When navigating the aftermath of a serious car accident in San Marcos, Texas, understanding the common causes can be crucial for your personal injury claim. The rapidly growing population and increasing traffic along I-35 and other major thoroughfares like Wonder World Drive and Ranch Road 12 have contributed to a rise in severe collisions. The most frequent causes include distracted driving (particularly cell phone use), excessive speed, impaired driving, and failure to yield right-of-way at busy intersections. These accidents often result in severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and orthopedic injuries, which can lead to substantial medical expenses and lost wages. Understanding how these factors contributed to your accident is essential for building a strong personal injury case, as Texas law requires establishing clear liability to recover damages.

Legal Rights and Considerations: Texas operates under a modified comparative negligence system, meaning you can recover damages as long as you're not more than 51% at fault for the accident. The state's statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Texas requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 per injured person, up to $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (30/60/25). Recoverable damages may include medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases involving commercial vehicles or drunk driving, punitive damages may also be available. An experienced San Marcos car accident lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Common causes of San Marcos car crashes include:

• Distracted Driving - Mobile phone use, eating, adjusting controls, or any activity that takes attention away from driving remains the leading cause of crashes. Texas law prohibits texting while driving and has specific restrictions for drivers under 18.
• Excessive Speed - Particularly problematic along I-35 and through residential areas near Texas State University. Speed-related crashes often result in more severe injuries due to the increased force of impact.
• Impaired Driving - DUI/DWI incidents, especially during late-night hours and weekends, often involving drivers leaving entertainment districts or local bars. San Marcos police conduct regular enforcement operations targeting impaired drivers.
• Running Red Lights/Stop Signs - Common at busy intersections like Hopkins Street and LBJ Drive, or Wonder World Drive and Hunter Road. These violations often lead to dangerous T-bone collisions.
• Unsafe Lane Changes - Frequent on I-35 and other multi-lane roads, particularly during heavy traffic periods or construction zones. Failure to signal or check blind spots contributes to these crashes.
• Following Too Closely/tailgating - Tailgating causes numerous rear-end collisions, especially during rush hour or adverse weather conditions. These crashes often result in whiplash and other soft tissue injuries.
• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way - Particularly problematic at intersections near shopping centers and the university campus. Many incidents involve drivers unfamiliar with local traffic patterns.
• Weather-Related Conditions - Heavy rain and occasional ice create hazardous driving conditions. Flash flooding on low-water crossings poses a particular risk in the Hill Country area.
• Driver Fatigue - Common among long-distance travelers on I-35 and students during late-night hours. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance - Accidents caused by mechanical failures, such as brake problems, tire blowouts, or faulty lighting systems. Regular maintenance is a driver's legal responsibility.

Click the links below to learn how a San Marcos personal injury lawyer can help with your type of car crash:

• San Marcos drunk driving accident lawyer;
• San Marcos distracted driving accident lawyer;
• San Marcos rear-end accident law office;
• San Marcos reckless driving accident law firm;
• San Marcos hit-and-run accident lawyer;

Related Resources:

Local Courts:

• Hays County District Court
• Hays County Justice of the Peace Courts
• San Marcos Municipal Court

Support Services:

• Hays County Victim Services
• Central Texas Medical Center Trauma Services
• MADD Central Texas Chapter
• Texas Brain Injury Alliance

Legal and Regulatory Resources:

• Texas Transportation Code
• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Safety Guidelines
• Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Protection
• Texas State Law Library - Personal Injury Resources

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