Car accidents are a common occurrence in Ontario, and knowing what to do in the aftermath of a collision is crucial. Whether you’ve been involved in a minor car accident or a major collision, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your rights.
This blog post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in Ontario.
Post-Accident
Here is a guide for what to do following a car accident.
Collect Evidence
After an auto accident in Ontario is to exchange information and begin collecting evidence. This evidence will be necessary when filing your insurance claim for accident benefits.
Take photos of the vehicles involved, including their license plates and any damage sustained. Make sure to take photos from multiple angles, as well as any skid marks or debris on the road. In addition, get the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Witnesses can provide an account of the events that took place and can be incredibly valuable when it comes time to file a claim. Remember to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved as well. This information will be necessary when filing your insurance claim.
Call the Police
If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, or if damage to the vehicles involved appears to exceed $2000, be sure to call emergency services right away. It is also recommended to call the authorities if the incident took place on private or municipal property, if a government vehicle was involved in the accident, or if you suspect any of the other parties to be guilty of a criminal code offence, such as driving under the influence.
The police will come to the scene, assess the situation, and make a detailed report of the accident. This report will be invaluable when filing an insurance claim, as it provides an official record of what happened. Not only will the police report help with the insurance claim process, but it can also be helpful if legal action is necessary down the line.
Seek Medical Help
Injuries sustained in a car accident may not always be immediately apparent, and some symptoms may take days or even weeks to manifest. Seeking medical attention after an accident is crucial to ensure that any injuries are identified and treated promptly.
Obtaining a medical report can be useful when making an insurance claim, as it provides documentation of any injuries sustained in the accident. Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s important to get a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying injuries or conditions that could cause problems in the future. Remember that your health and well-being should be a top priority after an accident, so don’t hesitate to seek medical help if you need it.
Report the Incident
If the accident resulted in significant property damage or injury, it’s crucial to report the incident to the nearest Collision Reporting Centre nearest to you within 24 hours, especially if the police were not called. The Collision Reporting Centre is a facility that is designated by the Ontario government to receive and document reports of car accidents. Reporting the accident is required by law, and failure to do so could result in legal repercussions.
When reporting the accident, be sure to bring all of the necessary information, including your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. You will also need to provide details about the accident, including the time and location, the number of vehicles involved, and any injuries sustained.
Contact Your Insurer
If you’re involved in a car accident in Ontario, it’s important to report it to your insurance company as soon as possible. Under Ontario’s no-fault insurance system, the drivers involved deal with their own car insurance companies, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
When reporting the accident to your insurance company, you will need to provide basic information about the collision, such as the time, location, and nature of the accident. You may also need to provide information about any injuries or property damage that resulted.
Your insurance company will likely conduct their own investigation of the accident, which may involve gathering witness statements or consulting with experts in accident reconstruction. To help facilitate this process, you should provide your insurance company with any relevant information and evidence about the accident, such as photographs of the damage, medical bills or reports, police reports, and contact information for any witnesses.
Contact Kalsi Law if you Have Been Involved in a Car Accident
A car accident can be a traumatic event, leaving individuals overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It’s crucial to stay calm and take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights.
To recap, make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe and seek medical attention if necessary. Contact the authorities and report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Gather as much information as you can from the scene, including names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved, as well as photos of the damage and location of the accident.
It’s important to note that insurance companies may not always have your best interests in mind, so it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
A car accident lawyer from Kalsi Law can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your claim is properly filed. We understand the complexities of car accident cases, our lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights and obtaining the best possible outcome for you.
Contact us today if you require legal assistance in the aftermath of a car accident.
