The moments following a car accident can be disorienting and stressful.
Whether it’s a minor collision or a more serious crash, it’s important to take the right steps—not just for your safety, but also to protect your ability to seek compensation later if needed.
Here’s what you should do immediately after an accident in Ontario.
1. Check for Injuries and Call for Help
Your safety, and the safety of others, comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 right away.
Even if injuries aren’t immediately obvious, remember that symptoms can appear later. If in doubt, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you have any doubts as to how bad your injuries are, it is best to speak with Emergency Medical Services. Head injuries and shock can lead to confusion that might not feel apparent at the time.
2. Document Yourself and the Scene
Take as many pictures and videos as you can, take a voice note describing what happened. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact details.
If it’s safe and you’re able, take photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- The location of the vehicles
- Road and weather conditions
- Traffic signs or lights
- Any visible injuries
This information may be helpful when dealing with insurance companies or if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
3. Move to Safety (If You Can)
If the accident is minor and it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning signs if you have them.
If the vehicles can’t be moved, or someone is seriously injured, stay where you are until emergency services arrive.
4. Call the Police
In Ontario, you must contact police if:
- Someone is injured
- Damage exceeds $2,000
- You suspect the other driver is impaired or has committed a traffic offence
- A government vehicle or property is involved
If none of these apply, it is still worth calling the police. If someone is found criminally at fault, it will be decisive in a civil lawsuit that might follow. At minimum, you should still need to report the collision to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.
5. Exchange Information
You’ll need to exchange the following details with the other driver(s) involved:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s licence number
- Vehicle make, model, and licence plate
- Insurance company and policy number
Be polite, but avoid discussing fault or arguing about what happened.
6. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with the details and any police or collision centre report information you have.
Failing to report an accident could lead to complications with your claim or affect your coverage.
7. Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, some injuries—like whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or psychological trauma—can take time to appear. Seeing a doctor right away helps you get the care you need and creates a medical record that could be important for a personal injury claim.
Accidents are stressful, but knowing what steps to take can make the process more manageable. If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure what your next step should be, our team is here to support you. Contact us at info@nelliganlaw.ca.
