Brittany Stevenson, 24, killed after car crashes into Lake Waco on New Years Eve in Waco, Texas

Police have found and recovered the body of a young woman who was in a car that crashed into Lake Waco on New Year's Eve. Brittany Stevenson, 24, was initially thought to have exited the submerged vehicle after divers spent hours searching, but found no trace of her. However, Waco Police Sgt. Patrick Swanton released a statement that divers had recovered Stevenson's body. Stevenson was in a Kia Forte that smashed through a guardrail and over a dirt barrier into Lake Waco around 11 p.m. Wednesday. A second woman in the car was able to exit the car and swim to safety. The cause of the crash is still being investigated. It is not yet known if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

What every family needs to know about Texas wrongful death claims

When someone is killed in a car, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, or other kind of accident, family members left behind must cope with the tragedy as best they can. Many important decisions need to be made, and a wrongful death claim needs to be filed.

In Texas, a claim can be filed only by specific family members, but there are strict requirements and deadlines that must be met. It is critical to talk with an experienced Texas wrongful death attorney to get the information and advice needed to move forward.