Of course, if you’re involved in a car accident, you must stop your vehicle and remain at the scene. The following steps tell you what to do after that.
- Turn on Your Hazard Lights – As soon as you determine that you are OK, turn on your vehicle’s flashing hazard lights to warn the other drivers involved and drivers on the road about your vehicle. Try to remain calm. Avoid getting into a dispute with other drivers.
- Check Everyone Involved for Injuries – Check everyone in your car first, then, if it is safe to exit your vehicle, check the other vehicles too. If anyone is injured, call 911.
- Call the Police if There’s More than $2,000 Damage or If Criminal Activity is Suspected – Even if there are no injuries, you should call the police if there is a certain amount of damage or if you think any of the other drivers are guilty of a criminal code offence (including if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol).If the damage appears to be less than $2,000 and no criminal activity is suspected, you must call a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours to report the accident and file a police report.
- Move Vehicles to the Side of the Road – if it is safe to do so, and after taking pictures of the accident scene and all the vehicles involved in the accident, move the vehicles to the side of the road.
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- Exchange Information with the Other Drivers – In addition to contact information and car insurance information, you should get as much of the information as possible that’s outlined on the Province of Ontario’s Accident Worksheet. Also, use your smartphone to record video and/or audio to get as much information as you can.
- Call Your Insurance Company ASAP – Following the accident, call your insurance company and ask them for details about filing an insurance claim.
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