Elderly Pedestrian in Critical Condition After Being Thrown 20 Yards by Passing Vehicle

According to a News4SanAntonio report, an elderly man was hospitalized after a severe pedestrian accident on Monday evening.¹

Police reported the crash occurred around 7 p.m. on Monday, December 8th, on Southwest Military Drive near Roosevelt Avenue. Investigators say the man (believed to be in his late 70s to early 80s) stepped into the street and was struck by a small SUV. The impact threw him an estimated 20 yards, from near the IBC Bank to the Pika Pika sign nearby.

EMS transported him to the San Antonio Military Medical Center in critical condition. The driver remained at the scene and showed no signs of intoxication. Detectives are requesting witnesses to help determine what led up to the impact. The investigation is ongoing.

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Did You Know?

1,518 accidents in Texas last year were caused by a driver failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian, according to TxDOT data.²

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Why Are the Elderly at Greater Risk of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents can happen to anyone—but older adults face risks that younger pedestrians simply don’t. As we get older, even everyday tasks like crossing a busy street or judging a vehicle’s distance can become more challenging. Unfortunately, that means elderly pedestrians are far more likely to suffer severe or life-threatening injuries when a crash occurs.

1. Reduced Vision and Hearing

Age-related changes can make it difficult to:

• See approaching vehicles, especially at dusk

• Notice turning cars in peripheral vision

• Distinguish traffic sounds, horns, or engine noise

• Recognize how fast a vehicle is approaching

When vision or hearing is impaired, a simple miscalculation can put an older pedestrian directly in a driver’s path.

2. Slower Walking and Reaction Speeds

Crosswalk timers and gaps in traffic are often based on the pace of younger adults. Seniors may still be crossing when:

• Lights change

• Turning vehicles begin moving

• Drivers accelerate through intersections

Even a one-second delay in crossing can lead to tragedy.

3. Mobility or Balance Issues

Conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, or general balance instability can make it harder to navigate curbs, step down from sidewalks, or avoid tripping hazards. An unexpected stumble can put a pedestrian directly into traffic within a split second.

4. Medication Side Effects

Many seniors take medications that can impact:

• Alertness

• Judgment

• Reaction time

• Depth perception

Even mild side effects can impair judgment when stepping into the roadway.

5. Greater Risk of Severe Injury

When a vehicle strikes an elderly pedestrian, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic because of age-related fragility. Common outcomes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Pelvic, hip, or leg fractures

• Internal bleeding

• Prolonged hospitalization

• Complications during recovery

This is why accidents that might be survivable for younger pedestrians are frequently life-threatening for seniors.

How Drivers Can Help Prevent These Crashes

While seniors can take precautions, drivers play an enormous role in preventing these accidents. You can help keep our elderly neighbors safe by:

• Slowing down near crosswalks, bus stops, and shopping centers

• Staying alert at dusk or dawn, when visibility drops

• Giving older pedestrians extra time to cross

• Avoiding distractions — especially phones and GPS

A few seconds of patience behind the wheel can prevent a devastating tragedy.

What to Do if You’re Hit as a Pedestrian in San Antonio

If you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian accident, take these steps to protect your safety and your legal rights:

• Call 911 immediately

• Get medical care, even if injuries seem minor

• Document the scene — photos, video, debris, traffic signals, vehicle damage

• Get witness information

• Do not give recorded statements to insurance without legal guidance

• Speak with a pedestrian injury attorney as soon as possible

These cases often involve complex questions of visibility, right of way, and driver negligence. Fast action helps preserve crucial evidence.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in San Antonio? Call Shaw.

Pedestrians — especially our elderly residents — deserve protection on Texas roads. If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident due to a driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency treatment

• Hospital bills

• Surgery or rehabilitation

• Pain and suffering

• Lost income

• Wrongful death damages

• 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 an experienced San Antonio pedestrian accident attorney.
No fees. No pressure. Just expert legal advice when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.

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¹News4SanAntonio report
²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors 2024