Medical emergencies at the wheel can cause serious accidents.
Medical Episode Causes Driver to Crash Into Vehicle, Electric Pole on the North Side
According to a KSAT News report, a driver suffered a medical episode at the wheel, causing an accident over the weekend.
Police reported the accident happened at around 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 31st, on the access road of Loop 410 near Broadway Street. The driver was reportedly traveling eastbound on the access road when they suffered a medical emergency. This caused the driver to lose control and strike a median, another vehicle, and an electric pole before coming to a stop. They suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a local hospital. It was not reported that the other driver had been injured. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Accidents caused by medical emergencies are more likely to occur in the morning hours, unlike most other accident types.
Accidents Caused by Medical Emergencies in San Antonio: What You Need to Know
Sometimes, a car accident can happen and not be the fault of any driver. This is very rare, and sudden medical emergencies are one of these cases.
Drivers who suddenly experience a medical emergency while driving in Texas can be protected from liability for an accident. This is known as the “Unavoidable Accident” or “Act of God” defense.
What Qualifies for the Unavoidable Accident Defense?
In order for a medical emergency to qualify for this defense, it must meet very specific criteria:
- The driver must be suddenly incapacitated,
- The event that caused the incapacity was not foreseeable,
- The event caused the driver to lose control.
For example, if you have a prior medical condition, are taking medications that make driving dangerous, or knew you were ill but decided to drive anyway, you cannot claim an unavoidable accident defense.
Conditions That Cause Most Medical Emergencies Behind the Wheel
The most common reason drivers crash during a medical emergency is when they experience a seizure, a diabetic reaction, or pass out.
There are many conditions that can cause these reactions, but commonly include:
- Diabetes,
- Epilepsy,
- Heart Conditions,
- Strokes,
- Choking,
- And Aneurysms.
Most drivers are aware of their conditions before the crash, but few can suffer from an undiagnosed/unknown condition.
Characteristics of Medical Emergency Crashes
According to an NHTSA study from 2007, medical emergency crashes:
- Are Most Often Single-Vehicle (62%),
- Involve Only the Driver (85%)
- Depart the Roadway Before the Collision (69%),
- Involve Older Drivers,
- Happen Most Often Between 6 AM and 11:59 AM.
Who Pays for a Medical Emergency Crash in San Antonio?
If the unavoidable accident defense is successfully raised, insurance will likely cover the cost of the accident. This would be covered by PIP insurance or uninsured motorist coverage in most cases. If another driver successfully raises the medical emergency defense, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t be compensated for your injuries.
Did You Suffer a Medical Emergency While Driving in San Antonio? Call Shaw.
You should never have to pay for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Whether you suffered a medical emergency or were injured by a driver who did, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Missed Work,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our car accident attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We look forward to serving you.