Published by J.A. Davis & Associates – San Antonio / McAllen Personal Injury Lawyers – Car Accidents
Key Steps to Take After a Car Accident in San Antonio: Protecting Your Rights and Building Your Case
Being involved in a car accident in San Antonio can be a traumatic and disorienting experience that leaves you unsure of what to do next. Whether the collision occurs on busy highways like Interstate 35 or Loop 1604, or on city streets throughout the metropolitan area, the actions you take in the immediate aftermath can significantly impact your safety, your legal rights, and your ability to recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Understanding these crucial steps and implementing them systematically can make the difference between a successful claim and a denied one. Call our car accident lawyers San Antonio Today
Ensure Safety and Call for Emergency Assistance
Your first priority after any car accident in San Antonio must be ensuring the safety of everyone involved. If you or anyone else has suffered injuries, call 911 immediately to request emergency medical assistance. Even if injuries appear minor initially, it’s essential to have medical professionals evaluate everyone at the scene, as some injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal damage may not be immediately apparent but can have serious long-term consequences. More from our car accident attorneys San Antonio here
If the vehicles are blocking traffic and it’s safe to do so, move them to the shoulder or side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and help prevent secondary accidents. On San Antonio’s busy highways, where traffic moves at high speeds, this step is particularly crucial for preventing additional collisions that could result in more serious injuries.
If you cannot safely move your vehicle, exit carefully and move to a safe location away from traffic. Be especially cautious on major highways like I-10 or I-37, where vehicles travel at high speeds and visibility may be limited, particularly during peak traffic hours or adverse weather conditions.
Contact Law Enforcement and Cooperate with the Investigation
Texas law requires you to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Call the San Antonio Police Department to report the accident and request an officer to respond to the scene. The responding officer will create an official accident report, which will become a crucial document for your insurance claim and any potential legal proceedings.
When the police officer arrives, provide factual information about what happened, but avoid speculating about fault or admitting blame for the accident. Stick to the observable facts of what you experienced and witnessed. The officer will conduct their own investigation and determine fault based on evidence, witness statements, and their professional assessment of the situation.
Be sure to obtain the police report number and ask the responding officer how you can obtain a copy of the completed report once it’s filed. This document will contain important details about the accident, including the officer’s assessment of fault, any traffic citations issued, and contact information for all parties involved.
Gather Comprehensive Information and Documentation
While waiting for the police to arrive, use the time to gather as much information as possible about the accident and all parties involved. Exchange contact and insurance information with all other drivers, including full names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance company names and policy numbers, and vehicle information such as make, model, year, and license plate numbers.
Take extensive photographs of the accident scene from multiple angles and distances. Capture images of all vehicles involved, showing both close-up damage and the overall positioning of vehicles. Photograph the surrounding area, including traffic signs, signal lights, road conditions, skid marks, debris from the accident, and any other relevant environmental factors that might have contributed to the collision.
If there are witnesses to the accident, politely ask for their contact information and request brief statements about what they observed. Witness testimony can prove invaluable in determining fault, especially in cases where the parties involved have conflicting accounts of what happened. Independent witness accounts often carry significant weight with insurance companies and in legal proceedings.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain and injury symptoms that may not become apparent until hours or days later. Some injuries, exceptionally soft tissue injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, or traumatic brain injuries, may have delayed onset symptoms that don’t manifest immediately.
Visit an emergency room, urgent care center, or your primary care physician for a thorough evaluation. Be completely honest about any pain, discomfort, or unusual sensations you’re experiencing, no matter how minor they may seem. Having prompt medical documentation of your injuries is crucial for both your health and any potential legal claim.
Follow all recommended treatments and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. Keep detailed records of all medical care you receive, including doctor visits, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, physical therapy sessions, and any medical equipment you need for recovery.
Notify Your Insurance Company Properly
Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of the collision. Most insurance policies require prompt notification of accidents, and delaying this step could potentially jeopardize your coverage or create complications in your claim processing.
When speaking with your insurance adjuster, provide factual information about the accident, but be cautious about making detailed recorded statements or accepting quick settlement offers without first consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly for amounts that may not fully compensate you for your injuries and long-term damages.
Remember that your insurance company, while required to provide coverage under your policy, is still a business entity focused on minimizing payouts. Having legal representation can help ensure that your interests are protected during the claims process.
Preserve Important Evidence and Documentation
Keep detailed records of everything related to the accident and your injuries. This includes all medical bills, receipts for medications and medical equipment, documentation of lost wages from missed work, and records of any other expenses related to the accident, such as rental car costs or transportation to medical appointments.
Save all correspondence with insurance companies, including letters, emails, and notes from phone conversations. Keep a journal documenting your pain levels, physical limitations, and how the injuries are affecting your daily life, work performance, and relationships. This documentation can provide valuable evidence of the ongoing impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
Avoid discussing the accident on social media platforms or posting photos that could be misinterpreted by insurance companies or opposing attorneys. Insurance companies often monitor social media accounts of accident victims looking for evidence that could be used to dispute injury claims or argue that victims are exaggerating their limitations.
Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Harm Your Case
Several common mistakes can significantly damage your car accident case and reduce your ability to recover fair compensation. Never admit fault at the scene of the accident, even if you believe you may have contributed to the collision. Fault determination is complex and should be left to insurance adjusters and legal professionals who can thoroughly investigate all contributing factors.
Don’t sign any documents from insurance companies other than your own without first consulting with an attorney. This includes settlement agreements, medical authorization forms, or recorded statement releases that could give insurance companies broad access to your personal information or limit your future legal options.
Avoid delaying medical treatment or missing scheduled appointments, as insurance companies often use gaps in treatment to argue that injuries weren’t serious or that victims aren’t committed to their recovery. Similarly, don’t ignore your doctor’s treatment recommendations or return to normal activities too quickly, as this can be used to minimize the extent of your injuries.
When to Contact an Attorney
While not every car accident requires legal representation, certain circumstances make it advisable to consult with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. These situations include cases involving serious injuries, disputes over fault, uninsured or underinsured drivers, commercial vehicles, or when insurance companies offer inadequate settlements or deny valid claims.
If you’re dealing with significant medical bills, extended time off work, or permanent disabilities resulting from the accident, legal representation becomes essential for ensuring that you receive fair compensation for both current and future damages.
Why Choose J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP
At J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP, we understand the confusion and stress that follow car accidents in San Antonio. Our experienced attorneys have successfully guided countless accident victims through the complex process of protecting their rights and pursuing fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
We provide comprehensive legal services that include thorough case investigation, aggressive negotiation with insurance companies, and skilled trial representation when necessary. Our commitment to personalized service ensures that each client receives individual attention and guidance throughout their case.
Our contingency fee structure means that you can access experienced legal representation without upfront costs, paying attorney fees only when we successfully recover compensation for your case.
Don’t let confusion about what steps to take after your accident jeopardize your rights or your recovery. Contact J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP at (210) 732‑1062 or visit our office at 2914 Pleasanton Road, San Antonio, TX 78221, to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the aftermath of your car accident and pursue the compensation you deserve.