
Wrong-way drivers are a frequent cause of head-on collisions.
Two Adults and One Child Injured, Driver on the Run After Head-On Collision on the West Side
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a stolen vehicle caused a head-on collision last night that injured three people.¹
Police reported the accident happened at around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, October 29th, on North General McMullen Street near Ruiz Street on the West Side. Witnesses told police that an SUV in the southbound lanes jumped the concrete median, crashing head-on into a GMC Yukon traveling northbound. Two men were seen running from the SUV, which was reported stolen.
Firefighters used Jaws of Life to rescue two adults and one child from the GMC Yukon. One 34-year-old woman was taken to the hospital for serious injuries to her leg. The condition of the other adult and the child was not reported.
Investigators are working to identify suspects. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Driving on the wrong side of a two-way street (not passing) caused 1,787 accidents statewide in 2024.²
Accidents With Wrong-Way Drivers
Few things are more terrifying than seeing headlights coming straight at you. Wrong-way crashes often happen suddenly, give drivers almost no time to react, and are among the deadliest types of car accidents in Texas. The recent collision on North General McMullen is a reminder of how quickly these situations can turn dangerous — especially when stolen vehicles or reckless drivers are involved.
Why Wrong-Way Crashes Happen
Most wrong-way accidents stem from a small set of common factors. Among the most frequent causes are:
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Impaired driving – Alcohol or drugs are the leading causes of wrong-way crashes in Texas.
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Distracted driving – GPS errors or inattentive driving can cause motorists to enter the wrong ramp or lane.
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Fatigue – Tired drivers can lose awareness and drift into oncoming lanes.
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Poor visibility – Low light, missing signage, or confusing intersections increase the risk of wrong-way entry.
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Stolen or reckless driving – Drivers fleeing police, like in the West Side crash, often ignore road signs entirely.
When wrong-way drivers are involved, the outcome is almost always severe. Head-on impacts at high speed multiply the force of a crash and significantly increase the risk of serious injury or death.
How to Avoid a Wrong-Way Collision
While not every wrong-way accident can be prevented, drivers can take a few steps to reduce their risk:
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Stay alert at night. The majority of wrong-way crashes occur between midnight and 3 a.m.
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Use the right lane on highways. Wrong-way drivers tend to enter from ramps on the left.
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Keep your headlights clean and bright. Visibility gives you precious seconds to react.
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Avoid distractions. Phones, food, or in-car screens make it harder to recognize a wrong-way vehicle in time.
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Pull over if you see headlights coming toward you. Move immediately to the shoulder or ditch and call 911.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Determining liability in wrong-way accidents often depends on why the driver was going the wrong direction.
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The driver – If they were intoxicated, reckless, or fleeing police, they are almost always at fault.
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A third party – If poor signage, lack of road lighting, or improper ramp markings contributed, local agencies or contractors may share liability.
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The vehicle owner – In stolen vehicle cases, the driver is criminally responsible, but owners may still be questioned if keys were left accessible or the car was left running.
Victims of wrong-way crashes — including passengers and other motorists — may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Injured by a Wrong-Way Driver in Texas? Call Shaw.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a wrong-way driver, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Ongoing Medical Care,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Missed Work,
- Property Damage,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 for a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident lawyer in San Antonio. No fees, no obligations, just the expert legal advice you need.
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.
²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors (2024)
Texas Accident & Injury News

