Car Wreck Checklist Every San Antonian Should Read

A car wreck can happen to anyone at any time regardless of driving experience, skill, or external variables like weather conditions and speed. In the event of a collision, your first few moves may prove to be the most crucial and vital to obtaining compensation. If you or someone you care about has suffered the repercussions of a car crash in the San Antonio area, you may need legal counsel to maximize the success of your claim. In these instances, we recommend you contact one of the experienced San Antonio car wreck injury attorney from Carabin Shaw today.

If you have indeed involved in an on-road collision, it is recommended you begin by following this simple protocol and car wreck checklist every San Antonian should read below:

• Put on your emergency flashers so other drivers know to go around you.
• Pull over to a safe place off the road and out of the flow of traffic.
• Check to see if anyone in your car is injured, and if so, call for proper medical assistance.
• Exit your automobile if it is safe to do so, and if you are also physically able to do so.
• Check to see if anyone in the other car is injured. If so, call more medical help.
• Summon the police.
• Take pictures at the scene if you have a camera, or with your smartphone or other camera-equipped device.
• If you are able to safely move your vehicle, move it onto the road shoulder to prevent further collisions, pile-ups, and jams from cars approaching the accident.

Unfortunately, even this car wreck checklist every San Antonian should read cannot prepare you for uncooperative or dubious drivers who attempt to place the blame on someone other than themselves. In these instances, you should protect yourself with extensive and accurate documentation. The most effective measures for proper documentation of the accident include the following:

• Exchange names, address, telephone number, insurance information, vehicle make and model, and any other pertinent information with other drivers.
• Obtain the names, address, telephone numbers, or other contact information of any witnesses, pedestrian or otherwise, so you know who to call if the accident needs to be further investigated or any detail deciphered.
• If the police have been summoned, remain at the scene of the accident until the responding officer says you may leave.
• As soon as possible, write down all facts surrounding the accident, such as the time, date, and location of the accident, up to and including all weather conditions.
• Call your insurance company to report the accident.
• Finally, call your attorney if you are injured or the damage is extensive.

Beyond preventative self-education and familiarizing yourself with the above car wreck checklist every San Antonian should read, the fact is that you might need legal counsel to build a successful reparation case in the event of an accident. Fortunately, the San Antonio lawyers at Carabin Shaw have over 20 years of experience helping numerous automobile accident victims file successful claims against the negligent drivers responsible for their injuries and loss. We have attorneys in San Antonio and the surrounding region standing by to provide counsel and defense for motorists affected by another driver’s carelessness.

Immediately following the accident, the most important thing you can do is to remain vigilant and protect your rights. Regardless of responsibility, always remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive. It is important to remain at the scene of the accident for a few reasons. For instance, staying at least long enough to give your name and address to the attending police officer or, at the bare minimum, the other driver, dramatically decreases the appearance of incrimination. Furthermore, leaving the scene before executing these simple actions could subject you to criminal penalties.

During these early stages of your claim, it is recommended you do not make any definitive statements. Tell the police officer any and all relevant facts about the incident, but do not make any statements assessing or accepting blame for the accident until the entire investigation into the accident and police report has been completed.

Also, it is recommended to try not to make any firm statements regarding the state of your health after the crash, as medical repercussions you may yet be unaware of may arise later. If asked by the officer on site, stating that you are unaware whether or not you have been injured is perfectly acceptable, especially in the moment. Always be cooperative with law enforcement officials, but do not sign any extraneous documents or take any rash action that might affect your right to compensation later on.

You should always gather all pertinent information from other drivers and witnesses. Because not all witness to the accident are going to wait for the police to arrive, try to obtain their names and phone numbers before they leave the scene and it is too late.

If you believe you may have sustained any physical injury, seek medical assistance immediately. The day after an accident, you may feel pains that weren’t present at the time the collision occurred. The sooner you see a doctor after the crash, the better chances you will have for receiving compensation for your medical claims. Retain and make copies of any records or bills related to medical attention, including days absent from work due to rehabilitation and any projected loss of wages. Your attorney may also be able to obtain medical records and billing information on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Coping with the aftermath of a San Antonio car wreck accident can be an unpleasant and, at the very least, an inconvenient experience. Above all else, you must protect your rights after an accident. Thankfully, the lawyers of Carabin Shaw have over 20 years of experience protecting the rights of victims. Contact the team of attorneys at Carabin Shaw in San Antonio today at 210-222-2288 or toll-free at 1.800.682.1260 for a free case consultation. We are here for you.