Helpful Links & Contacts

Domestic Violence Help

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

Web: 

Phone: 1-800-799-7233

 

Bexar County Family Justice Center

Packard Building

1123 N. Main Ave., Ste. 100

San Antonio, Texas 78212

Web:

Phone: 210-631-0100

Fax: 210-631-0199

 

Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc.

Battered Women and Children's Shelter

Hotline: 210-733-8810

7911 Broadway

San Antonio, Texas 78209

Web:

 

San Antonio Women & Children's Shelters

Web: 

Personal Injuries

What to Do After an Accident

 

You've been in an auto collision. The impact was bad. You are shaken up. The adrenaline is running through your system. "What should I do now. Should I go with EMS? Should I ask that person over there that witnessed the wreck for their phone number? I am shaking. What do I do?!" 

 

We know it's extremely hard to, especially after an accident, but the first thing you should do is simply breathe. Calm your nerves for a second so that you go into the next step with a clear head. There are several common sense things people forget to do because of the heat of the moment after an accident.

 

1. CHECK FOR INJURIES:

First, determine if you and then anyone else in your vehicle is injured. If you are able to do so with safety, check the people in the other vehicle(s). If you or anyone else may be injured, do not decline EMS assistance (health insurance usually covers EMS charges). Furthermore, it is better to be safe and have a medical doctor check you out after a motor vehicle accident. The forces involved can be tremendous, and the adrenaline that runs through your body after a wreck sometimes will not let you feel the brunt of your injury until much later. If in doubt, choose the smart and safe approach–get checked out by a doctor.

 

2. CALL 911:

If you have a cell phone, call 911. It is better to have the authorities investigate a collision and document their findings on a report. Police Officers will also make sure that the scene is safe for you and for other drivers. All 911 calls are recorded so do not make statements about fault to the operator because you do not know what may have been happening in the other vehicle that may have caused the collision.

 

3. NO STATEMENTS!:

Do not make any statements regarding the facts of the wreck to anyone except to police officers who are asking questions. Also, if after the collision the insurance carrier for the other person contacts you, you are NOT obligated to give a statement to them, either recorded or otherwise.

Recorded statements to insurance carriers or adjusters are taken by very skilled and trained experts. These statements are often used against you later on down the road to either minimize your damage or to place blame for the accident on you instead of on the driver who was at fault. The other person's insurance carrier is NOT ON YOUR SIDE. They are there to try to limit their exposure, especially if their insured is at fault for the accident.

Sometimes the other person's insurance carrier will tell you that they cannot give you a rental vehicle until you have given them a recorded statement. If this happens, it is best if you ask an attorney what your rights are prior to giving a recorded statement to anyone, even to your own insurance carrier. Know your rights before you submit to an expert interrogation that can cause you harm.

 

4. OBTAIN WITNESS NAMES AND NUMBERS:

If you are able, be sure to get the names and telephone numbers of any eye-witnesses. Eye-witnesses can be the difference between a strong case and a weak case. Also, remember, some eye-witnesses can either have seen the wreck and can tell the officers what happened while other eye-witnesses may have stopped after the collision. These eye-witnesses may be very helpful in detailing evidence of your injuries and other damages later on down the road when the issue of your damages is front and center with the other side’s insurance carrier.

 

5. CAMERAS AND PHOTOGRAPHS:

In this day and age, most people have phones with cameras, which is best to use. However, I advise my clients, friends, and family to keep a disposable camera in the glove box of their car, just in case. Insurance companies are afraid of well-told stories. Photographs of the scene of the collision or the position of the vehicles (if they can be taken safely!) help us tell your story and help us present your case much more effectively than if we did not have the photographs. Document and preserve evidence. You will be glad later on that you did.

 

6. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:

More and more these days, insurance carriers are not going to tell you your rights when you call them to make a claim. They are going to try to pin you down with an expert interrogator in order to minimize your damages or to turn the tide of facts against you regarding fault for the collision. It is crucial that you know your rights and that you know what you are entitled to before you proceed with making a claim.

Common sense sometimes get thrown out the window in the heat and emotion of a motor vehicle accident. Your body's production of adrenaline helps protect you physically, but can skew your rational thinking process. If you remember the tips above, you will be well on your way to being able to relax and recover from any injuries that you have unfortunately received due to an accident.

 

Come by our office for a free brochure with helpful information and procedures to follow after an accident occurs. Keep it with you in your car. We guarantee it will come in handy.

 

 

 

 

Amistad Counseling Services

"Making Growth Possible"

Edward Felan Jr. MS, NCC, LPC-S

Licensed Professional Counselor

Board Approved Supervisor

 

Sabine Building

4604 Centerview Dr. Ste 266

San Antonio, Texas 78228

Web:

Phone: 210-731-8707

Counseling/Therapy

Texas Child Protective Services

Child Protective Services

Texas Abuse & Neglect Hotline

Hotline:1-800-252-5400

Web:  

 

Texas Runaway & Youth Hotline

Hotline: 1-800-989-6884

Web:

 

Foster Care & Adoption Information

Phone: 1-800-233-3405

 

Child Care Information

Phone: 1-800-862-5252

 

CPS Locations

 

3635 S.E. Military Drive

San Antonio, Texas 78223

Phone: 210-333-2004

 

100 Dolorosa, Suite 3.05.9

San Antonio, Texas 78205

Phone: 210-224-1430

 

1123 North Main

San Antonio, Texas 78212

Phone: 210-631-0120

 

2118 South Zarzamora

San Antonio, Texas 78207

Phone: 210-270-4000

 

2538 Castroville

San Antonio, Texas 78237

Phone: 210-431-5600

 

3014 South Rivas Street

San Antonio, Texas 78228

Phone: 210-438-6000

 

8930 Fourwinds Drive, Suite 500

San Antonio, Texas 78239

Phone: 210-871-3000

 

905 Pleasenton Road

San Antonio, Texas 78214

Phone: 210-977-1263