The town of Marfa and the surrounding Trans-Pecos region are defined by their extreme geographic isolation. While this remote setting attracts visitors interested in the landscape and local art, the reality for those living and working in Presidio County is far more demanding. The perceived stillness of the high desert is frequently broken by high-speed transit collisions and industrial work accidents.

In the Trans-Pecos, the severity of an accident is compounded by the distance from major medical centers and essential services. When a fatal incident occurs in such a secluded area, the logistical burden on the family is immense. Survivors are often forced to navigate a complex legal and personal crisis from distant cities or states, far removed from where the tragedy took place.

At A2X Law, we understand that no amount of litigation can replace a lost family member. However, we also know that grieving parties require more than empathy. You deserve accountability. Whether you are dealing with a private insurance carrier or a corporate legal department, these entities prioritize their bottom line over your recovery. Our firm provides a trial-ready team that will not yield to corporate interests or the aggressive tactics often found in the Texas oilfields.

Our philosophy is simple: Anyone. Anytime. Anywhere. No matter where a tragedy occurs, from US Highway 67 to the most remote drilling site, we provide the localized expertise and unwavering advocacy you need.

The Harsh Reality of Fatalities in Presidio County 

The roads around Marfa are still among the most stunning and hazardous in the country in 2026. The roads that lead into the town are mainly industrial thoroughfares, despite the town itself being a center of culture. 

The Danger of the Marfa to Presidio Corridor 

The portion of U.S. Highway 67 between Marfa and Presidio is well known for having a high fatality rate compared to other highways. A major cause of this type of accident is the number of head-on collisions that occur on this section of highway when drivers try to pass vehicles in narrow (two-lane) sections of the highway. With an increase in commercial truck traffic, a momentary lapse in a driver's judgment could have significant consequences. When an automobile accident occurs in a desert area, there are rarely any fender benders, because vehicles travel so fast, most desert accidents result in fatalities. 

Industrial and Oilfield Growth 

The hazards have increased as energy production has expanded into the West Texas frontier. Heavy machinery, worn-out labor, and a culture that frequently puts production schedules ahead of human life are all part of the oil and gas sector. When a corporation violates safety rules or fails to maintain its fleet, it isn't just a "workplace incident." A local family is devastated by this avoidable tragedy.

 

The Problem of Proximity and Care 

A secondary risk arises from Marfa's isolation: it is nearly impossible to reach the "Golden Hour" of medical care. Victims of major accidents frequently need to be transported by helicopter to trauma clinics in Midland or El Paso. In addition to suffering a severe loss, the family is left with enormous medical and transportation expenses when these life-saving attempts are unsuccessful. 

Understanding the Texas Wrongful Death Statute 

In Texas, a wrongful death claim is a civil action brought by the survivors of a person whose death was caused by the "wrongful act, neglect, unskillfulness, carelessness, or default" of another party. It is important to remember that this is a separate matter from any criminal proceedings. Even if no criminal charges are filed, you still have the right to seek justice through the civil court system. 

Who Has the Right to File? 

Texas law is very specific about who can initiate a wrongful death lawsuit. According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the right to file is limited to: 

• The Surviving Spouse: This includes both formally married couples and those in recognized common law marriages. 
• The Children: Both biological and legally adopted children have the right to file, regardless of whether they are minors or adults. 
• The Parents: Both biological and adoptive parents can seek damages for the loss of a child. 

Notably, long-term spouses, grandparents, and siblings are not permitted to initiate a wrongful death claim under Texas law. If no one in the immediate family objects, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate may file on their behalf if the spouse, children, or parents do not do so within three months of the death. 

Survival Claims: A Critical Distinction 

At A2X Law, we often pursue two types of claims simultaneously: wrongful death and survival. While they both stem from the same tragedy, they serve different purposes. 

The Wrongful Death Claim 

You are making a claim for your family members, which relates to the amount of loss suffered as a result of your loved one's absence from your life. This claim includes any financial loss associated with their absence, their lack of emotional support, and/or mental suffering resulting from their absence. 

The Survival Claim 

The survival claim is essentially a personal injury lawsuit that can be filed against the deceased parties to recover damages for the decedent's pain and suffering, as well as medical expenses and funeral bills, if the decedent had survived. The survival claim is an important way to hold responsible parties accountable for the physical suffering they caused your loved one. 

Damages: Calculating the True Cost of Loss 

How can a life be valued? In the legal system, it is the only way to ensure a family is not left in financial devastation, but it is a question no one should ever have to answer. To determine the entire extent of your damages, we work alongside economists, life care planners, and vocational specialists. 

Economic Damages 

These are the tangible, measurable financial losses, such as: 

• Lost Earning Capacity: The income the deceased would have earned over their remaining working years. 
• Loss of Benefits: Including health insurance, pension plans, and retirement contributions. 
• Household Services: The value of the labor the deceased provided, such as childcare, home maintenance, and financial management. 

Non-Economic Damages 

These are the "intangible" losses that are often the most significant part of a case: 

• Mental Anguish: The emotional pain, torment, and suffering felt by the survivors. 
• Loss of Companionship and Society: The loss of the love, comfort, and protection the deceased provided. 
• Loss of Inheritance: The amount the deceased likely would have added to an estate and left to their heirs. 

Punitive Damages 

In cases of "gross negligence," where a corporation or individual acted with an extreme degree of risk and conscious indifference to the safety of others, we may seek punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and send a clear message to the industry that such behavior will not be tolerated in West Texas. 

Why A2X Law for Your Marfa Case? 

You have many choices when it comes to legal representation, but a Marfa wrongful death case requires a specific kind of grit. We are not a "settlement mill" that tries to close cases as quickly as possible for whatever the insurance company offers. 

We Are Trial Lawyers 

Our firm's philosophy is that having your case ready for trial is the only way to maximize your chances of getting an appropriate settlement. When insurance companies see A2X Law's name on file, they know they will be dealing with an attorney who has the resources and willingness to put the matter before a jury in Presidio County. Our firm is positioned to do extensive research, perform forensic examinations, and retain the necessary experts through depositions so that your case can be presented in the best possible manner. 

The "Anyone. Anytime. Anywhere." Mentality 

Whether you are dealing with an at-fault driver or a major energy company, whether the evidence lies on a dusty ranch or in a Dallas office, we will follow any lead from the evidence presented to us. While West Texas may present difficulties, we are ready to provide the same level of expert representation to a Marfa resident as we offer to clients from around the United States. 

Deep Investigation 

Evidence is easily lost in the high desert. Within hours, the scene of an accident can become obscured by vehicles, wind, and dust. Before they proceed, we act quickly to gather dashcam footage, preserve black box data from the trucks, and obtain witness evidence. We do everything we can because we are aware that even the smallest detail can prove neglect. 

The Two-Year Clock: The Statute of Limitations 

In Texas, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed within two years of the death. Although it might seem like a long time, it actually takes months of preparation to develop a strong, trial-ready case. Waiting too long may cause witness recollections to fade or important evidence to be lost. It is essential to consult with a lawyer as soon as you are able so that the legal process can begin while the facts are still fresh. 

Compassionate Support During a Devastating Time 

We know that right now, the last thing you want to think about is a lawsuit. Grief, burial plans, and the abrupt restructuring of your life are all on your plate. We want to take on the legal load on your behalf. We handle court documents, insurance adjusters, and investigators so you can focus on your family and recovery. In the fight for justice, we are your allies. 

Contact Our Marfa Wrongful Death Attorney Today 

Marfa is a community built on resilience and connection. When that connection is broken by a preventable tragedy, the entire town feels the loss. You do not have to navigate this dark season alone. Whether your loved one was lost in a trucking accident on US-90, a workplace explosion, or a commercial vehicle crash, A2X Law is ready to fight for the answers and the compensation you deserve. 

We are real lawyers for real problems. We believe in holding the powerful accountable and ensuring that no family is left behind in the desert. Let us help you turn your tragedy into a catalyst for change and accountability.