Texas Accident & Injury News
Can a driver be responsible for an accident caused by a panic attack?
Driver Crashes Into Cornerstone Church During Mental Crisis, Arrested for Criminal Mischief
According to a KSAT News report, a man was arrested after crashing his vehicle into Cornerstone Church last Friday.
Police say the incident happened around 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 6th, at Cornerstone Church in the 18700 block of Stone Oak Parkway on the Northeast Side. When police arrived, firefighters were extracting a 56-year-old man from a smoking pickup truck inside the church. Witnesses told police the man accelerated multiple times, never hitting the brakes, and crashed into the front door, driving 20 feet before coming to a stop. The man was taken to the hospital for a mental health evaluation. Police say the driver committed the act intentionally and was charged with criminal mischief. No injuries were reported.
Did You Know?
3,333 accidents in Texas last year were caused by a driver who was sick or suffering a medical episode.
Am I Responsible for an Accident Caused by a Panic Attack in Texas?
Driving anxiety and panic attacks are becoming increasingly common—especially among younger drivers and women. In fact, a 2023 report found that 66% of drivers experience some form of anxiety behind the wheel.⁴
Given how dangerous driving can be, this isn’t surprising. Just one moment of panic or inattention can lead to a serious accident. But if a panic attack causes you—or someone else—to lose control of the vehicle, who is legally responsible?
Let’s break it down.
Can You Be Held Liable for a Panic Attack Behind the Wheel?
Yes. If you cause a crash during a panic attack or anxiety attack, you may still be held legally responsible for the accident.
This is because Texas drivers have a legal duty to avoid knowingly putting others in danger. If you suffer from panic attacks or have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, you’re expected to manage the condition and avoid driving if you know it could impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
It’s similar to how Texas law treats drivers with a history of seizures—if someone knowingly drives despite being at risk for a seizure and causes an accident, they can be found negligent and liable for the damage.
What If the Panic Attack Was Unpredictable?
Texas law recognizes that not all medical emergencies are foreseeable. In very rare cases, a driver may be able to use what’s called the “Unavoidable Accident” or “Act of God” defense.
To use this defense successfully, the panic attack must meet the following criteria:
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It occurred without warning
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It rendered the driver incapacitated or unconscious
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There was no prior history or reason to anticipate the episode
This is a high legal bar to meet. Panic attacks that involve fear, shortness of breath, or racing thoughts usually don’t qualify unless they result in loss of consciousness or total loss of motor control—which is extremely rare.
In short: just feeling anxious or panicking isn’t a legal excuse for causing an accident. You must prove that the episode was truly unforeseeable and incapacitating.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured by a Driver Who Had a Panic Attack?
If you’re injured in a crash caused by another driver’s panic attack or medical episode, you still have the right to pursue compensation. That includes:
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Ambulance and Emergency Care
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Ongoing Medical Treatment
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Lost Wages
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Pain and Suffering
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Mental Trauma
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Property Damage
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And more
Even if the other driver claims a medical emergency, it doesn’t automatically excuse them from liability. A qualified personal injury attorney can investigate the facts, gather medical records, and fight for any compensation you are legally entitled to.
Injured in a Crash That Wasn’t Your Fault? Call Shaw.
If you were injured in a car accident involving a sudden medical episode, whether it happened to you or the other driver, you may still be entitled to compensation.
Call Carabin Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case evaluation today. No fees. No obligations. Just the experienced legal guidance you need to protect your rights.
For more than 32 years, Carabin Shaw has served San Antonio and all of Texas—because we put our clients first.
We look forward to serving you.