As the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Texas with more than 2.5 million people (and counting), San Antonio’s roads remain packed. There are endless opportunities for accidents to happen, but some sections of the city have a higher-than-average propensity for accidents.
Several intersections, including but not limited to Highway 151 and Loop 410, have a relatively high rate of traffic accidents.
If you are in a car accident anywhere in San Antonio, you deserve fair compensation from liable parties. A San Antonio car accident attorney will work to ensure you receive a fair settlement or verdict for your damages.
Most Dangerous Intersections in San Antonio
There are several different intersections in San Antonio where accidents are common, including:
- Highway 151 and Loop 410
- Bandera Road and Loop 1604
- Loop 1604 and U.S. 281
- Loop 410 and San Pedro Avenue
- I-10 and Loop 1604
These intersections not only saw a high number of accidents but also:
- A higher-than-average rate of injury accidents
- A higher-than-average rate of fatal accidents
These intersections are unavoidable for many who live in and visit San Antonio, and research shows a high risk of collisions. While every road in San Antonio requires motorists and pedestrians to use abundant caution, these intersections require additional care.
Where Car Accidents Are Mostly to Happen in Any City (Including San Antonio)
Whether you are driving in San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, or any other city in the United States, some areas pose higher risks:
High-Traffic Areas
The more vehicles in a given area, the more opportunities for accidents exist.
Beyond the sheer numbers game, high-traffic areas may pose the risk of:
- Confusing circumstances
- Traffic, which may cause tailgating and other dangerous behaviors
- Road rage incidents, as motorists can become agitated when traffic is present
Many locations throughout San Antonio are high-traffic areas. Therefore, many areas throughout San Antonio pose a high risk of car accidents.
Intersections
More than half of motor vehicle accidents causing injury or death happen at (or near) intersections.
An intersection may be dangerous because:
- Motorists are traveling in all different directions, which is itself an accident hazard.
- Motorists must often use their judgment at intersections, and motorists’ judgment is not always sound.
- Motorists may likely engage in high-risk behavior (like running a red light) at intersections.
- An intersection can be confusing or daunting for novice drivers, and their panic or confusion may lead to a collision.
- Pedestrians and motor vehicles often come in close contact at intersections, posing opportunities for pedestrian accidents.
San Antonio has plenty of intersections. Motorists must drive cautiously and defensively every time they encounter an intersection.
Roads That Lack Adequate Signage
San Antonio must implement measures to help prevent car accidents, including:
- Stop signs (including four-way stops, where necessary)
- Traffic lights
- Yield signs
- Pedestrian crossing lights and signs
- Roundabouts
- Other signs and signals that help motorists and pedestrians operate safely
You can hold the city liable when a lack of signals or signs results in a car accident.
Roads with Defects or Construction
Traffic accidents sometimes result from defects in the road, dangerous work zones, or other preventable hazards. For instance, a vehicle may blow a tire and veer into another car after striking a large pothole.
If you were in an accident caused by dangerous road conditions, a car accident attorney will determine who you can hold liable for your damages.
Commuter Routes
Roads with heavy commuter traffic may lead to and from San Antonio’s business-heavy districts. Traffic, stressed-out motorists, and high vehicle volumes may present hazards on these roads.
Areas With Heavy Pedestrian Activity
These areas may include:
- Downtown San Antonio
- Blocks with a high concentration of bars and restaurants
- Streets near the Alamodome
- Roads near parks, bike trails, and jogging trails
- Residential neighborhoods
Motorists must use caution in pedestrian-heavy areas or risk causing a pedestrian collision.
Blind Turns
Streets that have intersections (or turns) with obstructed views are immensely dangerous. Whenever a motorist must guess whether it is safe to turn, they face a high risk of car accidents.
Motorists must adapt their behavior to prevailing circumstances. A motorist at a packed intersection may need to exercise more care than a motorist on a deserted highway. Though every driver must use good judgment, these high-risk circumstances require the utmost caution.
What Driving Conditions May Increase the Likelihood of a Car Accident?
It is not just certain locations that pose a risk of car accidents. Certain driving conditions increase the likelihood of an accident. These conditions include:
Darkness
Darkness falls on San Antonio daily, and the risk of accidents increases when the sun goes down.
Night time is the most dangerous time to drive because:
- Motorists with visual impairment pose a high risk to others
- Even those without visual impairments find it harder to see at night
- Motorists who have driven all day (or are prone to be sleepier at night) may suffer from fatigue
- There is a higher risk of drunk drivers being on San Antonio’s roads at night
- Headlights can have a blinding effect that leads to collisions
- Certain areas of San Antonio, such as downtown, may have high traffic and pedestrian presence at night
Bad Weather
Weather is a clear accident hazard. Dangerous weather conditions include:
- Snow, which is not common in San Antonio but does occur
- Ice
- Rain
- Fog
- Hail
Depending on the type of weather, motorists must generally slow down, increase the distance from other vehicles, use their headlights, and refrain from distracted driving.
Rush Hour
In high rush hour traffic volumes, late commuters may speed, tailgate, and make other dangerous maneuvers.
Holidays and Special Events
Holidays are often a time of increased motor vehicle accidents because:
- More drunks tend to drive
- People are off work, so more drivers may hit the road
Crashes may happen near concerts, athletic events, conferences, and holiday festivals in San Antonio.
I Was in a Car Accident in San Antonio. What Should I Do Now?
If you were in a car accident in San Antonio:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Request that your doctor conduct a full physical exam
- Ask if it is necessary to take images (like X-rays) of your injuries
- Ask for a written copy of the doctor’s diagnosis
- Keep all medical records and bills
- Keep a journal detailing symptoms like pain, psychological distress, emotional hardship, and sleep problems
Ensure your health and safety after a traffic accident. Getting medical care can also benefit your case for compensation.
Also, Hire a Car Accident Attorney to Handle Your Insurance Claim or Lawsuit
You may hire a car accident lawyer in San Antonio if you:
- Personally suffered injuries in an auto accident
- Are representing a loved one who suffered a catastrophic injury in a car accident
- Have lost a loved one from injuries suffered during a car accident
A San Antonio car accident lawyer can help in any of these circumstances.
What Will a Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
A car accident lawyer’s immediate responsibility is protecting you and building your case. Your attorney will also work to facilitate your physical and psychological recovery. Most accident victims expect their lawyers to recover fair compensation for accident-related damages.
Your lawyer’s responsibilities will likely include:
Identifying Liable Parties
Your car accident lawyer will conduct a detailed investigation of your collision. During this process, they will gather evidence and identify those responsible for your damages.
Documenting Your Damages
Your lawyer will gather all available evidence of your damages, which may include:
- Video of the accident
- Eyewitness testimony about the collision
- The police report (which may come from the San Antonio Police Department or another agency)
- An expert’s reconstruction of your accident
- Any other evidence that helps prove liability for your accident (and resulting damages)
Evidence is a key feature of a car accident case. Your lawyer will quickly secure all evidence relevant to your claim or lawsuit.
Calculating the Settlement You Are Entitled To
Your lawyer must identify the exact financial cost of your damages. Lawyers can even calculate the value of pain and suffering—a class of damage that does not have an obvious financial value.
Negotiating with Liable Parties
Your lawyer will negotiate with liable parties, including insurers. Most car accident cases result in a settlement. A lawyer’s history of negotiating settlements may greatly credit your case.
Encouraging You to Go to Trial (If Necessary)
Your attorney will get the most out of settlement discussions, demanding that liable parties provide all the compensation you deserve.
However, if liable parties are not willing to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may:
- Review the best available settlement offer with you
- Advise you about whether the settlement will cover your accident-related damages (including future damages)
- Ask your opinion about going to trial
- Take your case to trial, if necessary
Your lawyer will complete every step in a trial if that is where your case leads. They will ultimately request that a jury award you the compensation you deserve.
Handling the Administrative Aspects of Your Case
Your lawyer will manage your case’s paperwork, communications, and administrative aspects. By taking these duties on, your lawyer will allow you to focus on recovery without worrying about your case.
An Attorney Will Calculate the Cost of Your Accident (and Demand Fair Compensation)
Your attorney will calculate your settlement target based on the value of your damages, which may include:
- Pain and suffering, which may include conditions like anxiety, depression, physical pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Lost income, which you suffer along with diminished earning power, lost performance bonuses, and other professional damages
- Medical bills, which can stem from emergency care, imaging services, surgeries, hospitalization, and other accident-related medical services
- Property expenses, which may include the cost of repairing your vehicle and replacing other damaged property (like a cell phone)
No two car accident cases are exactly alike. Your attorney will perform a complete, detailed accounting of your accident-related damages. This will ensure that your lawyer’s settlement goals reflect the effects of your damages.
What if I Don’t Choose to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer After a Collision?
As you consider whether to hire a car accident attorney, consider that:
- Your recovery requires attention: Male health your priority. The more time you spend on your case, the less time you will have for rest, treatment, and recovery.
- A law firm will cover the cost of your case: Hiring a law firm is not a financial stressor. In fact, the firm will cover the cost of your case so you don’t have to. The firm will only receive a fee if it wins for you.
- There is no substitute for legal experience: A lawyer’s experience with car accident cases can make the difference in your case.
Hiring a car accident lawyer may also afford you peace of mind—a difficult benefit to place a price on.
Find a Car Accident Attorney in San Antonio Today
Many car accident lawyer serve San Antonio, and you must find the right San Antonio personal injury lawyer to handle your case. Do your research and start immediately, as your attorney may face a deadline for filing your case.