It doesn’t take a major crash to change your life. A rear-end accident on I-10 or Loop 410 can leave you with painful injuries, mounting bills, and no clear way forward. If you were stopped at a red light near North Star Mall or inching through traffic by the Alamo Quarry Market when someone slammed into you from behind, you’re probably still feeling the physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
At Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock, our San Antonio rear-end collision lawyers know what you are going through. You may be missing work, paying for treatments out of pocket, and fielding calls from insurance adjusters who seem more interested in closing your case than understanding what you’re going through. When someone else’s carelessness causes this kind of stress, you have every right to hold them accountable.
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Why Choose Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock for Your San Antonio Rear-End Accident Case?
Rear-end crashes might seem simple at first glance, but we’ve seen how insurance companies fight hard to downplay injuries or even shift blame onto the victim. At Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock, we’ve spent decades helping Texans recover after serious collisions, and we know rear-end accident cases aren’t as straightforward as they seem.
Our attorneys dig deeper. We uncover evidence that shows the full story, from distracted driving and brake failure to aggressive tailgating. We are experienced hands-on lawyers and support staff who always put you first. You’ll speak directly with an attorney who cares about your recovery and takes the time to understand all the ways this crash has affected every part of your life.
We care because we’ve spent years working closely with families whose lives were upended by a negligent driver in an instant. After helping so many families here in San Antonio, it changes you. You see yourself and your own family in every story. And when that happens, it’s not only about legal strategy anymore, it’s about fighting for clients as if they were our own family. When you partner with Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock, your fight becomes our own.
Rear-End Crash Trends and Statistics in San Antonio
Rear-end accidents are among the most common types of crashes in Bexar County. In fact, they’re a leading cause of injury-related collisions across Texas. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), more than 48,500 crashes occurred in San Antonio in one recent year, many of them at intersections or during slow-moving traffic conditions where rear-end crashes often occur. These crashes resulted in 205 deaths and at least 897 serious injuries.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that San Antonio ranked third-deadliest among Texas cities for traffic fatalities in a recent five-year period, with 860 deaths reported.
Heavy congestion and high-speed stretches of Interstate 10, which cuts through the heart of the city, were major contributors. Add in stop-and-go traffic on highways like Loop 1604, U.S. 281, and I-35, and it’s no surprise these areas are hotspots for rear-end collisions.
Where Rear-End Collisions Happen in San Antonio
Rear-end crashes don’t just happen on highways, though busy stretches of I-10, Loop 410, and Highway 151 are frequent sites for these accidents. Many collisions also occur at high-traffic intersections near:
- The South Texas Medical Center (“The Medical Center”)
- Downtown San Antonio
- Shopping hubs like The Rim and La Cantera
- School zones and neighborhood roads in Alamo Heights, Castle Hills, and Stone Oak
We’ve handled cases across Bexar County, including crashes caused by distracted delivery drivers, ride-share vehicles, and even commercial trucks making local stops in residential areas.
Leading Causes of Rear-End Crashes in San Antonio
Rear-end collisions happen for many reasons, but most boil down to driver inattention or failure to follow the rules of the road. In San Antonio, where traffic congestion and construction zones are common, certain causes come up again and again.
Some of the most common factors include:
- Distracted driving, especially texting while driving
- Tailgating, or following too closely
- Speeding, especially during rush hour on I-10 or 281
- Sudden stops in heavy traffic or school zones
- Fatigue, especially among delivery and rideshare drivers
- Drunk or impaired driving, particularly late at night or on weekends
Our legal team investigates the full context of your crash, including phone records, dashcam footage, and vehicle data. We have experience holding not just individual drivers accountable, but also companies whose policies or negligence contributed to the crash.
Do You Have a Rear-End Accident Case in Texas?
In Texas, drivers owe a duty to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of them. Failing to do so is often considered negligence, especially when traffic is slowed or stopped. But simply being rear-ended doesn’t automatically guarantee a successful claim. Your legal team needs to show that the other driver failed in their legal responsibilities and that their actions caused your injuries.
Some cases involve complications, like:
- Multiple vehicle collisions: Where more than one driver may share fault.
- Sudden stops: Where insurers may argue the lead driver was partially at fault.
- Mechanical failures: When brake or tire defects contributed to the crash.
Every case has its own challenges, which is why it’s essential to have a legal team that knows how to investigate thoroughly, build a strong foundation for your claim, and overcome the legal hurdles.
What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Calls?
After a rear-end accident, you may get a call from the other driver’s insurance company. They’ll usually sound polite and helpful and ask for your side of the story or offer a quick settlement. Be careful, however, because their goal is to minimize what they pay out, not to help you get better.
Here's why it’s risky to speak with them on your own:
- They may record your statements and use them against you later.
- They often pressure victims into lowball settlements.
- They might twist your words to suggest you're not seriously injured.
Let your attorney handle the conversations. At Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock, our San Antonio car accident lawyers have dealt with every major insurance company in Texas. We know their tactics and how to stop them.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Rear-End Collision?
In most cases, the trailing driver is presumed to be at fault, but liability can shift depending on the circumstances. We investigate all potential parties, including:
- The rear driver who failed to brake in time or was distracted.
- A commercial vehicle company whose driver was fatigued, overworked, or poorly trained.
- A parts manufacturer if faulty brakes or tires contributed to the crash.
- Even a municipal entity, if a traffic signal malfunctioned or a dangerous road condition played a role.
Our firm has the resources and experience to uncover all liable parties, including cases involving delivery trucks, company vans, or rideshare drivers operating throughout San Antonio.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Accidents
Many people walk away from a rear-end crash thinking they’re fine, only to wake up the next morning with intense pain. That’s because injuries like whiplash and soft tissue damage may not appear right away. However, rear-end accidents can cause serious harm that affects your life for months or even years.
Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Whiplash and neck strain, especially in crashes under 25 mph
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries, even without hitting your head
- Back and spinal injuries, including herniated discs
- Fractures, particularly in the arms, wrists, or ribs
- Shoulder and knee injuries from the jolt of impact
- Emotional trauma, such as anxiety or PTSD symptoms
If your symptoms developed over time, it does not mean your claim is weaker. Insurance companies often argue that delayed symptoms are unrelated to the crash. Our attorneys work with qualified medical professionals to establish a clear connection between the accident and your injury.
What Compensation Is Available After a Rear-End Accident in Texas?
Every rear-end crash claim is different. The value of your case depends on the extent of your injuries, your financial losses, and how your life has changed since the accident. Texas law allows injury victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, which may include:
- Medical bills for emergency care, ongoing treatment, and future care
- Physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management
- Lost income and reduced future earning ability
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium if the accident affected your relationship
In some rare cases involving egregious misconduct, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. For example, if the at-fault driver was texting behind the wheel or driving under the influence, we may be able to pursue additional compensation.
How Can a Lawyer Help with a Rear-End Accident Claim?
You might be wondering whether you need a lawyer for a rear-end crash. If the accident was minor and no one was hurt, maybe not. But if you're dealing with pain, missed work, or a long recovery, having a legal advocate can make a major difference.
Here's how Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock helps:
- We collect and preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
- We bring in accident reconstructionists when liability is disputed.
- We handle all communication with insurers, medical providers, and lienholders.
- We consult with doctors to document the true cost of your injuries.
- We prepare every case like it’s going to trial so we’re never caught off guard.
Most importantly, we treat you like a person, not a file number. You won’t be left wondering what’s happening with your case. You’ll have a direct line to your attorney and a legal team that’s committed to protecting your interests at every turn.
What to Do After a Rear-End Collision in San Antonio
After a crash, your first priority should be your health. Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a doctor. Then, consider taking the following steps to protect your legal rights:
- Report the accident to the San Antonio Police Department
- Get contact and insurance information from the other driver
- Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and both vehicles
- Keep records of all medical visits and out-of-pocket expenses
- Contact a San Antonio rear-end collision attorney before speaking to insurance companies
Time matters in these cases. Important evidence like skid marks, surveillance footage, or witness testimony can fade quickly. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to file a rear-end accident claim in Texas?
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is set by the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 16.003. Some exceptions apply that may affect your case, so it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Under Texas law, you can still pursue compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are less than 51% responsible. If you are determined to share fault, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you share. This comparative fault system is part of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 33.001.
How much does it cost to hire a rear-end accident lawyer?
At Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the ER?
Yes. Not all injuries are immediately obvious. If you saw a doctor later and they linked your injuries to the accident, you may still have a valid claim. The key is medical documentation that supports your case.
What if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash?
If the other driver was making deliveries or driving a company vehicle, their employer may also be liable. These cases often involve more complex insurance policies, and our firm has extensive experience holding commercial entities accountable.
Call Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock — San Antonio’s Rear-End Collision Lawyers
If someone slammed into your car in San Antonio and left you injured, don’t wait to see what the insurance company offers. It’s rarely enough, and you only get one chance to make your claim. You need a legal team that doesn’t cut corners and doesn’t back down.
At Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock, our experienced San Antonio personal injury lawyers focus on serious injury cases, including rear-end collisions involving delivery trucks, commercial vehicles, and distracted drivers. We have the resources, trial experience, and dedication to pursue the full and fair compensation you need to move forward. Our attorneys understand the pressure you're under, and we take your trust in us to heart.
From Southtown to Stone Oak, Downtown to Leon Valley, we represent San Antonians with honesty, grit, and a relentless commitment to doing what’s right. Let us stand up for you.
Call (210) 941-1301 today or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
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Cowen Rodriguez Peacock - San Antonio Office
Address: 6243 I-10 #801, San Antonio, TX 78201
Contact No: (210) 941-1301