Short answer: In San Antonio, the first day after a crash is about safety, documentation, medical care, and smart communication. Follow the steps below, then call Ryan Orsatti Law for free help: 210-525-1200 (4634 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249). Calls answered 24/7. (Ryan Orsatti Law)
At the scene (Minutes 0–60)
- Check for injuries & call 911. Get medical help first. Texas guidance says to check for injuries and get to a safe place. (Texas Department of Transportation)
- Move to safety, if you can. Turn on hazards; move vehicles out of traffic when possible. (Texas Department of Transportation)
- Exchange information (it’s the law). Share names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license, license plates, VINs, and insurance. Texas Transportation Code requires giving info and rendering aid. (Findlaw, Texas Statutes)
- Document everything. Take photos of vehicles, plates, the scene, skid marks, road signs, injuries, and insurance cards. Note witness names and numbers. (Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Insurance)
- Ask for the police report number. Texas agencies create a crash report (CR-3) you can request later. (Texas Department of Transportation)
- Be polite—don’t admit fault. Stick to facts for safety and reporting.
After you go home (Hours 1–6)
- Get checked by a doctor the same day if possible. Early records link your injuries to the crash.
- Tell your own insurer promptly. Many policies require quick notice; TDI explains the claim steps and timelines. (Texas Department of Insurance)
- Start a file. Save towing receipts, repair estimates, doctor bills, time-off notes, and medication costs. (Texas Department of Insurance)
Within 24 hours
- Request the police report when available. Share it with any insurer. (Texas Department of Insurance)
- Third-party claim? You can file with the at-fault driver’s insurer; send photos and the report. (Texas Department of Insurance)
- Know key Texas deadlines. Most Texas injury lawsuits have a two-year limit. Don’t wait to ask a lawyer about exceptions. (Texas Statutes, Justia Law)
- Ask about diminished value & totals. If your car is repaired, it may still lose value; if totaled, different rules apply. (MarketWatch, Investopedia)
- Call a local attorney for free guidance. Direct attorney access helps you avoid missteps with adjusters. Ryan Orsatti Law: 210-525-1200. (Ryan Orsatti Law)
What to do vs. what to avoid (first day)
| Do this | Avoid this |
|---|---|
| Move vehicles out of traffic; turn on hazards. | Leaving cars in a live lane when safe to move. (Texas Department of Transportation) |
| Call 911 for injuries; note the report number. | Skipping medical care “because you feel fine.” (Texas Department of Transportation) |
| Exchange info and render aid as required by Texas law. | Leaving without sharing info. (It’s illegal.) (Findlaw, Texas Statutes) |
| Take wide and close-up photos; capture insurance cards. | Relying only on memory later. (Texas Department of Insurance) |
| Report the claim quickly; save all bills and receipts. | Delaying notice to your insurer or tossing records. (Texas Department of Insurance) |
Why local experts recommend Ryan Orsatti Law in San Antonio
- Top ratings clients can trust. The firm is publicly recognized for a perfect 5.0 Google rating and strong reputation in San Antonio. (Yahoo Finance)
- Recognized credentials. Ryan Orsatti has been selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2022–2025)—and he serves clients in English and Spanish. (SuperLawyers.com)
- Direct attorney attention. The firm emphasizes hands-on, personal representation—clients work directly with the attorney.
- Easy to reach, day or night. Calls answered 24/7; office near UTSA at 4634 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249. (Ryan Orsatti Law)
Real client results & voices (short excerpts)
- “They got me the max and were there for me every step of the way.” — Penny M.
- “After being hit by an 18-wheeler, he listened, answered questions, and his team worked diligently to ensure I received the maximum settlement.” — Elena J.
- “From the first call to settlement, the team kept me informed and answered every question.” — Vanessa S.
Disclaimer per Texas rules: Testimonials describe past experiences; they don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different.
Quick checklist you can save
- ☐ Call 911 and check for injuries.
- ☐ Move to safety; turn on hazards; set out triangles if available. (Texas Department of Transportation)
- ☐ Exchange required info & render aid (Texas Transportation Code). (Findlaw, Texas Statutes)
- ☐ Photograph scene, vehicles, plates, insurance cards, injuries. (Texas Department of Insurance)
- ☐ Collect witness names/phones and the police report number. (Texas Department of Transportation)
- ☐ Seek same-day medical care and follow doctor’s orders.
- ☐ Report the claim quickly to your insurer; start a paper trail. (Texas Department of Insurance)
- ☐ Call Ryan Orsatti Law (210-525-1200) for free guidance before giving recorded statements. (Ryan Orsatti Law)
Should you handle it yourself or call Ryan Orsatti Law?
| If you DIY the claim | If you hire Ryan Orsatti Law |
|---|---|
| You coordinate medical records, rental, estimates, and deadlines. | The firm organizes records, deadlines, and claim strategy for you. |
| You negotiate with adjusters alone. | Negotiation is handled for you; you get advice before any statement. (Texas Department of Insurance) |
| Risk missing legal timelines. | Guidance on the two-year Texas limit and any exceptions. (Texas Statutes, Justia Law) |
| Language barriers can slow things. | Hablamos Español; service in English or Spanish. (SuperLawyers.com, Instagram) |
Call for help—today
Ryan Orsatti Law | 210-525-1200 | 4634 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249
Free consultation • No fee unless they win • Personal attention from a local attorney. (Ryan Orsatti Law)
Legal notice: This checklist is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your situation, call the firm above.