San Antonio car accident lawyers

San Antonio Car Accident Lawyer

Skilled legal counsel after an auto accident in Texas

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver, you may need to file a car accident lawsuit with a San Antonio car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, our qualified and experienced team is ready to get to work investigating what happened. You should not be left with major expenses because of another driver’s negligence or forced to navigate the insurance company alone.

Let a San Antonio auto accident lawyer from our office get to work on your case today. Fill out our contact form or call our offices to begin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio injury lawyer Pat Maloney

How can Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney help?

When you have an injury from a San Antonio car accident, you can count on Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, to be by your side.

  • We have helped clients injured in accidents get the help they need since 1953.
  • We bring seven decades of personal injury and car crash experience to your side.
  • Our firm has a long track record of success, securing millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients.
  • We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no out-of-pocket costs and no legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Auto accident lawsuits in Texas can become incredibly complicated. Even when it seems inevitable that the other driver is at fault for the accident, you can bet that many insurance companies will do everything to lower any settlement they pay out.

An experienced law firm will push back by:

  • Obtaining all the evidence from the scene of the car crash
  • Handling all negotiations with the insurance company along with other parties
  • Preparing your case for trial, if necessary, to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to
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San Antonio car accident statistics and local impact

In Bexar County, there were more than 50,000 reported car crashes in 2025. As a large city, San Antonio accounted for the majority of those collisions, with early TxDOT reports stating that 46,783 crashes took place within the city that year. Of that total, 16,804 involved intersections. This is unsurprising given San Antonio's urban nature and the high volume of traffic on those city streets. Distracted driving was another likely factor in many San Antonio collisions, with TxDOT reporting that 16,790 of those reported involved a distracted driver.

Statewide, statistics indicate that 4,150 people died on Texas’ roads in 2024 – a slight decline compared to 2023’s 4,291 fatalities, despite an increase in annual miles traveled. Another 18,218 suffered serious injuries in 2024.

Tourist destinations, construction, and risks of car crashes in San Antonio

San Antonio has a lot to offer residents and tourists alike. The city is a popular destination, with locals and visitors flocking to places like the beautiful River Walk, the Alamodome, and the Convention Center. All of that vehicle and foot traffic heightens the risk of collisions and pedestrian accidents. Stop-and-go collisions are especially common during peak event times, like before and after Spurs games, parades, festivals and concerts, when distracted drivers are often focused on GPS navigation rather than the road. The city’s many one-way streets can add to confusion, leading to sudden lane changes and illegal turns.

Those injured in one of the many collisions that take place each year will likely need the help of a San Antonio car accident lawyer to bring their claim to court and fight for compensation. Even tourists visiting the city should connect with a local attorney who can help them bring the appropriate legal case against the driver who harmed them.

Collisions in Alamo Heights

While the 78209 zip code has a reputation for being quiet, safe, affluent, and suburban, crashes can happen anywhere. There are a few corridors and intersections within Alamo Heights where collisions take place more often.

In 2025, there were 135 reported crashes within Alamo Heights. Of those, fourteen took place at the intersection of Claiborne Way and Harrison Ave. Ten collisions took place at the intersection of Broadway Street and West Castano Avenue. The highly trafficked corridor running from Broadway Street into and along Austin Highway is another hot spot for collisions. That stretch of roadway accounted for dozens of reported crashes. Congestion and accidents throughout that area have prompted improvement projects to make it more pedestrian- and bike-friendly.

When collisions occur in this area, it’s important to contact the Alamo Heights Police and a San Antonio car accident attorney right away. Local factors, such as high-asset policy limits and costly property claims for luxury vehicles, can make these cases more complex.

What are common injuries caused by car accidents?

The Texas Department of Transportation says that there were 239,539 injuries and 4,489 fatalities as a result of auto accidents in the state during the latest reporting year.

car accident lawyers San AntonioInjuries from auto accidents range from minor to severe, and may include:

Each of these injuries can lead to major medical expenses. Victims of motor vehicle accidents often miss work while they recover, causing them to lose the income they need to support themselves or their families. Some will suffer long-term or permanent disabilities, along with lifelong medical costs.

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How serious injuries can affect your life

A serious or catastrophic injury can affect your life physically, emotionally, and financially. Physically, a severe injury could leave you with lingering scars, disfigurements, or disabilities. Emotionally, a serious injury could cause long-term distress and mental anguish. You may suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, lost quality of life, missed opportunities, or diminished enjoyment of daily activities. Financially, a bad injury could put you thousands of dollars in debt, even if you have good health/auto insurance.

It is extremely important to talk to an attorney after a major auto accident to find out if you are eligible for compensation for all your past and future damages.

Related: What Medical Tests Do You Need After an Accident?

What are common causes of car accidents?

car accident attorney San Antonio

Impaired driving continues to be a problem in San Antonio, Texas, and the United States as a whole. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around “30% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher).”

Other common causes of serious crashes include:

Identifying what caused your auto accident is often the start of your civil claim. You may need to hire a lawyer to help you investigate your crash for signs of fault or causation.

Related: Consequences of careless driving or reckless driving

Who is liable for my San Antonio car accident?

Texas is in the majority in that it is a fault-based car accident state. In fault states, the party that caused the car accident will bear legal responsibility for damages. After a car accident in San Antonio, you or your lawyer must determine fault for the wreck.

Determining fault often takes an investigation of the accident and an analysis of available evidence to identify the correct defendant:

  • The other driver: The other driver involved in your crash may bear responsibility if he or she was negligent or engaged in reckless driving that caused the collision. If the other driver was drunk, tired, distracted, negligent, or speeding, for example, he or she may owe you compensation for your damages.
  • The auto manufacturer: Automakers can be legally responsible for auto accident injuries if their defective vehicles or auto parts contributed. If a defective airbag failed to deploy when it should have, for instance, and this exacerbated your injuries, the manufacturer of the airbag could be partially liable for your damages.
  • The roadway maintenance supervisor: If a road defect, such as a dangerous construction zone, uneven shoulder, debris, loose gravel, or pothole, caused your car accident, the person or entity in charge of road maintenance could bear responsibility. This may be the City of San Antonio or a private party.

Once your lawyer identifies the at-fault party, he or she can file a claim with that entity’s insurance provider. The at-fault responsible party’s auto insurance policy will cover your damages up to its maximum limits. If you have any leftover expenses, your auto insurance may apply if you carry underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. If multiple defendants shared fault for your car accident or injuries, they could each owe you partial compensation for their percentages of fault. Speak to an attorney for assistance in identifying defendants and bringing your claim after an auto accident.

Legal requirements at the scene of a San Antonio car crash

Whether the accident occurs on a major highway like I-35 or in a private business parking area, such as the high-traffic lots at The Pearl or La Cantera, the operator of a vehicle involved in a collision must take certain steps. Failing to do so is a violation of Texas law, specifically, of Transportation Code Chapter 550. Here’s what the law requires of drivers involved in collisions on San Antonio roads:

  • Immediate stop and return: You must stop your vehicle immediately at the scene. If you didn't realize a collision occurred and drove a short distance, you must return to the site.
  • Duty to remain at the scene: The law requires that you stay at the scene until you have fulfilled all other duties (exchanging info and rendering aid). Leaving prematurely can actually lead to criminal charges.
  • Determine if aid is needed: You must check if anyone involved in the collision, including pedestrians or passengers, requires medical assistance.
  • Exchange information: You’ll need to provide your name, address, vehicle registration number, and insurance provider to the other parties involved. Upon request, you must also show your driver’s license.
  • Render reasonable assistance: If someone did suffer an injury, you must provide aid, which includes arranging transportation to a hospital (such as Methodist Hospital or University Health) if they request it or if there is a clear need for treatment.
  • Clear the roadway: If you are involved in a crash on a freeway (main lanes, ramps, or shoulders) and can safely drive your vehicle, you must move it to a safe location off the roadway if it is drivable and safe to do so to minimize interference with San Antonio traffic.

Penalties for failing to stop and render aid

Leaving the scene of a crash can be considered a hit-and-run. In Texas, fleeing the scene is a serious crime. The severity of the penalty depends on the damage or injury caused. In the most severe crashes, those resulting in death, the law considers fleeing the scene a second-degree felony. In the case of serious bodily injuries, the law considers the crime a third-degree felony.

If someone suffered minor injuries, the fleeing motorist may face imprisonment, jail time, fines, or a combination of these penalties. In the event that a crash only causes property damage and no one suffers physical injuries, the state categorizes the crime as a Class B or C Misdemeanor, depending on the cost of the damage. Even failing to clear the freeway if you’re in a movable vehicle may result in misdemeanor charges.

While these guidelines are good to know for anyone who wishes to avoid criminal charges, they also have potential implications in a civil personal injury claim. Leaving the scene could impact your car insurance coverage, for example. Additionally, if the other driver flees, this can have severe impacts on your injury claim. First, if you can’t identify them, you may have to rely on your own insurance policy and uninsured motorist coverage. More importantly, they might leave you injured and vulnerable without access to care. If you locate and identify them, this may constitute compelling evidence of negligence. A San Antonio car accident lawyer can help you secure the police reports and evidence needed to prove the other party’s violation of the law. If you have been involved in a crash, ensure you are protected both legally and financially by seeking experienced counsel.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?

In Texas, there is a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury and property damage claims (T.C.P.R.C. § 16.003(a)). The clock typically starts to run on the date of the accident. If you miss this window, you’ll likely lose your right to sue – no matter how strong your claim might have been.

The most common exception to this rule is during a wrongful death claim. If a loved one died in a San Antonio auto accident, you will have two years from the date of death to bring the claim, rather than the date of the accident. If your loved one did not pass away from his or her critical injuries until a week later, for example, the two-year clock will not start ticking until the date of death. Other exceptions may exist for victims under the age of 18 and automobile accident cases involving a crime.

Another important consideration is that, if your claim is against a government entity, like a VIA Metropolitan Transit bus or a city vehicle, there are different rules. For example, claims against the City of San Antonio require a formal 'Notice of Claim' within just 90 days. There are strict rules that control claims against government entities, so it’s important to get a lawyer involved as soon as possible.

Speak to a lawyer from Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney to discuss your specific time limit.

What is the value of my San Antonio car accident claim?

If you or a loved one has suffered automobile accident injuries that were caused by another driver's negligence, please seek legal assistance immediately from a law firm with experience in auto accidents. At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, our experienced legal team will help you through this. Our law firm will investigate what happened and work with the appropriate insurance carriers to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.

This can include:

  • Coverage of your medical bills (past, current, and future) related to the crash
  • Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Mental anguish
  • Possible punitive damages against the negligent driver
San Antonio personal injury attorney Pat Maloney

Why do I need a San Antonio car accident lawyer?

Car accidents are extremely common, with hundreds of thousands of crashes occurring each year in Texas alone. Common does not, however, mean an accident is easy to handle as a victim. If you get into a car crash, several issues may bombard you at once. You may have to deal with serious personal injuries, expensive hospital bills, phone calls from insurance claims adjusters, lost income, and a driver who refuses to admit fault.

Hiring an auto accident lawyer in Texas can help you navigate every aspect of your case while giving you hope for the future. Our team:

  • Talks to insurance companies. Once you hire an attorney, you will no longer have to worry about how to communicate with car insurance Your lawyer will take over negotiations for you using proven negotiation strategies for the most favorable case results.
  • Evens the playing field. A lawyer can fix the imbalance between you and a powerful car insurance company after a car wreck. Without legal representation, an insurer may take advantage of you, but a lawyer can help protect your interests and advocate for fair treatment.
  • Gathers evidence and documents. An experienced car accident lawyer can take care of the legwork of your claim, including gathering important evidence such as photographs of the wreck, medical records, police reports, and eyewitness accounts.
  • Helps maximize compensation. A lawyer will do everything possible to strengthen your claim for damages after a Texas car accident. From using aggressive settlement negotiation techniques to bringing your auto claim to court, an attorney will fight hard for maximum compensation.
  • Makes the claims process more efficient. Throughout every stage of your accident claim, legal counsel will work efficiently to bring your case to a close as quickly as possible.

Dangerous areas for car accidents in San Antonio

Below are several of the most frequently-crash-prone locations in the San Antonio / Bexar County area, along with the number of crashes that occurred in those locations in 2025:

  • I-10 had over 3,000 crashes reported
  • US 281 had more than 1,600 crashes reported
  • Highway 151 had nearly 700
  • Culebra Rd had close to 600
  • Bandera Rd had about 100

In addition to roads where more crashes occur, there are notoriously dangerous intersections, such as where loops meet major arterials or freeways due to ramp merges, higher speeds, heavy traffic and visibility issues.

Vision Zero and efforts to minimize traffic crashes in San Antonio

San Antonio authorities are aware of issues with some of the city’s roads. In fact, a study published in 2024 stated, “a large number of traffic-related injuries are concentrated on a small fraction of city streets. Specifically, 65% of fatalities and severe injuries take place on just 3.8% of the streets within the network.”

Some of the city’s roads aren’t just dangerous for drivers; they’re a problem for pedestrians as well. San Antonio has a Vision Zero plan in place aimed at improving some of the city’s infrastructure to eliminate, or at least reduce, the risk of any type of vehicle accident. A few obvious fixes may include better street lighting and improvements to traffic signal timing.

Downtown hotspots for car accidents in San Antonio

  • I-10 / I-35 “Downtown Y” System Interchange
    Type: Freeway interchange • Why it's risky: short weaving areas, complex ramps, heavy commuter flow.
    Nearby: San Antonio Central Business District.
  • I-10 / I-37 Interchange (East of Downtown)
    Type: Freeway interchange • Why it’s risky: speed differentials, lane drops, event surges.
    Nearby: Alamodome, Hemisfair.
  • I-37 ramps at E Commerce St & E Market St
    Type: Urban freeway on/off-ramps • Why it's risky: sudden braking, queues backing onto ramps.
    Nearby: Convention Center, River Walk.
  • I-35 upper/lower deck segments through Downtown
    Type: Elevated freeway segments • Why it's risky: congestion, abrupt merges, limited shoulder refuge.
    Nearby: Market Square, Downtown offices.
  • César E. Chávez Blvd (Durango) at I-35 / I-10 connectors
    Type: Freeway frontage & connector zone • Why it's risky: multiple decision points, large vehicle traffic.
    Nearby: UTSA Downtown Campus, Justice Center.

San Antonio car accident FAQs

Can I still get a settlement or win at trial if the accident was partially my fault?

Yes. Texas follows a "Modified Comparative Fault" rule. What this means is that you can recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident that caused your injuries. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you can’t recover anything.

For example, let’s say that you are 20% at fault. In this scenario, your total settlement would be reduced by 20%. So, if you prove $100,000 in damages, you recover $80,000. Of course, there is no clear-cut way to assign fault. Insurance adjusters tend to fight hard to push you over that 50%+ line so that they can avoid paying out anything. Having a San Antonio car accident lawyer protect your case and argue for a favorable "fault percentage" right from the start is critical.

What if I suffered injuries as a passenger and not the driver?

Passengers typically have the strongest cases because they rarely share any fault for the crash. Assuming the passenger didn’t cover the driver’s eyes or engage in similar dangerous conduct, they are unlikely to have caused the collision. You can typically file a claim against the insurance of the driver you were riding with, the other driver, or both. We often help passengers file and litigate these claims so that they don’t end up having to pay for medical bills after a crash they did not cause.

What happens if my medical treatment is still ongoing?

Whenever possible, you should avoid signing a settlement release while you are still in treatment. Once you sign a settlement agreement, you generally cannot go back for more money – even if you later realize you need costly treatment like surgery or long-term physical therapy. However, there are times when you may need treatment for years or forever. We can work with medical experts to "future-proof" your claim by calculating the projected costs of your ongoing care before you agree to any settlements.

I’m visiting from out of state; whose laws apply?

If the crash happened in San Antonio or anywhere in Texas, Texas law applies. Your out-of-state insurance policy will generally "adjust" its limits to meet the Texas state minimums. However, because you aren't local, it is vital to have a San Antonio firm that can handle the Bexar County court filings and local evidence collection. You can often have us handle matters for you while you recover back home.

Can I collect compensation if I didn't have insurance, but the other driver was at fault?

Unlike some "No Pay, No Play" states, Texas allows uninsured drivers to recover economic damages (medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering) if the other driver was at fault. You may still face a citation for driving without insurance, but fortunately, it won’t prevent you from holding a negligent driver accountable for the injuries they caused you.

What if the other driver has "minimal" insurance?

The Texas minimum for liability is $30,000 per person. In a serious wreck, an ER visit and a few scans can quickly escalate costs far beyond that amount. If your medical expenses exceed their limits, we can look for Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage on your own policy or identify other liable parties (such as an employer if the driver was working) to cover the difference.

Where was my car towed after my crash?

If the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) towed your vehicle from a public road, it was likely towed by Alanis Wrecker Service, LLC, and may be located at the Growdon Pound (3625 Growdon Rd., San Antonio, TX 78227). If it was towed from private property, like a shopping center near North Star Mall, you’ll need to check the signage at the lot for the specific towing company’s name. If towed by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, it may have been handled by Texas Towing, and located at 422 Steves Ave., San Antonio, TX 78204.

Can I afford a car accident lawyer?

It is understandable to worry about the cost of legal counsel after dealing with hefty bills and expenses from a severe auto accident. However, the last thing you may want to think about is attorney's fees after paying thousands of dollars to repair your vehicle and pay for medical expenses. That is why Pat Maloney works on a contingency fee basis. Our contingency fee setup means you will pay $0 upfront to retain our legal services. As a result, we will not require a dime to start working on your car accident case.

You will only pay our legal fees if and when we are successful in obtaining financial compensation for you. We bill clients only after we resolve their auto accident cases, based on a prearranged fee percentage. If we do win your case, you will pay our fees as a percentage of your settlement or judgment award. If we do not win, we will charge you virtually nothing for the work we put into your case. Contingency fee legal services mean you never have to pay for your lawyer out of pocket after a serious car wreck. We will work with you to ensure our rates are reasonable and affordable.

Do you have a car accident attorney near me?

Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney is located at 239 E Commerce St. in the center of Downtown San Antonio, TX. We are the owners of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio. There's plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel, we can arrange a phone or video conference, or an in-hospital visit.

Talk to a skilled San Antonio car accident lawyer now

If you've been involved in a car accident, don't wait to take action. The moments following a collision are critical, and the right legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that an accident can take on you and your family. That's why we're here to help. If you need an experienced San Antonio car accident lawyer, you can contact our legal professionals for a free initial consultation by calling us or filling out our contact form today.

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