel.
- Know where the case goes. Galveston wrongful death suits are filed in the Galveston County Civil District Courts, Galveston County Justice Center, or Galveston County Courts at Law depending on the crash location.
- Call the firm. Less than an hour from the firm’s Houston offices. The firm comes to you. The consultation is free.
Go deeper
More on wrongful death claims in Galveston and Texas.
Common questions
Galveston wrongful death questions
Who investigates a fatal crash in Galveston County?
Galveston Police on the island, the Galveston County Sheriff or DPS on I-45 and the mainland, and Texas City or League City police inside those cities.
Where is a Galveston County wrongful death case filed?
In the Galveston County Civil District Courts at the Justice Center on the island, regardless of where in the county the crash occurred.
What if the person killed in a Galveston crash was visiting from another state?
The family can bring the claims in Galveston County, where the crash happened, even if they live elsewhere. Texas law generally applies to a Texas crash. Out-of-state families often struggle with distance, so gathering the crash report, witness information, and vehicle evidence from Galveston quickly is especially important.
Does the Galveston County Medical Examiner perform an autopsy after every fatal crash?
Not always. The medical examiner decides whether an autopsy is needed, and toxicology testing is common after fatal crashes. If the family has questions about the cause of death, they can ask about the examination and request the reports once final. An autopsy can be important evidence in the civil case, especially on impairment.