
Learn what to do if you’re hit by a stolen vehicle in San Antonio.
Suspects Arrested After Stealing Pickup, Injuring Man in T-bone Accident on the North Side
According to a KSAT News report, two 18-year-olds were arrested following an early-morning carjacking and t-bone crash on the North Side.
Police reported that Daniel Gunalda and Moses Perez (18) stole a Chevrolet Silverado from a home in the 1700 block of San Angelo Boulevard around 5:25 a.m., Thursday, February 20th. One of the suspects pointed a gun at the victim and demanded their keys, but the victim was not injured. Police chased Gunalda and Perez while they were in the Silverado.
While fleeing police, Gunalda and Perez were speeding northbound on Blanco Road when they ran a red light and struck a vehicle traveling westbound on Jackson Keller Road. The victim of the crash was hospitalized in critical condition. Gunalda and Perez fled on foot but were later caught and arrested on multiple charges.
Did You Know?
Car thefts dropped 34.7% in San Antonio from 2023 to 2024.
Everything You Need to Know If You’re Hit by a Stolen Vehicle in San Antonio
Even though car thefts dropped significantly in San Antonio last year, there were still 12,668 motor vehicle thefts in 2024.
Even if the vehicle isn’t involved in a police chase, drivers often engage in crimes and reckless driving behavior in stolen vehicles, increasing the likelihood of an accident. So, let’s talk about what to do if you’re hit by a stolen vehicle in San Antonio.
Immediately After the Accident
Stolen vehicle accidents are almost always hit-and-runs, though the driver may be caught and arrested. If you are involved in a hit-and-run with a stolen vehicle:
- DO NOT CHASE THE DRIVER — The driver may be armed, making pursuing them extremely dangerous. Leave it to the police and stay in your vehicle if it’s safe to do so.
- Call 9-1-1 — As soon as you are able to, call for police and EMS.
- Move Off the Highway—If you can move your vehicle to a shoulder or nearby parking lot, do so. Just be sure to keep the police informed of your location. If you can’t, turn your hazards on to alert other drivers of the danger.
- Document the Scene — Once the police arrive, take photos and/or video of the scene. If you’re injured or otherwise unable to do so, the police will document the scene, but you can ask a friend, family member, or passenger to help you get your own photos.
- Seek Medical Attention — Fully cooperate with first responders and go to the hospital if they instruct you to do so. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries show themselves later but can be life-threatening.
Accident Follow-Up
Once you have secured a police report and been properly evaluated by a doctor, you need to report the accident to your insurance.
This should be done ASAP to avoid any complications that arise from delaying. It’s especially important after an accident with a stolen vehicle because you almost always have to get compensation from your own insurance policy.
Who Pays If I’m Injured by a Stolen Vehicle?
Compensation will likely come from your UM/UIM or PIP coverage after an accident with a stolen vehicle.
The owner of the stolen vehicle will likely not be held responsible for the accident. Additionally, even if the thief is caught, they will likely not have insurance–but, even if they do, insurance doesn’t cover illegal activities.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Stolen Vehicle Accident in San Antonio?
It is recommended that you speak to a lawyer if you or a loved one was injured in an accident with a stolen vehicle.
You can technically file your claim without a lawyer’s help, especially if you suffered no injuries in the accident. However, people often struggle with insurance claims involving stolen vehicles, experiencing common problems like:
- Insurance refusing to cover the accident,
- Insurance covering only part of the accident,
- Insurance not offering enough to fully cover the cost of your injuries.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you can talk to an experienced car accident attorney at Carabin Shaw completely free of charge.
Injured by a Stolen Vehicle in San Antonio? Call Shaw!
You may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Property Damage,
- Missed Work,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Don’t struggle with insurance alone. Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced car accident attorney in San Antonio. There are no fees and no obligations attached–just the expert legal advice you need.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.
²SAPD Crime Report Breakdown (KSAT)