Man Killed in Hit-and-Run After Single-Vehicle Crash Along I-35 Access Road

According to a News4SanAntonio report, a man was struck and killed after surviving a single-vehicle crash last week.¹

Police reported the accident happened at around 2:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, along the I-35 access road near Binz-Engleman Road, not far from Fort Sam Houston.

The unidentified man was headed northbound along the access road when he lost control and crashed into a guardrail. He then exited his vehicle, only to be struck by a passing vehicle.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver who struck him fled the area. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Did You Know?

Driver inattention contributed to 81,101 crashes across Texas in 2024, according to TxDOT data.²

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Should You Stay in Your Vehicle After an Accident?

After a crash, many drivers instinctively want to get out of the vehicle immediately. They may be disoriented, trying to assess the damage, or attempting to move to safety.

But on busy highways and access roads—especially at night—leaving your vehicle often places you in even greater danger.

When Staying Inside the Vehicle May Be Safer

In many situations, your vehicle provides more protection than standing near moving traffic.

If the vehicle is still operable and you can safely move it, you should move onto the shoulder or another safe location near the accident scene and remaining inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.

This is especially important:

• At night or in low-visibility conditions
• On highways or access roads with fast-moving traffic
• In areas with narrow shoulders
• When other drivers may not see you in time

Pedestrians near highways are extremely vulnerable, particularly when drivers are distracted, fatigued, or speeding.

When You Should Exit the Vehicle

There are situations where remaining inside the vehicle may actually be more dangerous.

You should generally exit the vehicle if:

• The vehicle is on fire or smoking
• You smell fuel or see leaking fluids
• The vehicle is disabled in an active traffic lane with no protection
• Remaining inside creates an immediate safety risk

If you must exit the vehicle, move as far away from traffic as possible and stay behind barriers or guardrails when available.

When You Should Move Your Vehicle

In Texas, drivers are required to move vehicles out of active traffic lanes after minor accidents if the vehicle can be safely driven. This helps reduce the risk of secondary crashes and keeps traffic moving safely.

Moving your vehicle to the shoulder, a nearby parking lot, or another safe location is not considered leaving the scene of an accident—as long as you remain nearby, exchange information, and cooperate with law enforcement.

If the vehicle cannot be moved safely, turn on your hazard lights and remain inside the vehicle when possible while waiting for emergency responders.

Example Scenarios After a Crash

Every accident is different, which means the safest response depends on the situation.

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Scenario 1: Staying Inside the Vehicle Is Safer

John crashes into a guardrail late at night on a busy highway access road. His vehicle is still drivable, so he pulls onto the shoulder, turns on his hazard lights, and stays inside with his seatbelt fastened while waiting for police.

In this situation, staying inside the vehicle is safer because nearby drivers may not see pedestrians standing near the roadway in the dark.

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Scenario 2: Stay Inside and Move Your Vehicle

Michelle is involved in a minor rear-end accident during daytime traffic. Both vehicles are still operable and blocking an active lane.

Texas law generally requires drivers to move operable vehicles out of traffic after a minor accident when it can be done safely. Michelle moves her vehicle into a nearby parking lot, exchanges information with the other driver, and waits there for law enforcement.

Moving the vehicles helps reduce the risk of another crash and is not considered leaving the scene of the accident.

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Scenario 3: You Should Exit the Vehicle Immediately

David is involved in a crash and notices smoke coming from the engine along with the smell of gasoline. He immediately exits the vehicle and moves behind a nearby guardrail away from traffic.

When a vehicle is smoking, leaking fuel, or at risk of catching fire, remaining inside can be extremely dangerous. In these situations, drivers should move as far away from the vehicle and traffic as possible.

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When Drivers Flee the Scene

When a driver flees after striking someone, investigations become significantly more complicated. Police may rely on surveillance footage, debris, witness statements, and vehicle evidence to identify the driver.

Families affected by hit-and-run crashes may still have options for financial recovery, even if the driver is not immediately identified.

Lost a Loved One in a Hit-and-Run Accident? Call Shaw.

If your family lost someone in a hit-and-run crash anywhere in San Antonio, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Loss of financial support and companionship
• And more

At Carabin Shaw, we’ll help you find out for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to learn more about your legal options from an expert wrongful death lawyer in San Antonio. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice from a firm that puts their clients first.

We look forward to serving you.