Texas Accident & Injury News
Mental health can seriously impact driving.
Man Suffering Mental Health Episode Crashes Into Concrete Median on Highway 90
According to a report from News4SanAntonio, a man was injured after crashing into a concrete median on Highway 90 last Friday.¹
SAPD reported the accident happened at around 6:16 a.m. on April 10th in the 9100 block of U.S. Highway 90 West. Officers responded to a call about a single-vehicle crash involving a car that struck a concrete median.
Witnesses reported seeing the man outside the vehicle near the tires, though it remains unclear how he exited the car. Police say he was uncooperative and attempted to evade officers. He was ultimately assisted by police for his safety and the safety of those at the scene.
He was transported to the hospital in unknown condition. No other injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing, and details may change as more information becomes available.
Did You Know?
Driver inattention contributed to 81,101 crashes across Texas in 2024, according to TxDOT data.²
When Mental Health Impacts Driving
Driving demands constant attention, quick decision-making, and control under pressure. When a person experiences a mental health episode, those abilities can be significantly impaired in a matter of seconds.
This isn’t always something drivers plan for—and in many cases, it unfolds quickly. But once a driver loses the ability to safely operate a vehicle, the risk of a serious crash increases immediately.
How Mental Health Episodes Affect Driving Ability
A mental health episode can interfere with the exact skills required to drive safely. This includes awareness, coordination, and the ability to respond to changing road conditions.
Drivers in distress often experience:
- Confusion or disorientation that makes it difficult to stay oriented on the road
- Slowed reaction time when responding to traffic, signals, or hazards
- Difficulty focusing or processing what’s happening around them
- Panic-driven or erratic behavior behind the wheel
On a highway like U.S. 90, where speeds are high and space to recover is limited, even a brief lapse in control can result in a crash.
These Cases Require a Careful, Fact-Based Approach
Accidents involving mental health are not handled the same way as typical crashes. They raise important questions about both safety and responsibility.
Not every incident automatically involves negligence. At the same time, a medical or mental health condition does not automatically remove responsibility either.
Investigators look closely at the full context, including:
- Whether the episode was sudden or foreseeable
- Whether the driver had prior warning signs or known limitations
- Whether it was reasonable for the person to be driving at that time
- What actions were taken once symptoms began
These cases depend heavily on medical records, witness accounts, and the timeline leading up to the crash.
Safety Comes First For Drivers and Witnesses
When a mental health episode happens behind the wheel, immediate safety matters more than anything else.
If you are able to recognize symptoms early, take action right away:
- Pull over to a safe location as soon as possible
- Call for help or contact emergency services
- Do not continue driving once control is compromised
If you encounter someone on the road who appears disoriented or in distress, keep your distance and contact authorities. These situations can become unpredictable very quickly.
What to Do After an Accident Involving a Mental Health Episode
If you are involved in a crash where a medical or mental health issue may be a factor, you need to protect both your health and your legal position.
You should:
- Call 911 immediately—this ensures medical care and creates an official report
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries are not immediately obvious
- Document the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
- Cooperate with responding officers and provide accurate information
- Speak with a legal professional before discussing the incident with insurance companies
These cases are often complex, and early decisions can impact your ability to recover compensation.
Injured in an Accident Involving a Mental Health Episode in San Antonio? Call Shaw.
Accidents involving medical or mental health events can leave victims with serious injuries—and just as many unanswered questions. If you were hurt in a crash like this, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages during recovery
- And more
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just clear, compassionate guidance when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.