Run-off-the-road accidents are more common at night.
Man Dead After Driving Off Loop 1604, Crashing Into Concrete Pillars Below
A man was killed after a single-vehicle crash along Loop 1604 on San Antonio’s Northeast Side, according to a report from News4SanAntonio.¹
Police say the crash likely happened sometime overnight, but officers were not alerted until around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, when they were called to Judson Road underneath Loop 1604 East.
Authorities reported that the unidentified driver—believed to be in his 40s or 50s—was traveling along Loop 1604 at a high rate of speed when his vehicle left the roadway and crashed into the concrete support pillars below the elevated highway.
When officers arrived, the vehicle was cold, leading investigators to believe the crash occurred several hours earlier. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into what caused the crash remains ongoing.
Did You Know?
In 2024, 1,353 people were killed in single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes across Texas, accounting for more than 32% of all traffic fatalities statewide, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation.²
Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Single-Vehicle Accident in Texas?
When a loved one is killed in a single-vehicle crash, families are often left with unanswered questions. Because no other car appears to be involved, many assume the crash was unavoidable—or that there is no legal path forward.
That isn’t always the case.
In certain situations, a single-vehicle crash may still involve negligence, and Texas law may allow surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Single-Vehicle Crashes Can Have Many Causes
A single-vehicle accident simply means that only one vehicle was damaged. While they are commonly the result of driver error, it does not automatically mean the driver was at fault.
These crashes often involve situations such as leaving the roadway, striking fixed objects like poles or barriers, or falling from elevated roads or ramps. But the most important question is why the vehicle left the road in the first place.
When Another Vehicle Is Involved—Without Ever Making Contact
In some tragic cases, another driver may cause a crash without ever touching the victim’s vehicle. These are often referred to as non-contact or phantom vehicle accidents.
This can happen when another driver:
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Cuts someone off at high speed
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Swerves suddenly into another lane
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Forces a vehicle off the road
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Stops abruptly or drives erratically
Even without physical contact, those actions may set a deadly chain of events in motion. While these cases can be harder to investigate, they are not uncommon—and they may still support a wrongful death claim.
Roadway Design and Safety Can Play a Role
Sometimes, the roadway itself contributes to a fatal crash. Elevated highways, sharp curves, or poorly designed exits can become especially dangerous when safety features are missing or inadequate. Highway construction can cause defects like this, even if only temporarily.
Contributing factors may include:
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Lack of guardrails or protective barriers
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Poor lighting or visibility
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Missing warning signs
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Dangerous or confusing road design
When unsafe road conditions are involved, a government entity may share responsibility. These claims are subject to strict notice deadlines, which makes early legal guidance especially important.
Vehicle Defects and Mechanical Failures
In other cases, a crash may be caused by a problem with the vehicle itself. Mechanical issues such as brake failure, tire defects, or steering malfunctions can cause a driver to lose control without warning.
When a defect or failure is involved, responsibility may extend to:
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The vehicle manufacturer
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A parts manufacturer
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A repair or maintenance provider
These cases often require expert investigation to determine what went wrong.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
Under Texas law, a wrongful death claim may be filed by the deceased person’s:
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Spouse
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Children
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Parents
These claims focus on the losses suffered by surviving family members, not just the details of the crash.
What Families May Be Able to Recover
Every case is different, but a wrongful death claim may help families seek compensation for losses such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and the mental anguish caused by a sudden and tragic death.
While no legal action can undo the loss, it can help provide accountability and financial stability during an incredibly difficult time.
Lost a Loved One in a Single-Vehicle Accident? Call Shaw.
Losing someone in a sudden crash can leave families overwhelmed and searching for answers. If your loved one was killed in a single-vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
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Funeral and burial expenses
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Emotional pain and suffering
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Loss of financial support
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Loss of companionship and guidance
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just clear, compassionate legal guidance when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.