Wrong-Way Driver Causes 7-Vehicle Crash on Northeast Side: What Kyle, Hays County Victims Need to Know

A Catastrophic Collision on Nacogdoches Road

Around 5:16 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2026, a catastrophic chain-reaction crash unfolded in the 15000 block of Nacogdoches Road on San Antonio’s Northeast Side. The incident involved a wrong-way driver operating a 2019 black Chevrolet Colorado traveling southbound at high speed in the northbound lanes. The driver ran a red light at Judson Road, striking one vehicle and setting off a devastating sequence that would involve seven vehicles total.

The impact sent one vehicle airborne into other cars. One vehicle flipped over, trapping its driver inside and causing serious injuries. Four people were hospitalized—three drivers of the struck vehicles and the wrong-way driver of the Chevrolet Colorado. While authorities reported non-life-threatening injuries, the driver of the Chevrolet sustained a broken collarbone and shoulder—injuries that will require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

This wasn’t just another traffic accident. It was a preventable tragedy caused by a driver operating in the wrong direction on a major roadway. For the victims in Kyle and Hays County who find themselves in similar situations, understanding what happened—and why—is the first step toward justice.

The Legal Landscape: Who’s Responsible?

When a wrong-way driver causes a multi-vehicle collision, multiple parties may share liability. In this case, the investigation should examine:

1. The Wrong-Way Driver

The driver of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado bears primary responsibility. Potential legal issues include:

• Negligent Operation – Driving the wrong way on a divided roadway
• Traffic Law Violations – Running a red light at Judson Road
• Speeding – Traveling at a high rate of speed in the wrong direction
• Possible Impairment – Alcohol, drugs, or medical conditions

Texas Transportation Code § 545.351 prohibits driving at speeds greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances. Driving the wrong way at high speed violates this fundamental duty of care.

2. Vehicle Ownership and Maintenance

If the Chevrolet Colorado was owned by someone other than the driver, the owner may face liability under Texas’s negligent entrustment laws. Additionally, if mechanical failure contributed to the crash (such as brake failure or steering issues), the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider could be liable.

3. Roadway Design and Maintenance

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and local municipalities have a duty to design and maintain safe roadways. Potential issues in wrong-way crashes include:

• Inadequate signage warning of wrong-way entry
• Poor lighting that makes signs difficult to see at night
• Confusing interchange designs that increase wrong-way risk
• Lack of physical barriers preventing wrong-way entry

In 2021, TxDOT implemented a Wrong-Way Driver Initiative that included enhanced signage, pavement markings, and detection systems at high-risk locations. If this intersection lacked these safety measures, it could support a claim against the responsible government entity.

4. Alcohol or Drug Testing Delays

One critical question: Was the driver tested for alcohol or drugs? In Texas, law enforcement must conduct chemical testing within two hours of a crash involving serious injury or death. If testing was delayed or not performed, it could hinder the investigation and affect potential criminal charges.

The Evidence: What Disappears If You Wait

In trucking and multi-vehicle accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Here’s what’s at risk:

Electronic Data at Immediate Risk

Physical Evidence That Can Be Lost

• Vehicle Damage – Trucks may be repaired or sold for salvage
• Skid Marks – Weather and traffic erase them within days
• Surveillance Video – Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Witness Memory – Fades significantly within weeks
• Failed Components – May be discarded or replaced

The Spoliation Letter: Your First Legal Step

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This legal notice demands that all parties preserve evidence, including:

• The Chevrolet Colorado’s ECM/black box data
• Driver logs and hours of service records
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Cell phone records
• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
• The physical vehicles involved

Why this matters: Courts can impose severe penalties for destroying evidence after receiving a spoliation letter, including:

• Adverse inference instructions (jury told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
• Monetary sanctions
• Default judgment in extreme cases

The Legal Process: What Comes Next for Victims

For the four people hospitalized after this crash, the legal journey is just beginning. Here’s what they—and other Kyle, Hays County victims—should expect:

1. The Investigation Phase

• Police Report – The official accident report will document the scene, witness statements, and preliminary fault determination
• Insurance Claims – Both the wrong-way driver’s insurance and the victims’ own insurance will be involved
• Independent Investigation – An experienced attorney will conduct a separate investigation, including:
• Accident reconstruction
• Evidence preservation
• Witness interviews
• Medical record review

2. Determining Liability

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system. This means:

• If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

In this case, the wrong-way driver will almost certainly be found primarily at fault. However, other factors could affect liability:

• Vehicle defects – If a mechanical failure contributed
• Roadway design – If confusing signage or poor lighting played a role
• Other drivers’ actions – If another driver’s negligence contributed to the chain reaction

3. Calculating Damages

Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

In Texas, there is no cap on economic or non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. This means victims can recover the full value of their losses.

4. The Settlement Process

Most cases settle out of court through negotiation. The process typically involves:

1. Demand Letter – Your attorney sends a detailed demand to the insurance company
2. Negotiation – Back-and-forth discussions to reach a fair settlement
3. Mediation – A neutral third party helps facilitate settlement discussions
4. Litigation – If settlement fails, your case may go to trial

Insider knowledge: Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims and what tactics they use to minimize payouts. This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage in settlement negotiations.

What Kyle and Hays County Victims Should Do Now

If you or a loved one has been involved in a similar incident, here’s what to do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Many injuries—especially internal ones—aren’t immediately apparent. Follow up with your primary care physician and any specialists recommended.

2. Document Everything

• Take photos of your injuries
• Keep a pain journal documenting your symptoms
• Save all medical bills and receipts
• Document time missed from work
• Take photos of your vehicle damage

3. Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies train their adjusters to minimize claims. Anything you say can be used against you. Refer all communications to your attorney.

4. Preserve Evidence

• Don’t repair your vehicle until it’s been inspected
• Save all medical records
• Keep the clothes you were wearing
• Don’t delete any photos or videos from the scene

5. Contact an Experienced Attorney Immediately

Time is critical in these cases. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies move fast to protect their interests. At Attorney911, we:

• Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• Preserve critical evidence before it’s lost
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Investigate thoroughly to identify all liable parties
• Fight for maximum compensation

Real Cases, Real Results: Precedents That Matter

Courts have consistently held negligent drivers and companies accountable for wrong-way crashes and multi-vehicle collisions. Here are some relevant precedents:

1. Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021) – $730 Million Verdict

In one of the largest trucking verdicts in U.S. history, a Texas jury awarded $730 million to the family of a woman killed by an oversize load. The case involved:

• Negligent Permitting – Allowing an oversize load without proper escorts
• Inadequate Training – Drivers not properly trained for oversize loads
• Regulatory Violations – Failure to comply with Texas oversize load requirements

Why it matters: This case demonstrates that Texas juries will hold companies fully accountable when their negligence causes catastrophic harm.

2. Werner Enterprises Settlement (2022) – $150 Million

In the largest 18-wheeler settlement in U.S. history, Werner Enterprises paid $150 million to settle a case involving two children killed on I-30. The case involved:

• Fatigued Driving – Driver had been on duty for excessive hours
• Negligent Hiring – Company failed to properly vet the driver
• Regulatory Violations – Hours of service violations

Why it matters: This case shows that even when a company isn’t directly at fault, its hiring and supervision practices can create liability.

3. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey v. Arcadian (2018) – $101 Million

This case involved a wrong-way crash on the George Washington Bridge that caused multiple fatalities. The court found:

• Inadequate Signage – Poorly placed wrong-way signs
• Confusing Road Design – Interchange layout contributed to driver confusion
• Failure to Implement Safety Measures – No physical barriers to prevent wrong-way entry

Why it matters: This case establishes that government entities can be held liable for dangerous roadway designs that contribute to wrong-way crashes.

4. Doe v. Walmart (2020) – $16 Million

A Texas jury awarded $16 million to a family after a Walmart truck driver caused a fatal crash. The case involved:

• Distracted Driving – Driver was using a cell phone
• Fatigued Driving – Driver had exceeded hours of service limits
• Negligent Training – Walmart failed to properly train the driver

Why it matters: This case demonstrates that companies can be held liable for their drivers’ actions, even when those actions violate company policy.

What to Do If You’re a Victim

If you or a loved one has been injured in a wrong-way crash, multi-vehicle collision, or any other type of accident, here’s what to do now:

1. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
2. Don’t talk to insurance adjusters – Refer them to us
3. Follow your doctor’s orders – Your health comes first
4. Document everything – Keep a record of all expenses and symptoms
5. Let us handle the rest – We’ll preserve evidence, investigate thoroughly, and fight for your rights

Your Next Step: Call Now

Every minute you wait, evidence disappears. Insurance companies are already building their defense. The wrong-way driver’s insurance adjuster is already working to minimize your claim.

Don’t let them push you around. Don’t let critical evidence be lost. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and start protecting your rights. Remember:

“The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner

Final Thoughts: Justice Is Within Reach

The Nacogdoches Road crash was preventable. The injuries were avoidable. The suffering was unnecessary.

But justice is still possible. With the right legal team, the victims can hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

For Kyle and Hays County residents, this case is a wake-up call. Wrong-way crashes, multi-vehicle collisions, and catastrophic injuries can happen to anyone, at any time. When they do, you need an attorney who understands the complexities of these cases and has the resources to fight for you.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for accident victims for over 25 years. We know how to preserve evidence, identify liable parties, and maximize compensation. We know how to fight—and win—against insurance companies and corporate defendants.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t wait. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

We’re ready to fight for you.