Being in a car accident is overwhelming.
Whether you are injured in a minor fender-bender or a more serious collision, you should know what to do to protect your health, safety and legal rights.
- Prioritize Safety
Check if anyone is injured. If it’s safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic to minimize the risk of further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights and, if needed, set up warning triangles or flares.
Call 911 if there is a fatality, someone is injured, the situation is dangerous, or there has been significant damage to property..
- Call the Police
In Ontario, you must call the police if:
- Someone is injured
- There is suspected criminal activity (e.g., impaired driving)
- The total damage appears to exceed $5,000
- A government vehicle or property is involved
It is not always obvious right after the accident if there are any injuries or how much damage has been sustained to your vehicle. Calling 911 is always a good idea in order to ensure that safety protocols are followed and any injured passengers are treated by emergency services.
- Exchange Information
Share the following information with the other driver(s):
- Name and contact details
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle registration and license plate
- Insurance company and policy number
Avoid discussing fault or liability at the scene.
- Document the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, take photos of:
- The vehicles involved
- Any damage or injuries
- Road conditions, traffic signs, and surrounding area
These details can be helpful later when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a legal claim.
- Report the Accident
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the collision. Provide them with all relevant details, including the police report number if applicable.
If the police do not attend the accident scene, go to a Collision Reporting Centre to complete a full report. There are Collision Reporting Centres in most cities in Ontario. .
- Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to see a doctor. Some injuries, especially soft tissue or psychological ones, may take hours or days to show symptoms. Prompt medical attention also creates a record that can help you support any future insurance or legal claims you might make.
- Understand Your Legal Rights
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation through your own insurance policy or by filing a claim against an at-fault driver. This can include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Navigating insurance claims and legal options can be complex. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and whether you have a potential claim.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and have questions about your legal options, our team is here to help. Contact us at info@nelliganlaw.ca.
