Bastrop County, TX (October 29, 2026) – Two contractors working on a state transportation project died early Thursday, October 29, in a collision on State Highway 71.
The fatal accident happened in the westbound lanes at Tucker Hill Lane, near the Travis County-Bastrop County line, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Details about how many vehicles were involved and what led to the wreck were not immediately available. The investigation is still underway.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the families and coworkers who lost the two contractors.
What Options Do Road Workers Have Beyond Workers' Comp in Bastrop County, TX?
Road workers covered by workers' compensation can generally receive medical and income benefits no matter who caused the injury, but that system usually bars lawsuits against the employer. A worker, or a family after a death, may still bring a separate claim against outside parties whose negligence contributed, such as another driver or company.
Texas is unusual in letting most private employers decide whether to carry workers' compensation. Employers who opt out, known as non-subscribers, may face negligence lawsuits and can lose some common defenses.
Even when coverage exists, Texas law lets certain surviving family members seek exemplary damages for a worker's death caused by an employer's gross negligence. A worker may be employed by subcontractors, so it can be unclear which company's coverage applies.
Several deadlines can run at the same time. Workers' compensation generally calls for notice to the employer within 30 days of an injury, death benefit claims have their own one-year filing window, and Texas gives most people two years to file a lawsuit against outside parties.
Employment agreements, safety plans, work schedules, and subcontract paperwork can help show who controlled the job. Benefits paid through one system may affect a recovery in another, so it can help to have a wrongful death lawyer review how the pieces fit together before accepting any settlement.
Benefits systems and lawsuits can overlap in ways that are hard to untangle alone, and Brian C. Gutierrez, PLLC is open to answer any questions that may come up about how they may apply. Our team can explain how workers' compensation and claims against outside parties may fit together in Texas.
You can call Brian C. Gutierrez, PLLC at (979) 243-9912 to talk through your circumstances and learn more about your options.
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.
