Pedestrians must take extra care when crossing the street at night.
Woman Killed While Attempting to Cross South-Side Street
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a woman died late Thursday night after being hit by a passing sedan.¹
Police say the crash happened around 10:30 p.m. on August 21 on Southeast Military Drive near South Presa Street. The woman was crossing the road with a small child, but outside of a crosswalk. The child was uninjured.
The woman was rushed to the hospital but later died from her injuries. A family member was called to pick up the child. The driver stopped, called for help, and stayed on scene to render aid. Police confirmed that no charges were filed.
Did You Know?
In 2024, there were 2,445 Texas crashes caused by pedestrians failing to yield the right of way to vehicles.²
Safely Crossing the Street at Night and What to Do If You’re Injured
Pedestrian safety is an ongoing concern in San Antonio, especially at night. Unfortunately, crashes like the one on Southeast Military Drive are not rare. When pedestrians and drivers are both navigating poorly lit streets, the risks rise dramatically.
Why Nighttime Crossing Is So Dangerous
Crossing a busy street at night presents unique risks. Even when drivers are paying attention, several factors can increase the chance of tragedy:
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Low visibility. Drivers struggle to see pedestrians when the lighting is poor.
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Driver fatigue. At night, drivers are more likely to be tired and slower to react.
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Dark clothing. Without reflective gear, pedestrians are almost invisible.
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Mid-block crossing. Stepping into traffic outside a crosswalk is one of the riskiest behaviors that leads to accidents.
Safety Tips for Crossing at Night
You can’t control the actions of other drivers, but you can lower your risk by taking a few precautions:
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Always use crosswalks or intersections, even if it takes longer.
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Wear bright or reflective clothing and consider carrying a small flashlight.
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Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the road.
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Avoid distractions — keep your eyes up and your ears open.
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Teach children safe crossing habits early, since they copy adult behavior.
Of course, you can do everything right and still be injured in a pedestrian accident.
Who Can Be at Fault?
In Texas, fault in pedestrian crashes is not always clear-cut. Liability depends on the facts of the case.
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Driver negligence. A speeding, distracted, or impaired driver can be found at fault.
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Pedestrian behavior. Ignoring signals, jaywalking, or running into traffic may shift liability.
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Shared responsibility. Texas follows comparative negligence rules, which means a pedestrian can still recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault—but their compensation is reduced by their share of fault.
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Other factors. Poor street lighting, blocked sightlines, or unsafe road design may also play a role.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or someone you love is involved in a pedestrian crash:
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Call 911 (you are legally required to do this if anyone is injured in an accident in Texas)
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Get medical care, even if injuries don’t seem serious right away.
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Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness contacts.
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Gather driver and insurance info.
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Contact an attorney quickly to protect your rights and secure evidence.
Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Pedestrian Accident? Call Shaw.
Pedestrian crashes often leave families facing medical bills, lost wages, and overwhelming grief. If you or your loved one has been injured in San Antonio, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Emergency care and hospital bills
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Rehabilitation and future medical needs
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Lost income and reduced earning ability
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Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
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Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 for a free case evaluation with an experienced pedestrian injury lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees or obligations attached–just the expert legal advice you need when it matters most.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.