San Antonio Car Accident Lawyers

The Carabin Shaw Law Firm has helped injured Texans for over 34 years, recovering maximum compensation for their injuries from traffic accidents. Call our San Antonio car accident attorneys right now! We have recovered hundreds of millions for our clients and are very well versed in personal injury law!

People are hurt and killed in auto accidents every day across Bexar County and Texas. Car accidents can place a sudden and overwhelming financial and emotional burden on you and your family. In an instant, someone's careless mistake can turn your whole world upside down.

Call Shaw at 866-216-5473 and speak with one of our car accident lawyers if you were injured in an auto accident.

Compensation for Texas Car Accident Victims

Texas is an at-fault state. That means that if you were hurt in a car crash caused by a negligent driver, you are entitled to compensation for things like the following.

Economic Damages
  • Medical expenses and bills
  • Property damage
  • Missed work and lost income
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • And more
Non-Economic Damages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium and loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages

Texas also has special laws in place for particularly reckless drivers, awarding the victim punitive damages. These are also called "punishment damages," intended to discourage reckless behavior.

Proving Your Car Accident Claim

For you to recover damages after an auto wreck injury, you must prove:

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  • The driver(s) owed you a duty of care
  • The driver(s) neglected that duty (i.e., were negligent)
  • That neglect of duty directly caused the accident
  • You were hurt as a result

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Injured in a traffic accident in Bexar County? Call the personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw at 866-216-5473 for immediate, 24/7 assistance. Our auto wreck lawyers are here to help you get a fair settlement from the insurance companies.

Common Acts of Negligence Causing Accidents

If you want to recover compensation after a Texas car wreck, you have to prove that the other driver was responsible for the accident. That means you and our personal injury attorneys are tasked with demonstrating that the other driver's negligence caused your injury. Drivers owe each other a duty of care to follow the rules of the road and prioritize the safety of other drivers and pedestrians.

Negligent Driving

Common acts of negligence, which are a breach of this duty, include:

  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Texting and driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Running stop signs
  • Ignoring traffic signals
  • Failure to yield
Reckless Driving

Sometimes, drivers are more than just negligent. Reckless actions go beyond simple carelessness and include things like:

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  • Drunk driving
  • Aggressive driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs
  • Street racing
  • Road rage
  • Extreme speeding

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Proving negligence falls to the injured party and can be difficult without access to the proper resources. Because of this, if you are hurt in an auto accident, it's a good idea to talk to the experienced personal injury attorneys in our firm about your case.

Why Contact Carabin Shaw?

Helping injured Texans since 1992, our personal injury lawyers take on all kinds of injury claims, from truck and 18-wheeler accidents to motorcycle accidents, work accidents, and many more.

If we don't win, you don't pay. The Carabin Shaw law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don't have to pay us anything until we win your case. If you are still laid up, we will come to you. We might also facilitate rental cars, medical help, and whatever else might be needed.

Free Case Review

Get expert legal advice for your case from our San Antonio car accident lawyers. Call Shaw at 866-216-5473 to talk to our experienced legal team about your claim for free.

Dangerous Roads and Accident Statistics in San Antonio The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in San Antonio
  • Loop 410 - over 3,440 accidents
  • IH 10 - over 3,000 crashes
  • IH 35 - over 3,000 accidents
  • Loop 1604 - over 1,800 crashes
  • US 281 / San Pedro - over 1,300 accidents
  • US 90 - just under 1,000 crashes
  • Culebra Road and Loop 410
  • Loop 410 and Marbach Road
  • Braun Road and Loop 1604
  • IH 35 and Walzem Road
San Antonio Accident Statistics for 2024

Accidents are increasingly common in San Antonio. Here's a summary of the accident data from TxDOT for 2024:

  • 39,805 total crashes
  • 162 fatal accidents
  • 596 suspected serious crashes resulting in 686 serious injuries
  • 6,089 suspected minor crashes resulting in 8,327 minor injuries
  • 5,286 possible injury crashes
  • 9,017 possible injuries
  • 25,431 non-injury crashes
  • 70,733 non-injuries
  • 2,240 crashes of unknown severity
  • 11,569 unknown injuries
Common Causes of San Antonio Car Accidents Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers

Drunk drivers are killing and injuring Texans across the state every day. Every 44 minutes, someone in this country dies from a drunk driving accident. Over 11,900 people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2024.

In our opinion, drunk drivers should be punished harshly for killing and hurting innocent victims. Because drunk driving is more than simply negligent, victims of drunk driving accidents can claim actual and punitive damages. In addition, bars and nightclubs can also bear liability for a drunk-driving accident, though it does not diminish the liability that the driver holds.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers know the laws governing legal responsibility. They can help you identify who might be responsible for your injuries, including people or businesses you may not have considered.

Accidents Caused by Defective Vehicles

Roughly 2%, or 120,000 accidents per year, are caused by defective vehicles. When a defective vehicle part causes an accident, neither driver involved is typically to blame. In such cases, a car manufacturer or a supplier can be held responsible for injuries caused by a defect in the automobile under the law of product liability.

A product liability suit is a lawsuit brought against a company for selling a defective product that caused physical injury to a consumer or user. If a product manufacturer creates a defective product in designing, manufacturing, or labeling, the manufacturer is liable for any injuries the product causes, regardless of whether the manufacturer was negligent.

Accidents Caused by Highway or Road Defects

According to TxDOT, 554,146 accidents in Texas involved roadway conditions in 2024, including 63,973 wet-road crashes. Sometimes, defects in the road or signage can cause an accident involving one or more vehicles. Common highway defects that cause serious car crashes in San Antonio include:

  • Improper or unsafe designs
  • Lack of maintenance (cracks, potholes, etc.)
  • Construction hazards (debris, improperly placed cones, etc.)
  • Defective signs
  • Lack of proper lighting
  • Poorly placed trees
  • Poorly placed utility poles

The road construction company or even the state can be held responsible in such car crash cases. Special rules apply to claims and lawsuits brought against governmental entities.

Get the best advice from our San Antonio car accident attorneys. Call us and speak with one of our experienced car accident lawyers at 866-216-5473 for immediate assistance to see if we can get you maximum compensation.

Road Rage Incidents

Road rage caused 1,713 accidents in Texas in 2024, with 7 of them being fatal. Road rage is defined as "an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle, or an assault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway." It can be exhibited in many ways, including:

  • Yelling
  • Threatening
  • Aggressive driving
  • Tailgating
  • Brake-checking
  • Intentionally cutting people off
  • Making unsafe lane changes

Texas law enforcement agencies are renewing efforts to identify and penalize aggressive drivers who speed, tailgate, and engage in other dangerous driving practices. According to the NHTSA, more than 60 percent of drivers consider unsafe driving by others - including speeding - a major personal threat to themselves and their families.

A driver may also be found liable for an accident due to intentional or reckless conduct, or for failing to act as a reasonable driver would under the same circumstances. A reckless driver operates a vehicle with "willful and wanton disregard" for the rights and well-being of others.

What to Do After a San Antonio Auto Accident

What you do after an accident can directly affect your ability to file a claim. If you were hurt in a Texas motor vehicle accident, here's what to do to protect your claim. If you are not seriously injured, stay calm and take specific steps to ensure your and others' safety.

Steps to Take at the Scene
  • Check for injuries: Evaluate yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, immediately call 911 and request EMS. If you can't do so, ask a bystander to do it. Provide the dispatcher with the location of the accident and describe the situation thoroughly.
  • Move to a safe location: If you can move your vehicles to a nearby parking lot or shoulder, do so. Turn on your hazard lights, flares, or warning triangles to warn other drivers if you cannot move your car.
  • Assess the situation: Determine the extent of damage to your vehicle and any others involved. Check for hazards such as leaking fluids, damaged power lines, or fires. If these exist, keep a safe distance and warn others.
  • Collect and exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). Get names, phone numbers, addresses, driver's licenses, and insurance information. Note the vehicles' make, model, and license plate numbers. Be polite, but avoid admitting fault or assigning blame.
  • Gather evidence: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and the positions of vehicles. Look for witnesses and get their contact information.
  • Call the police: If damage to either vehicle exceeds $1,000 or if anyone is injured, you must report the accident to the police. The police will issue an accident report, which is usually required to file an insurance claim. Cooperate with the responding officer and provide accurate information.
Steps to Take After Leaving the Scene
  • Report the accident to your insurance company: Do this quickly, as any delay could impact your claim. Provide the accident details, including the other driver's information and the police report, and follow their instructions for filing a claim.
  • Seek medical attention: Even if you don't feel injured, get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries don't show themselves immediately but are life-threatening if not treated quickly. Keep all medical records related to the accident.
  • Follow up with insurance: Work closely with your insurance to process your claim, including vehicle repairs and medical expenses.
  • Call Shaw: If the accident involved serious injuries, traumatic brain injuries, soft tissue injuries, fatalities, disputed liability, or complex legal issues, consult the experienced accident lawyers at our firm. Several of our attorneys are board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
  • Stay off social media: Do not post about your accident online - insurance adjusters will look there to find inconsistencies in your statements.
  • Track expenses: Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, vehicle repair receipts, rental car costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Vehicle repair: Arrange for your vehicle to be repaired by an insurance-approved repair shop or a trusted mechanic.
  • Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on the progress of your insurance claim and any legal proceedings.
  • Consider counseling: Some accident victims experience emotional trauma or post-traumatic stress. Don't hesitate to seek counseling or support if you struggle to cope with the emotional aftermath.

Remember that every accident is unique, and the steps you must take may vary based on the circumstances. Prioritizing safety, gathering information, and seeking professional guidance when necessary are crucial to handling a claim effectively and responsibly.

Injured in a Texas vehicle accident? Call Shaw at 866-216-5473.

What If the Accident Wasn't My Fault?

Texas is an at-fault state. The person who caused the accident is responsible for covering the cost. Drivers are required to carry liability insurance coverage, with minimums determined by the state. The at-fault driver's liability insurance should cover the damages to the other party (you) up to the policy limits.

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If the other driver is determined to be at fault, their insurance is responsible for paying for your damages, including vehicle repairs and medical expenses, within the limits of their policy. Getting to the bottom of your accident can vary and may involve the police accident report, witness statements, photographic evidence, and other factors. The insurance company and, if necessary, the court will evaluate the evidence to establish who was negligent or at fault. But establishing fault can get complicated.

Insurance companies aren't exactly known for wanting to pay out claims. Victims of accidents are often left struggling with disputed liability; the insurance adjuster might suggest that claimants are lying about their injuries, use unnecessary delay strategies, or use other common tactics designed to diminish the value of their claims. Fortunately, victims of traffic accident injuries in Texas have the right to secure legal representation in their accident claims.

You don't have to fight alone. Call Shaw at 866-216-5473 for a powerful ally in the fight for justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About San Antonio Auto Accidents
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in San Antonio?

You may not need a lawyer for a minor fender bender with no injured parties and little property damage. But if you were seriously injured and can't go to work, the insurance company is delaying or denying your claim, or the crash involved serious damages, speaking with our San Antonio personal injury attorneys can help protect your rights. See Carabin Shaw's FAQ page: Do You Need a Lawyer?

What Are My Rights After a Serious Car Accident?

After a serious injury crash, you may have the right to file a claim and seek compensation from the at-fault party. Hire our San Antonio auto accident attorneys, and we will take care of the rest. For more detail, see Carabin Shaw's page on FAQs After a Serious Accident.

How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?

The value of your accident case depends on several factors, most of all the severity of your injuries, length of medical treatment, future medical needs, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, available insurance coverage, liability, and whether the at-fault driver was drunk or reckless. More here: How Much Is My Case Worth?

What If I Was Partly at Fault?

Texas uses a comparative negligence system. If you are found partly responsible for the accident, your payout may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you had more than 50% of the fault assigned, you may not be able to recover compensation. Carabin Shaw explains this issue here: What Is Comparative Negligence in Texas?

How Much Does It Cost to Hire the Carabin Shaw Accident Attorneys?

Our law firm represents injured clients on a contingency-fee basis, which means clients do not pay any attorney's fees unless our legal team wins your personal injury claim and obtains a recovery. See: Understanding Contingent Fee Contracts - How much does it cost to hire Carabin Shaw?

Can I Talk to the Insurance Company After the Accident?

Always use caution when giving statements to an insurance company, especially the other driver's insurer. Insurance adjusters may use your statements to dispute fault, devalue your injuries, or try to reduce the value of your case. See Carabin Shaw's FAQ page for insurance and claim questions.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Crash?

That depends on how badly you were hurt. If you have to go to the hospital, have a family member call us. Otherwise, after a crash, seek medical attention, call the police, take pictures of the scene, exchange information, get witness contact details, report the crash to your insurer, and avoid admitting fault. Carabin Shaw provides additional post-accident guidance on its FAQ page.

What If the Accident Was Caused by a Drunk Driver?

If you were injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. In some cases, other parties may also be investigated, such as a bar or restaurant that served the liquor. See: Injured by an Intoxicated or Drunk Driver in Texas and Need an Attorney?

What If the Crash Was Caused by Texting or Distracted Driving?

The at-fault driver may be liable if they were texting, using the phone, or distracted in any other way that caused the crash. Evidence such as phone records, witness statements, police reports, and vehicle data may help prove the claim. See Carabin Shaw's page: Texting and Driving Injuries.

What If Road Rage or Aggressive Driving Caused My Accident?

Aggressive driving and road rage can involve speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, cutting off other drivers, threats, or other dangerous conduct. If road rage or aggressive driving caused your injuries, our injury attorneys can review the crash report, witness statements, and other evidence to determine liability. See: Aggressive Driving and Road Rage.

How Long Will It Take Before I Get My Money?

It depends on how badly you were hurt, the duration of medical treatment, whether fault is disputed, the insurance company's cooperation, and whether we have to go to court to get you compensated. See: How Long Does It Take to Get a Car Accident Settlement?

Will I Have to Go to Court for My Vehicle Accident Case?

Most auto accident claims settle, but some cases require litigation if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer or disputes liability, injuries, or damages. See Carabin Shaw's FAQ page for court and settlement questions.

What If a Loved One Was Killed in a Bexar County Car Accident?

If you lost a loved one in a traffic accident because of another driver's negligence, certain surviving family members may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim. These cases can involve funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages. See: Can I Sue If a Family Member Was Killed in an Accident?

Resources and Links Helpful Resources Texas Injury Lawyers Blog - Automobile Accidents Texas Accident & Injury News - Car Accidents
Texas Injury Lawyers Blog - Automobile Accidents
Texas Accident & Injury News - Car Accidents
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