The average driver will be involved in at least one car accident during their lifetime. Be prepared for this eventuality by knowing what you should do after a collision.
Determine if anyone is injured
Before you do anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away or have another person do so.
Move your car to safety
If you’re able to operate your vehicle, and if it’s safe to do so, move your car to a safe spot away from oncoming traffic.
Notify the police
It’s never a bad idea to notify the police after an accident, even when not strictly necessary. If an officer is able to come to the scene, they’ll record the details of the accident and have you and the other party sign an accident report. However, there are circumstances in which you must notify the police and submit an accident report. The rules vary from province to province but in some places, if the combined damage to the vehicles exceeds $2,000, if there were injuries or if a criminal offence was committed, you need to file an accident report within 24 hours.
Exchange information
Gather as much information as you can after the accident, including the following:
• The name, address and phone number of the driver and owner of the vehicle
• The contact information of any eyewitnesses
• The licence plate number of the other vehicle
• The insurance company and policy number for the other vehicle
• The description of the accident
• The location of the accident
• The condition of the road
• Pictures of the damage to your car
Finally, be sure to inform your insurer about the accident as soon as you’re able to do so. This will speed up the claims process and ensure your report is processed quicker.
