You were involved in a car crash in San Antonio and are now wondering if you can seek compensation for your vehicle damage and injuries. Though you may be eligible, you should know that the process of filing a personal injury claim can be easier based on what steps you took immediately after the crash.
The preliminary steps
All drivers in a crash, no matter how minor, are required by law to stop. They should then assess the extent of the damage and injuries, calling for an ambulance when someone is seriously injured. They must also call the police; that way, the police can fill out an official report, which drivers can send to the insurance company.
Documenting the accident
Drivers are encouraged to document the accident in whatever way they can. This means writing down what happened and taking photographs of the vehicles. Drivers should write down the road the accident took place on, what direction each car was heading and what the weather and visibility conditions were like. If anyone witnessed the crash, drivers should take down that person’s contact information. The police officer’s contact information is also vital.
The parties involved must exchange the pertinent information, too: name, address and phone number; each vehicle type, license plate number and VIN; and the insurance company name and policy number. Neither side should admit fault or raise a conflict by blaming the other.
A lawyer to help with your case
Hopefully, you have a police report and other vital data for your insurance company. Many victims of car accidents find, though, that they need a lawyer to facilitate the filing of a third-party insurance claim. You may consider scheduling a case evaluation. A lawyer might especially be helpful during negotiations.