All states see a fair share of car accidents throughout the year. Invariably, however, Texas is one of the worst, year after year. Texas has not had one day without a traffic crash since November 7, 2000. Many of these accidents are deadly for those involved.
There are many different reasons for car crashes across the state. Texas lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are always researching ways to reduce the number of accidents and deaths on the roads. It’s critical, though, that victims of these collisions know they can take action now to demand the justice and compensation they deserve. If you have suffered from a car crash contact us to get a free consultation.
When another individual is negligent and causes a car accident, those hurt can file a personal injury claim versus the at-fault party or their insurer.
Residing in Texas means driving in one of the biggest states in the U.S., and with that comes a bonus that some see as a luxury—space. Texas drivers measure wide-open spaces of nothing in between large cities in units of time rather than distance. But even with so much area to drive on, car crash statistics are going up. Each year, the highways of Texas witness over 200,000 car wrecks that involve severe injuries or fatalities.
What Should You Do if You Are Involved in an Accident?
Making sure you are getting the benefits and compensation is a priority for most victims involved in car crashes. Getting in contact with a qualified lawyer can help put your mind at ease. A lawyer will be able to go over the next steps in your legal process.
San Antonio Car Crashes
Each major city has its fair share of poor drivers, and San Antonio is no exception. One study ranked the top 15 cities in Texas with the most unsafe motorists. San Antonio ranks 13th for having an accident likelihood of 24.2 percent.
That means that every motorist in this city has a 24.2 percent chance of a traffic accident.
The numbers are even more alarming as the number of car accidents in San Antonio has gone up by almost 3,000 annually in recent years. San Antonio sees more than 37,000 car wrecks every year. Every day, two individuals sustain wounds from a car crash, and one individual perishes in a traffic crash every three days.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
If you have never been in a car crash, consider yourself lucky. Nevertheless, you need to know what to do if bad luck strikes.
After a traffic crash, keep in mind:
- Your body’s adrenaline response from the shock of a crash can delay symptoms. You may feel fine at first. Seeking prompt medical attention ASAP can stop untreated injuries from worsening with time.
- If you can, record the events leading up to the crash and the time of day, weather, area, the contact information of other parties involved, a police report, pictures of the accident, and your injuries.
- Seek legal help from a car accident attorney or law firm if the injuries you have sustained will affect your ability to work.
- Avoid posting pictures of the accident or your injuries on social media.
- Do not give any written, oral, or recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance companies’ adjuster without first seeking legal guidance from a car accident lawyer.
These measures can help you build a case to seek legal action against the other party or the insurance company that refuses to pay your medical costs and save you from wrongful liability if the other party sues you for an accident you didn’t cause.
With over two million people living in San Antonio and the surrounding counties and our streets in less than optimal shape, many drivers with borderline driving skills and a propensity to text more than to watch the road, it is a miracle more accidents don’t happen.
There is no question that San Antonio highways experience a fair percentage of automobile traffic, with thousands of accidents occurring annually.
Whether you have been in an auto or trucking accident, a lawyer protects you and your family.
Many individuals aren’t sure what to do after a car accident in San Antonio. Accidents in San Antonio and the surrounding communities happen under various scenarios and often result in bodily harm with a wide range of severity. What may seem like an insignificant auto accident can severely injure drivers and passengers.
Some typical injuries include:
- Bone fractures or breaks
- Concussions or brain injuries
- Lacerations and bruises
- Soft tissue damage
After a car or truck accident, you will often face a disjointed process, particularly if you were hurt. You want to be cautious not to accept the first offer of settlement or sign a release from the other insurance company, as it can reduce the compensation you deserve.
Even if you think the blame for an auto accident is clear, you must understand that the insurance company and their lawyers are not on your side and that they can be extremely disruptive or dismissive to you and your claim.
It’s in your soundest interest to contact an experienced attorney to help you navigate the injury claim process.
Auto and trucking accidents are relatively common, ranging from minor property damage to multiple car collisions with significant property and personal injuries. Some auto and truck accidents may have considerable life-changing expenses.
What to Do After an Auto Accident in San Antonio:
- Turn emergency lights on for other motorists to go around you
- Call the police
- If passengers are hurt, call for medical help
- If it is safe, pull over to the side of the road
- If it is safe, exit your automobile
- Take a photo of the accident
You might be reading this days or weeks after the accident happened, in which case, focus on your medical treatment and begin the legal process right away.
How to File a Claim in San Antonio
- Exchange personal details with the other motorists
- Write down the time, date, and location
- Get witness statements
- Remain at the crash scene until police say you may leave
- Call your lawyer
- Don’t speak about the accident with others
If you or a family member suffer injuries in San Antonio, knowing what to do after a car accident is essential. Please get in touch with a San Antonio car accident attorney today. When you call a lawyer, you can receive a free initial consultation and review of your San Antonio accident case.
San Antonio Car Wreck Statistics
If you’re like most citizens of San Antonio, you adore driving your car. It’s timely and still the quickest way to get from point A to B. As one of the largest cities in the country—and still growing—there is an increasing number of motorists on San Antonio’s roads. More drivers mean more automobiles on the streets, and more automobiles mean a greater risk of being involved in an auto accident. Everyone should practice driver safety awareness.
Be informed about the severe nature of auto accidents on the San Antonio city streets. Don’t be alarmed, but be armed with the knowledge you need to drive with awareness and be proactive in preserving safety. This includes making sure everyone knows some alarming San Antonio car accident stats.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that each year, close to 300,000 people sustain injuries in auto wrecks. TxDOT has further determined that:
- One individual dies in an auto accident every two and half hours in Texas,
- One individual is hurt in an auto accident every two minutes, and
- One auto accident happens every sixty seconds.
These are just a few Texas car wreck statistics facing every motorist. Given the commonness of auto accidents and the number of individuals hurt, you might begin to comprehend how this can affect you. Nevertheless, you don’t have to be worried or scared every time you get into your automobile. Get behind the wheel of your car with the confidence that you will reach your destination safely.
Every driver should know about the dangers of driving and the odds of getting hurt in a car wreck.
A lawyer with years of experience and skill has the opportunity to help you recover compensation for injuries received from auto accidents by staying up-to-date on the latest trends and statistics affecting San Antonio drivers. This allows them to serve clients who were hurt with the most up-to-date information available. This also allows lawyers to put skill and commitment into practice by working tirelessly to defend your rights.
San Antonio car accident stats aside, the key to being an alert and safe driver isn’t a secret.
All it takes is:
- First, stay concentrated when you are driving. Minimize or stop any distractions that take your eyes and mind off the road.
- Use defensive driving at all times. Per the National Safety Council, this means “driving to save lives, time, and money, despite the conditions around you and the actions of others.”
- Never assume an accident won’t happen to you. It’s easy to get into driving routines if you take for granted that an auto accident won’t happen to you. You will prepare better for any circumstance if you drive with more significant intentionality and caution.
- Always stay mindful of your surroundings on the road. You will drive confidently and safely when you know what’s out there.
Failure to control speed is the number one cause of car accidents in Bexar County. Even if you’re on an open highway, follow the speed limit.
Dangerous Intersections
Studies have looked at the most perilous intersections in the area. It did not just focus on the number of wrecks but the number of deaths and the amount and severity of injuries.
Significant highway interchanges dominated the top of the list, including State Highway 151 and Loop 410, which had the largest number of injuries from crashes.
It was followed by Bandera Road and Loop 1604, Loop 1604 and U.S. 281, Loop 410 and San Pedro Avenue, and I-10 and Loop 1604.
The highest-ranked traditional intersection was Fredericksburg Road at Wurzbach Road.
Wondering how often road design factors play into the number of wrecks on a highway? Accidents are a function of miles driven on a particular road. The more travelers you have at a specific intersection or particular highway system, by numbers, you’re going to have more wrecks there.
Highway design is done with safety in mind but can only go so far.
The responsibility is with the drivers. Paying attention and making driving a full-time job are crucial because road conditions can change very fast.
The number of deadly accidents spiked around the U.S. last year. According to The National Highway Safety Administration data, 31,720 individuals perished in a motor vehicle accident during the first nine months of last year.
The total was the highest since 2006. San Antonio police are also seeing record-breaking numbers.
Per the San Antonio police, their department responded to over 205 deadly crashes in 2021. The traffic investigation division of the police department said it’s the highest number recorded. Two hundred five families last year lost someone near and dear to them. That number itself is just a shocking figure.
The data includes wrecks involving pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and vehicles.
Investigators often learn pedestrians are killed while wearing dark clothing or not using crosswalks.
Nevertheless, other times, the drivers are not paying attention or not wearing seat belts. Proper caution can prevent most accidents. Part of the increase is due to more drivers returning to their daily lives. However, per the NHTSA, 38 states saw an increase in deadly crashes during the past year.
Texas saw an increase of 614 more wrecks compared to the previous year. Often, SAPD cites alcohol and speed as other contributing factors in deadly crashes.
If you suffered injuries in a San Antonio car accident, contact us.