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 Many Clients Choose Ryan Orsatti Law in San Antonio
- Top ratings clients can trust. The firm is publicly recognized for a strong Google review profile 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)
- “From day one, the team was professional, communicative, and fought for us.” — Brookes F.
- “They kept me informed…never left me in the dark” — Vanessa S.
- “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.
Hurt in an accident in San Antonio? Learn how a San Antonio personal injury lawyer can help with your claim. Call 210-525-1200 or request a free consultation.
The firm works on a contingency fee. You pay nothing unless the firm recovers money for you, and that covers case expenses as well as the fee: if there is no recovery, you owe no attorney's fee and no case expenses. Ask for the fee agreement and read the fee and expense section before you sign anything.
Related San Antonio legal resources
Primary legal and public-data sources
- Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16: limitations
- Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33: proportionate responsibility
Ryan Orsatti Law
4634 De Zavala Road, San Antonio, TX 78249
General reference links. Consult each source for its current text.