San Antonio is a city on the move. With rapid growth, expanding roadways, and increased efforts to promote walking and cycling safety, you’d think our streets would be getting safer. Unfortunately, reality paints a more troubling picture.
According to recent crash data, San Antonio and Bexar County consistently rank among the most dangerous regions in Texas for pedestrian and bicycle accidents. And unfortunately, the rate of accidents and fatalities has been trending upward in the state over time.
At Crosley Law, we’ve seen the devastating impact of these crashes firsthand. We’ve helped families who have lost loved ones in senseless collisions, and we’ve advocated for injured cyclists and pedestrians fighting to recover.
Our San Antonio personal injury lawyers break down why these types of accidents happen so frequently in our area, and what pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike can do to stay safer.
Pedestrian and cyclist accidents in San Antonio, Bexar County, and Texas
Recent reports from local media outlets and statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) show a grim trend:
- According to TXDOT crash analysis, 776 pedestrian injuries and 312 cyclist injuries were reported in the San Antonio district in 2023.
- Also according to the TXDOT, 91 pedestrian and cyclist fatalities were reported in the San Antonio district in 2023. While slightly lower than the three previous years, it is still part of an overall upward trend. In comparison, the average number of combined fatalities between 2015-2019 is around 73 per year.
- Local new sources have posted several reports on pedestrian and cyclist dangers in San Antonio and Bexar County the past several years, identifying intersections such as Culebra and Zarzamora, Walzem and Raybon, and Nacogdoches and Thousand Oaks as particularly dangerous locations.
Yet, despite public awareness campaigns and proposed infrastructure changes since 2016, accidents involving vulnerable road users remain alarmingly common.
Why are San Antonio’s roads so dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists?
Streets designed for vehicle speed more than pedestrian safety
Many of San Antonio’s busiest roads were designed to move vehicles quickly from one side of the city to another and not to accommodate foot or bike traffic. High-speed traffic combined with limited crosswalks, few bike lanes, and wide intersections make it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate safely.
When collisions do occur in these high-speed areas, they are far more likely to be fatal or result in life-changing injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or internal bleeding.
Distracted driving is everywhere
Distracted driving is a growing epidemic, and pedestrians and cyclists often pay the price. A driver who’s texting, fiddling with the radio, or checking GPS may not notice a person in a crosswalk or a cyclist in a designated lane until it’s too late.
Our brains also are hardwired to look for other vehicles, not people on bikes or on foot. When you combine that with distractions behind the wheel, it creates the perfect conditions for tragedy.
RELATED: Why you need a Texas distracted driving accident lawyer
Rapid growth and inadequate infrastructure
Bexar County’s population is booming, and traffic has increased significantly. But infrastructure updates haven’t kept pace. Narrow sidewalks, non-existent bike lanes, and poorly marked pedestrian crossings are common across many neighborhoods.
While the City of San Antonio has introduced Vision Zero initiatives aimed at eliminating traffic deaths, implementation within Bexar County has been slow. In the meantime, cyclists and pedestrians remain at high risk.
Lack of driver awareness
Even well-meaning drivers often aren’t familiar with the rights of pedestrians and cyclists. For example, many drivers don’t know they must yield to pedestrians at most crosswalks, or that cyclists are entitled to a full lane in many situations. This lack of awareness leads to dangerous interactions and preventable crashes.
What should you do if you are in a bike or pedestrian accident?
If you have been hit by a motor vehicle while riding a bike or walking, do the following if you are able:
- Get to a safe location that is out of traffic
- Contact the police
- Get contact and insurance information from the driver who hit you
- Get contact information from any witnesses at the scene
- Take photos of the scene, including the vehicle that hit you, road conditions, damage to your bike, and your own injuries
If first responders don’t take you to the hospital, you should still see your doctor or an urgent care center as soon as possible. Injuries often become worse in the days after an accident, and establishing a prompt medical record can help your personal injury case.
You should also contact an experienced San Antonio personal injury lawyer as soon as you can.
Why seek help from a personal injury lawyer after a crash?
If you or someone you love is injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident in Bexar County or elsewhere in Texas, your focus should be on healing more than battling with insurance adjusters or trying to gather evidence. That’s where an experienced San Antonio personal injury lawyer comes in.
At Crosley Law, we take a detailed, evidence-based approach to injury claims. We investigate the scene, review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and consult with accident reconstruction experts when needed. Our goal is to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
When someone is hit on a bike or on foot, they usually suffer serious injuries. Insurance companies know that, but they’ll still do everything they can to pay as little as possible. We make sure our clients aren’t left holding the bill for someone else’s negligence.
CASE STUDY: Crosley Law settles major brain injury case: Ramse’s story
What compensation could be available after a bike or pedestrian crash?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases)
- Funeral and burial costs
In cases involving serious or fatal injuries, Crosley Law may bring in expert witnesses to calculate life care plans and long-term needs. We take your case seriously because we know what’s at stake.
CASE STUDY: Pedestrian gets 24X her initial settlement offer after a concussion
Crosley Law: Helping San Antonio’s Most Vulnerable Road Users
If you or your loved one was hurt in a pedestrian or bicycle crash, don’t wait to get legal help. Our San Antonio personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. If we take your case, you won’t owe us anything unless we win.
Call Crosley Law today at 210-LAW-3000 or fill out our contact form. We’re here to help you get answers, protect your rights, and recover the compensation you deserve.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, speak to a qualified attorney.
