Texas Accident & Injury News
Falls from vehicles often result in critical head and spinal injury.
Teenager Critically Injured After Falling from a Vehicle While Celebrating a Spurs Win
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a teenager is fighting for his life after a celebration gone wrong last Wednesday night.
Police reported the accident happened sometime late Wednesday evening in the 300 block of W. Dickson Avenue in South Central San Antonio.
Officers were notified Thursday, May 29, at approximately 10:33 a.m. that a 17-year-old male had fallen from a vehicle after it struck a curb the night before during a celebration following the Spurs’ victory. The teen suffered a severe head injury.
Friends rushed him to the emergency room before EMS arrived. The teen was later identified by family members as Joey Rodriguez. He was transferred to University Hospital due to severe brain swelling.
As of Sunday, May 31, he remained on life support.
SAPD extended its condolences to the family on Friday:
“The San Antonio Police Department extends our sympathy to the family, friends and loved ones affected by this tragic and preventable incident. This serves as an important reminder that public safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage everyone celebrating to follow traffic laws, stay inside of your vehicles and follow directions from the officers who are there to keep everyone safe.”
Did You Know?
18,218 people suffered serious injuries in crashes across Texas in 2024, according to TxDOT data.²
Celebrations Should Never End in Tragedy
Big wins bring people together.
Whether it’s a Spurs victory, a graduation, a championship game, or another major milestone, celebrations are a part of life.
Unfortunately, excitement can sometimes lead to decisions that seem harmless in the moment but carry serious consequences, especially when teenagers are involved.
Every year, people are seriously injured while riding in unsafe areas of vehicles, hanging out of windows, standing through sunroofs, or failing to wear seatbelts during celebrations.
Many of these incidents don’t involve a major collision at all. Instead, a sudden turn, a pothole, a curb, or a hard brake application causes someone to lose their balance and fall.
What begins as a celebration becomes a medical emergency in seconds.
Why Falls From Vehicles Cause Such Severe Injuries
Unlike occupants who are seated properly and wearing seatbelts, a person who falls from a vehicle has virtually no protection when they hit the ground.
Even at relatively low speeds, the force of striking pavement can cause catastrophic injuries.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
Head injuries are especially dangerous because swelling inside the brain can continue to worsen long after the initial impact. In some cases, a victim’s condition will deteriorate over the hours and days following the injury.
The Danger of Letting Your Guard Down
Many serious injuries happen because people view celebrations differently than everyday travel.
Passengers may sit on doors, ride in truck beds, stand through sunroofs, lean out of windows, or move around inside a vehicle while it is in motion. Drivers become distracted by passengers, noise, or the excitement around them.
The problem is that vehicles do not become safer because people are celebrating.
A vehicle weighing several thousand pounds can become dangerous instantly if someone loses their balance or is thrown from their position.
That’s why traffic laws and seatbelt requirements remain important, even during celebrations.
Talking to Teens About Vehicle Safety
Teenagers are often more willing to take risks than adults because they naturally focus on the fun of a situation rather than the potential consequences.
Parents should take opportunities to discuss vehicle safety beyond simply teaching teens how to drive. Conversations should include safe passenger behavior, seatbelt use, and the dangers of riding anywhere other than a properly designated seat.
Those conversations can be uncomfortable, but they can also save lives.
When Serious Injuries Lead to Legal Questions
When someone suffers a catastrophic injury after falling from a vehicle, investigators often examine whether negligence played a role.
Depending on the circumstances, questions may arise about:
- The driver’s actions
- Whether traffic laws were violated
- Whether unsafe passenger conduct contributed to the incident
- Whether another vehicle played a role
Cases involving severe head injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care, making it important for families to understand their legal options.
Injured in a Fall from a Vehicle? Call Shaw.
Catastrophic injury cases often involve significant medical expenses and complex investigations. Important evidence can disappear quickly, making it important to understand your rights as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a vehicle-related accident, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs
- ER Treatment
- Surgeries
- Medical Bills
- Pain and Suffering
- Lost Wages
- Future Medical Care
- Wrongful Death
- And More
We can help you find out for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our personal injury attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just experienced legal guidance. We put our clients first because we care.
We look forward to serving you.