If you’ve recently experienced a crash on Interstate 35, one of the busiest and most dangerous highways in America—especially through San Antonio—you’re likely overwhelmed. Amidst the chaos and confusion, knowing precisely what steps to take can profoundly impact your health, safety, and legal options. At Ryan Orsatti Law, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation highway accidents can cause and understand the complexities involved in pursuing compensation.
This guide provides clear, actionable advice for anyone involved in an accident on I-35, a route notorious for frequent collisions involving both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. Follow these essential steps and reach out to our expert legal team to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
- Immediate Steps After an I-35 Accident
- Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Others
- Gathering Crucial Evidence
- Reporting the Accident
- Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
- Understanding the Legal Implications
- Why Choose Ryan Orsatti Law
- Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Immediate Steps After an I-35 Accident
Step 1: Move to a Safe Location
Safety should always be your priority. If possible, carefully move your vehicle off the main lanes of I-35 to the shoulder or another safe area. On congested highways like I-35, secondary accidents often occur shortly after the initial crash.
Step 2: Call 911 Immediately
Due to the high traffic volume and frequent severe crashes on I-35, contacting emergency services right away is crucial. San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) or Texas Highway Patrol will respond swiftly to assist injured parties and manage traffic flow.
Step 3: Check for Injuries
Quickly assess yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask pain or injuries that emerge later. Prioritize getting medical attention promptly.
Safety First: Protecting Yourself and Others
Given the heavy traffic and high speeds on I-35, the risk of secondary collisions is significant. Follow these safety tips:
- Stay clear of traffic lanes and remain in your vehicle if it is safe to do so.
- Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Place warning triangles or flares around your vehicle, if safe and possible.
Gathering Crucial Evidence
After securing your safety, gathering evidence is critical for your personal injury claim:
- Photographs and Videos: Capture the entire accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and weather conditions.
- Witness Information: Collect names and contact information from any witnesses.
- Driver Information: Exchange contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance policies, and vehicle registration information with the other parties involved.
Reporting the Accident
In Texas, especially on busy interstates like I-35, law enforcement involvement is essential. Officers provide an official accident report which is critical for insurance claims and legal actions. Make sure you:
- Clearly describe the events leading up to the crash.
- Obtain the responding officer’s name, badge number, and report number.
Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
After a highway collision, immediate medical evaluation is crucial:
- Visit an emergency room or urgent care as soon as possible.
- Thoroughly describe all symptoms, even minor ones.
- Keep all medical records and documentation, as these are pivotal in your injury claim.
Understanding the Legal Implications
Texas personal injury laws are intricate, particularly when accidents involve commercial trucks, which frequently travel I-35. Critical legal considerations include:
- Determining liability, especially in cases involving negligent trucking companies or fatigued drivers.
- Preserving evidence from trucking companies such as driver logs, black boxes, and maintenance records.
- Meeting filing deadlines under Texas statutes of limitation.
Having a dedicated legal advocate like Ryan Orsatti Law ensures these complexities are navigated effectively.
Why Choose Ryan Orsatti Law
At Ryan Orsatti Law, we pride ourselves on our exceptional legal representation tailored specifically to personal injury victims on Texas highways:
- Proven Experience: With numerous successful verdicts and settlements, we have extensive experience handling serious highway accidents, particularly involving I-35 collisions.
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your needs, health, and well-being, guiding you compassionately through every step of the legal process.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We relentlessly pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and future care needs.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an I-35 accident, don’t delay—time is crucial for preserving evidence and protecting your rights. Contact Ryan Orsatti Law today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery.
Call us now at 210-525-1200 or complete our online form to get started immediately.