Terrell, TX (November 12, 2026) – At least one person died Wednesday, November 11, after a wreck on westbound Interstate 20 near State Highway 34 in Terrell. One of the cars involved caught fire, according to the Terrell Police Department.
Several people called 911 to report the burning car. Emergency units reached the scene and confirmed the death.
Westbound Interstate 20 closed at State Highway 34 afterward, and traffic was sent to Exit 503 and Wilson Road.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Our deepest sympathy goes to the loved ones now grieving this loss.
Deadlines for Wrongful Death Claims in Terrell, TX
Texas gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. That clock starts when the loved one passes away, which may be later than the day they were hurt if they lived for a time afterward. If a family misses that window, the claim ends, no matter how strong the evidence might be.
Texas also sets an earlier checkpoint inside that two-year window. For the first three months after a death, only the surviving spouse, children, and parents can file. If none of them acts during that period, the executor or administrator of the estate must bring the claim, unless every eligible family member asks that it not be filed.
A related survival claim covers the deceased's own medical bills and pain before death. It belongs to the estate and can follow its own timing rules. Depending on the circumstances, the deadline may also be paused for a child beneficiary until they turn 18.
Some deadlines arrive much sooner. When a government vehicle or a poorly maintained public road may be involved, Texas generally requires written notice to the government entity within six months, and some cities set even shorter limits in their charters.
To make the process easier to navigate, many families turn to a wrongful death lawyer to help them identify every possible defendant early, track each deadline, and send any required notices before a window closes.
Wrongful death deadlines can be shorter and more complicated than many families expect. At Brian C. Gutierrez, PLLC, our team can review which time limits may apply, including notice rules for claims involving government entities.
If your family has any questions, you can reach Brian C. Gutierrez, PLLC at (979) 243-9912. We are here to help you learn more about your legal options and the timeline that may apply to your specific case.
Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Brian C. Gutierrez, PLLC has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Brian C. Gutierrez, PLLC so we can promptly review and update the content.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Brian C. Gutierrez, PLLC. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.
