Driving in any Texas metropolitan area can be both frustrating and dangerous. Drivers of differing abilities, practices, and types clutter the roads. Additionally, the use of these roads by large, commercial vehicles, and accidents are bound to happen. This issue is apparent when watching the local news for San Antonio, Texas; the eventuality of a traffic collision or commercial truck driver accident occurring seems guaranteed. Chances are, you or a loved one are reading this now because you were involved in a commercial truck car accident.
After being involved in a commercial vehicle accident in San Antonio, you might ask, “What next?” Though consulting with a Carabin Shaw attorney is the best course of action, there are a few items that our lawyers recommend looking into in the meantime.
Immediately After the AccidentAfter being involved in an accident, you or a loved one should complete a few activities. Immediately after the accident, it is crucial for you to collect insurance information from the other party, contact the police, and document the accident. Though an experienced San Antonio 18 wheeler accident lawyer should work with an investigation team—as is the case with Carabin Shaw attorneys—to provide strong evidence for any claim you or a loved one may submit, there are actions that an individual can take at the scene of an accident.
Exchange Insurance InformationIf you are in a commercial vehicle accident in San Antonio and wondering what next, the first step is to exchange insurance information with any other involved parties. Avoid making statements like “I’m fine,” “I shouldn’t have done,” or “It’s okay."
Contact the Police, if NeededChances are if there has been an accident involving a commercial vehicle in San Antonio, Texas, the police are already on the way. That said, you should contact the police if it is not obvious that they are inbound. When submitting any claim with the help of an 18 wheeler accident lawyer, Texas courts will likely expect a police report as the primary source of documentation for the San Antonio, Texas, based accident. Likewise, insurance claims often rely on police reports to establish fault.
When the police do arrive, be careful to not make any statements that may indicate that you were at fault or that the accident was not a big deal.
Quickly Document the AccidentAfter exchanging insurance and contacting the police in a commercial vehicle accident in San Antonio, what happens next? Try to quickly document the accident. If you or a loved one have a functioning camera or smartphone, quickly snap a few photos. This step is especially vital if vehicles need to be moved off the road; if possible, make sure to try to document where the original crash happened. Any pictures may help an attorney effectively argue any claim you might file.
After Leaving the Scene of the AccidentIf you or a loved one are not leaving the scene of the accident in an ambulance, it is advisable to either go to a San Antonio, Texas, emergency room or promptly be seen by a medical provider. Even if it isn’t visibly apparent that someone has been injured, there is a still a high risk of internal injury with 18 wheeler accidents. The sooner such injuries are spotted, the better for your health and legal options.
Consult with a Carabin Shaw Attorney TodayIf you have not done so already, make sure to seek at the help of an experienced lawyer. Even sitting down once to discuss a recent accident will allow an attorney to quickly provide individual advice and counsel. This advice is valid, even if you aren’t interested in filing a claim in court; the San Antonio trucking accident lawyers with Carabin Shaw can help you navigate confusing, frustrating insurance claims and any later legal claims.
The attorneys at Carabin Shaw have considerable experience in these types of accidents. To schedule a free consultation with one of our legal experts, call our San Antonio, Texas office today at 210-222-2100 or toll-free at 800-862-1260.