Knowing what to do after a car accident in San Antonio can make a real difference in what happens next — to your health, your car, and any claim you may have. I-35 runs straight through the heart of the city, and it sees a heavy mix of commuter traffic, commercial trucks, and highway merges that make collisions more common than most people expect.
If you were just in a crash on I-35 or anywhere else in San Antonio, TX, the decisions you make in the next few hours matter. Evidence disappears, vehicles get repaired, and witnesses move on. This guide walks you through the steps plainly, in the order they count.
After the Crash is not a law firm and nothing here is legal advice. What we do is connect people hurt in crashes with independent, licensed attorneys who can review their situation for free.
What should you do the moment a crash happens on I-35?
Get safe, then stop the vehicle — do not leave the scene. If the crash happened on a live lane of I-35, move your car to the shoulder if it is drivable and you can do so safely. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. Check yourself and anyone else in the vehicle for injuries before anything else.
Call 911 even if the damage looks minor. A police report is one of the most important documents in any San Antonio car accident claim. The responding officer will document the scene, note road and weather conditions, and may record statements from both drivers and witnesses. That report becomes a key piece of evidence.
Do not move anyone who appears seriously injured unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire. Let emergency responders handle that.
What information should you collect at the scene?
Gather as much documentation as you can before vehicles are moved or the scene clears. The following are the most useful items to collect:
- The other driver's full name, phone number, and address
- Their insurance company name and policy number
- Their driver's license number and license plate
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- The responding officer's name and badge number, plus the report number
Use your phone to photograph everything — damage to all vehicles involved, the positions of the cars, skid marks, road signs, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. On I-35 in San Antonio, TX, traffic camera footage and dashcam video from nearby vehicles can also matter. That kind of evidence does not last long, so capturing what you can at the scene is worth the effort.
Should you see a doctor even if you feel okay?
Yes — get checked out as soon as possible, even if you walked away from the crash feeling fine. Adrenaline masks pain. Injuries like whiplash, soft-tissue damage, and even internal injuries can take hours or days to show symptoms.
From a claim standpoint, a gap in medical treatment is one of the most common ways insurers argue that an injury was not serious or was not caused by the crash. Seeing a doctor quickly creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the accident. An attorney can explain how treatment timing typically affects claims in cases like yours.
Keep records of every appointment, prescription, and out-of-pocket expense related to your injuries. Those documents tell the financial story of what the accident cost you.
What should you say — and not say — to the insurance company?
Be careful about what you say to the other driver's insurance company, especially early on. It is generally not in your interest to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurer before you have spoken with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can be used to minimize or deny a claim.
You are generally required to notify your own insurer about the accident promptly. But even with your own insurer, stick to the basic facts and avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries before you have been fully evaluated by a doctor.
Fault is not always as straightforward as it seems. Texas uses a comparative fault system, which means the percentage of fault assigned to each driver can affect what a claim is worth. An attorney can confirm how those rules apply to your specific situation.
How do you get the police report after a crash in San Antonio?
You can request the crash report from the San Antonio Police Department or Texas DPS, depending on which agency responded to the scene. Reports are typically available within a few days of the crash. You will need the report number the officer gave you, or you can search by date, location, and names involved.
Review the report carefully when you receive it. Check that the facts, vehicle descriptions, and driver information are accurate. If something is wrong, an attorney can advise you on steps to address errors that could affect your claim.
Does it matter how quickly you act after the accident?
Speed matters more than most people realize. Physical evidence — paint transfers, debris patterns, traffic footage — gets lost quickly. Witnesses become harder to reach. Vehicles get repaired or totaled out before anyone documents the damage properly.
Texas also has a statute of limitations, meaning there is a legal deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit. That deadline is generally two years from the date of the accident in Texas, but exceptions exist and an attorney can confirm the deadline that applies to your case. Waiting too long can eliminate your options entirely, regardless of how strong a claim might have been.
Acting early also gives an attorney time to send preservation letters to businesses or agencies that might have relevant footage before it is overwritten.
What if the other driver had no insurance?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may apply if the driver who hit you had no insurance or not enough to cover your losses. Whether you have that coverage depends on your own auto policy. This is one of several coverage angles an attorney typically reviews early in a case.
Texas has a meaningful number of uninsured drivers on the road, and I-35 sees enough traffic volume that these situations come up regularly. If the at-fault driver fled the scene, there may still be options — including hit-and-run provisions in certain policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a police report to make a car accident claim in San Antonio?
A police report is not always legally required to file a claim, but it is strong supporting evidence. Without one, proving fault becomes harder. An attorney can advise on how to proceed if no report was filed.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas generally allows two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Exceptions exist. An attorney can confirm the specific deadline that applies to your case.
What if I was partly at fault for the crash on I-35?
Texas uses a comparative fault system. Being partly at fault does not automatically bar a claim, but it can reduce what you recover. An attorney can review how fault may be assigned in your situation.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?
Early offers are often lower than what a claim may be worth, especially before the full extent of injuries is known. An attorney can review any offer before you accept it.
Can I still make a claim if I did not go to the doctor right away?
A treatment gap can complicate a claim, but it does not necessarily end it. An attorney can review your specific circumstances and explain what options may still be available.
If you were hurt in a crash on I-35 or anywhere in San Antonio, TX, After the Crash can connect you with a local, independent car accident attorney for a free case review — no commitment required. Start your free case review here.