From the QEW to rural roads north of Barrie, car accidents happen every day across Ontario. Whether you’ve been sideswiped on the 401 or rear-ended in a grocery store lot in Mississauga, knowing how to handle the aftermath can significantly impact the outcome of your car insurance claim.
Ontario sees an average of 27,000 fatal and personal injury collisions annually, according to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s most recent road safety report. That’s tens of thousands of drivers and passengers navigating the same confusing insurance claims process—often with little experience or guidance.
At Kalsi & Associates, our car accident injury lawyers help injured clients understand their legal rights, avoid common mistakes, and move through the claims process with confidence.
Do: Get Medical Attention
After an automobile accident, your priority should always be your health. Some injuries aren’t immediately visible but can worsen over time. Getting medical attention right away creates a medical record that ties your injuries directly to the accident—something your insurance agent and the claims adjuster will look for these records during the insurance claims process.
Do: File a Police Report When Required
If the accident involves injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $2,000, Ontario law requires you to contact the police. The investigating officer’s police report becomes a key part of your accident report. Make sure to request a copy or reference number for your records.
Do: Collect Detailed Notes and Insurance Details
Gather as much information as possible at the scene. That includes the other driver’s insurance information, policy number, driver’s licence, contact information, licence plate number, and details about the other vehicle. If there are multiple parties involved, document each one. Take photos of the scene, the damage, and any visible injuries.
Do: Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. You’ll need to provide your policy number and basic facts about what happened. Your insurance agent may open the claim and assign a claims adjuster to begin evaluating damages and benefits.
Do: Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer Before
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer to discuss and understand what benefits you may be entitled to. A lawyer can ensure your insurance claim reflects the full impact of the accident and that your legal rights are protected.
Don’t: Admit Fault
These statements can be misunderstood as admissions of guilt and may harm your insurance claim. Let the investigating officer and claims adjusters determine liability.
Don’t: Leave Without Gathering Key Info
Never leave the scene without documenting everything. That includes the names and contact details of all parties involved, driver’s license(s), insurance policy information, and the make and model of the other vehicle(s). If multiple parties are involved, get information from each of them.
Don’t: Miss the Deadline to File Your Loss Form
To access accident benefits in Ontario, you must submit an OCF-1 (application for accident benefits) within 30 days. This is the formal start of your insurance claim and gives your insurer notice of your intent to seek benefits under your insurance policy. Missing this deadline can delay access to benefitsfor medical treatment, income replacement, and other coverage.
Don’t: Give a Recorded Statement Without Legal Guidance
Insurance adjusters may ask you to provide a recorded statement about the car accident. These conversations are often used to assess liability. It is wise to consult a lawyer before agreeing to any recorded interview.
Don’t: Overlook Hidden Costs
Medical bills are only part of the story. You may also be eligible to claim other expenses—like prescription costs, physiotherapy, lost wages, etc…
How to Proceed After a Car Accident
Making an insurance claim is about more than just filing paperwork. It’s about documenting everything, understanding your insurance policy, and knowing how to respond to insurance companies. When multiple parties are involved or the situation becomes complex, it’s especially important to act quickly and protect your legal rights.
At Kalsi & Associates, we’ve helped clients across Ontario navigate the insurance claims process. Whether your accident was minor or life-altering, our team is here to help you claim your benefits, and/or pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, book your free consultation today. We’ll walk you through your rights, review your case, and make sure you’re on the right track.
