
What happens if a road sign causes an accident?
Driver Unresponsive, Seriously Injured After Accident With a Road Sign on Loop 1604
According to a KSAT News report, a driver was rescued from their burning vehicle unresponsive after an accident on Loop 1604 today.
BSCO reported the accident happened sometime this morning in the northbound lanes of Loop 1604 near Marbach in West Bexar County. The preliminary report stated that a driver was pulled from a burning Toyota 4Runner by fire crews after striking an overhead highway sign. The person was unresponsive and had sustained serious bodily injury. Another vehicle was involved, and BCSO found them in the grassy median when they arrived on the scene–however, it was not clear if they struck the other vehicle.
There were no other reported injuries. TxDOT also arrived on the scene due to the sign being struck, which affected its integrity. No further information is available at this time.
Did You Know?
There were 48,522 car accidents in Bexar County in 2024, according to TxDOT data.
When Vehicles Hit Road Infrastructure: Causes, Injury Risks & Liability
Crashes like this highlight a dangerous — and often overlooked — risk on Texas highways: collisions with fixed road infrastructure. Hitting objects like overhead signs, guardrails, utility poles, or bridge supports can dramatically increase the severity of injuries.
According to TxDOT, fixed-object crashes account for a significant portion of roadway fatalities and severe injuries each year. Common fixed objects involved in crashes include:
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Overhead signs
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Utility poles
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Trees
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Guardrails
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Bridge supports
How to Stay Safe
Many collisions with road infrastructure occur because a driver swerves to avoid sudden hazards, such as:
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Animals on the roadway
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Debris or loose cargo
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Other vehicles making sudden maneuvers
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Slick or uneven road conditions
You can reduce your risk by:
- Staying alert for merging vehicles or sudden lane changes
- Avoiding distractions behind the wheel
- Maintaining safe speeds, especially near ramps and construction zones
- Reporting damaged or unstable signs and structures to TxDOT or local authorities
Why Documentation Matters After a Crash
If you’re involved in a crash—especially one involving fixed objects—it’s essential to document everything for any potential insurance or legal claim. Critical information includes:
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Photos & Videos: Take clear images of the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and the object struck.
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Official Reports: Obtain the crash report from law enforcement and collect any witness statements.
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Medical Records: Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Keep detailed records of all diagnoses and treatments.
Who Might Be Liable If You Hit Highway Infrastructure?
Many drivers think the only potential fault in a crash lies with another driver—but that’s not always the case. When a vehicle hits highway infrastructure, several parties could share liability, including:
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Other Drivers: Another driver’s negligent actions—like swerving into your lane or braking abruptly—could force you off the road and into fixed objects. Even if they didn’t physically hit your vehicle, they could still be liable.
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Government Entities (e.g., TxDOT): State or local agencies might be responsible if poor road design, obscured signage, or lack of maintenance contributed to the crash.
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Contractors: Companies working on road construction, temporary signage, or repairs could be liable if unsafe work zones or signage placement caused hazardous conditions.
Identifying who is legally responsible requires a thorough investigation, which is why it’s crucial to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Were You Injured in a Crash With Road Infrastructure? Call Shaw!
If you were hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- Emergency Treatment,
- Medical Expenses,
- Property Damage,
- Missed Work,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Wrongful Death,
- 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 Texas. There are no fees or obligations attached–just the expert advice you need when you need it the most.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio for over 32 years because we put our clients first.
We look forward to serving you.
³TxDOT First Harmful Event Data
Texas Accident & Injury News

