According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the roads in San Antonio are getting more and more dangerous each year. Since 2011, the total number of annual car accidents in the city has risen by around three thousand crashes. In 2014, there were almost forty thousand accidents in San Antonio, with 149 fatalities as a result. Although they are relatively rare, crashes caused by somebody driving the wrong way along a highway are continuing to rise each year, despite the local authorities improving attempts to address the issue such as installing flashing signs on several ramps to help drivers ensure that they are not going the wrong way.
What’s Causing the Rise in Accidents?
There are several factors that may contribute to this rise in accidents in San Antonio. As the economy gets stronger and the population grows, the simple fact that there are more vehicles on the road these days means that naturally there is going to be a higher number of crashes. Along with this, weather conditions and road work being carried out can also increase the risk of a crash.
Often, the accidents on the San Antonio roads could have been prevented by driver action and many auto accidents in the city are the direct result of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, using a cell phone at the wheel, or not paying proper attention to the road.
Drinking Related Car Accidents
Drinking-related car accidents have long been a problem in San Antonio and they continue to be an issue on the road. The San Antonio Police Department has used grants administered by TxDOT to more closely monitor the areas of the city where more DUIs tend to occur. The grants are there to provide more overtime pay, allowing officers and deputies to pay additional attention to the hotspots. Each night, around 10-15 officers are deployed specifically for the purpose of looking out for drunk drivers.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is a problem that often leads to accidents in not only San Antonio but everywhere in the US. These days, there are more and more distractions to deal with behind the wheel and not all of them are illegal. Using a cell phone while driving is against the law in San Antonio and a common causes of distracted driving crashes. Drivers who are using a cell phone to make a call or send a text are simply incapable of paying the right level of attention to the road, which is why it is always recommended that a hands-free kit is used or even better, pull over in a safe place if you need to use your phone.
Speeding Accidents
Another common cause of car accidents in San Antonio is speeding. Speed limits are there for a reason and are often carefully chosen in a way that is designed to reduce the number of accidents on any specific road. Speed limits on certain roads may be lowered if it is found that there have been a higher than average number of speeding incidents, or speed cameras might be installed to deter drivers from going too fast. The truth is that any driver who is speeding is not as in control of the car as they could be. This puts them and other drivers at a higher risk of being involved in a crash.
Weather Condition Accidents
Sometimes, the factors contributing to a crash are beyond the control of the drivers involved. Poor weather conditions are one such factor that can cause an unavoidable collision. Wet roads and poor visibility have the potential to lead to an accident even if you are driving as carefully as possible. For this reason, it’s always best to avoid driving wherever you can if the weather conditions are poor.
Reckless Driving/Not Paying Attention Accidents
Drivers who are driving recklessly or not paying the proper attention to their surroundings are also a top cause of car accidents on San Antonio roads. When driving, drivers have a duty of care to other road users to pay proper attention and drive in a way that avoids causing a collision. Along with speeding, other types of reckless driving might include sudden turns, not checking mirrors before changing lanes, tailgating, failing to use turn signals when turning, sudden braking, and more.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a San Antonio Car Accident
Sadly, no matter how careful you are when driving or how much attention you pay to the road, there is always the problem of other drivers. On any given day, you can simply never guarantee that you are going to be on the road with fellow safe and conscientious drivers like yourself. Reckless drivers, drivers who are distracted, or drivers who are under the influence of an illegal substance can cause a collision with your car that is in no way your fault.
If you’re involved in a car accident in San Antonio, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Along with this, document the scene as much as possible including taking photos and speaking to any witnesses. You should report the accident to the San Antonio Police Department and get a police report as soon as possible. Contact your insurance company to let them know about the collision.
Then, you should hire a San Antonio car accident lawyer. They will help by liaising with the insurance company on your behalf when it comes to filing your claim and negotiating your settlement. A good San Antonio car accident attorney will be aware of all the tricks that insurance companies use to try and get out of paying you and can handle the complexities of the case for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
At Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys, we know that the car accident rates in San Antonio are worrying. If you have been involved in a car accident on the San Antonio roads, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve – get in touch today at 877-557-4221 for a free consultation.
