I’m Abraham Peña, a personal injury attorney based in McAllen, Texas, and I grew up here. Every March, we see the same pattern: thousands of people flood the Expressway heading to South Padre Island, the island’s population multiplies overnight, and the accidents begin.
This is not an exaggeration. In 2025, the Texas Department of Transportation recorded 700 alcohol-related traffic crashes during a single spring break period. Thirty-six people died, and sixty-three were seriously injured. Those are just the DUI (driving under the influence) numbers. They do not account for distracted driving, speeding, pedestrian collisions, or the many other ways people get hurt when roads are overcrowded and many drivers are unfamiliar with the area.
I am a personal injury attorney. I represent people who are injured because of someone else’s negligence. Spring break is one of the most dangerous times of the year in this part of Texas, and both visitors and residents deserve to understand the risks.
The highway system in South Texas was not designed to handle the surge in traffic that comes with spring break. The Expressway experiences a sharp increase in vehicles over a short period of time. Drivers include college students making the trip for the first time, families driving through the night to maximize their vacation, and out-of-state visitors who are unfamiliar with Texas traffic patterns and speed limits.
The result is predictable: rear-end collisions, wrong-way accidents, high-speed crashes on rural roads where medical response times are longer, pedestrian strikes in crowded tourist areas, and hit-and-runs on Padre Boulevard – where foot traffic, parked cars, and impaired drivers combine to create objectively dangerous conditions.
The Water:
Rip currents along the Gulf Coast kill people. That is a simple fact that does not receive enough attention. They can overpower even strong swimmers and pull a child underwater in seconds. The beach warning flag system exists for a reason, and ignoring it can have serious consequences.
Beyond the surf, spring break brings a surge of commercial activity to the water: jet ski rentals, parasailing operations, fishing charters, and dolphin tours. The number of watercraft increases dramatically, and not all operators maintain proper licensing, safety equipment, or training standards.
Some operators allow individuals who have been drinking to control personal watercraft. Others skip required safety briefings to move customers through more quickly.
When boating accidents occur under these conditions, the injuries are often severe – traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or drowning. Liability may extend beyond the operator to include the rental company, property owner, or tour operator who failed to enforce basic safety standards.
The Properties:
Vacation rentals, condominios, and hotels along the Texas coast operate at full capacity during spring break. That means maximum occupancy in properties that may not have been properly maintained.
- Loose balcony railings.
- Cracked pool decks.
- Broken lighting in stairwells or parking garages.
- Wet surfaces near pools and hot tubs without non-slip treatment or warning signs.
Texas premises liability law requires property owners and managers to maintain reasonably safe conditions. That duty exists year-round, but it becomes especially important when they know their properties will host more guests than usual – including families with young children.
When a property owner is aware of a dangerous condition and fails to fix it, that is not an accident. It is a decision – and one that can carry legal consequences under Texas law.
What To Do if You Are Injured?
If you or a family member is injured during spring break – whether in a car accident, a boating incident, a fall at a rental property, or any situation involving someone else’s negligence:
- Get medical attention immediately.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the location, vehicles, hazards, and your injuries. Gather the other party’s information, witness contact details, and the police report number. If you are physically able, do this before leaving the scene.
- Do not provide a recorded statement to any insurance company. The adjuster who contacts you is not working in your best interest. They are trained to obtain statements that reduce the value of your claim. They may sound helpful, but their goal is to minimize what their company pays.
- Consult a personal injury attorney before making any decisions. An attorney can evaluate the full scope of your claim, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and protect you from accepting a settlement that does not reflect the true value of your case.
The Bottom Line
Spring break is a major economic driver for the Valley and for South Padre Island. My family has enjoyed it for decades. But I have also spent my career representing people who went on vacation and returned home with life-altering injuries because someone else acted negligently.
The roads are more dangerous during this time.
The water is more dangerous.
The properties you stay in may have hazards the owner chose not to fix.
These are facts – not opinions.
If you are planning a trip to the Texas coast, be aware of the risks. Pay attention to beach warning flags. Drive defensively. Inspect your property upon arrival.
And if something goes wrong due to someone else’s negligence, understand that Texas law provides a path to hold them accountable.
That’s what I do. I handle these cases with the seriousness they deserve.
If you need us, we are here. Contact us.
