2 Children, 1 Adult Dead, 2 Others Hospitalized After Major Accident on I-10 in Comfort

(Update) Texas DPS officials say the pickup was stopped at a red light when the tractor-trailer struck it from behind. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.

According to a News4SanAntonio report, a major accident on I-10 left three people dead and two people injured yesterday afternoon.¹

Texas DPS troopers reported that the accident happened at around 3:15 p.m. on Monday, October 27th, near mile marker 524 of I-10 in Kendall County. The preliminary investigation found that a silver pickup truck was stopped in the right traffic lane when it was struck by a semi-truck. 23-year-old Giselle Cristobal and two male children were pronounced dead at the scene. A 35-year-old woman (the driver) and a 2-year-old girl were airlifted to San Antonio for treatment in unknown condition.

It is not clear why the pickup truck was stopped on the highway. No other injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing.

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Did You Know?

1,703 crashes in Texas last year were caused by a vehicle disabled in a traffic lane.²

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Disabled Vehicle Accidents — Who’s to Blame?

Few experiences are more stressful than breaking down in traffic. One minute, you’re driving; the next, your engine cuts off or a tire blows, and you’re stranded in the middle of a busy lane with cars flying past. Unfortunately, when another vehicle crashes into a stopped car, the situation can quickly turn tragic — as it did on I-10 in Comfort.

So when a vehicle becomes disabled on the road, who’s responsible if an accident happens? The answer depends on what caused the breakdown and how everyone involved responded afterward.

When the Disabled Vehicle’s Driver May Be at Fault

In some cases, the driver of the disabled vehicle can be found at least partially responsible. For example:

• Failure to move off the road: If a driver could have safely steered onto the shoulder but didn’t, they may be considered negligent.

• No hazard lights or warning signals: Drivers are required to turn on emergency flashers and, when possible, use flares or reflective triangles to warn other drivers. If they don’t, they could be held responsible.

• Negligent maintenance: If a vehicle breaks down because the owner ignored known mechanical problems — like bald tires or faulty brakes — that may also be considered negligence.

Texas law expects every driver to take reasonable steps to maintain their vehicles and to avoid putting others in danger by moving accidents off the road whenever possible.

However, just because the driver of the disabled vehicle bears some liability doesn’t mean that no one else can also bear some of the blame.

When Other Drivers May Be Liable

Not every crash involving a disabled vehicle is automatically the fault of the driver who broke down. Other motorists can also share responsibility if they were:

• Speeding or tailgating, leaving them no time to react to the disabled vehicle.

• Distracted — such as texting or looking away from the road, eliminating their ability to respond quickly.

• Driving under the influence or otherwise impaired.

Even if a car is disabled in a dangerous spot, other drivers still have a duty to stay alert and drive cautiously, especially when visibility is low or traffic is heavy. If they fail to do so, they can be held partially or entirely at fault for the accident.

Third-Party and Equipment Liability

Sometimes, the cause goes beyond the drivers themselves. Fault could also lie with:

• The manufacturer could be liable if a defective part (like a tire blowout or engine failure) led to the vehicle becoming disabled.

• A repair shop or mechanic, if improper maintenance work caused the breakdown.

• Government agencies, in rare cases, where poor road design or lack of signage contributed to the crash.

In multi-vehicle accidents involving commercial trucks — like the Seguin crash earlier this month — investigators may also review company maintenance logs, driver fatigue records, and black-box data to determine all contributing factors.

Staying Safe if Your Vehicle Breaks Down

If your car stalls or your tire blows out while you’re driving:

1. Try to steer to the shoulder or nearest exit, even if the vehicle is coasting.

2. Turn on hazard lights immediately.

3. Call for roadside assistance and remain in your vehicle if the road is busy.

4. Never stand behind or beside your car in active traffic lanes — it’s safer to stay belted inside.

These steps won’t prevent every accident, but they can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.

Injured in a Disabled Vehicle Accident? Call Shaw.

If you were injured in an accident involving a disabled vehicle that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:

• Ambulance Costs,
• ER Treatment,
• Medical Bills,
• Pain and Suffering, 
• Missed Work,
• Property Damage,
• And More.

We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident lawyer in San Antonio. No fees, no obligations—just the expert legal advice you need when you need it the most.

We look forward to serving you.

 

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¹News4SanAntonio report

²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors (2024)