You unfortunately have just had the terrifying experience of being in a motor vehicle accident (“MVA”). You may be injured, shaken up, and unsure of what to do immediately following the accident. 

While we hope you are never in this position, it is important to be prepared. Below are the most important steps you should do immediately following an MVA. Remember – the most important consideration in this situation is everyone’s health and safety. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately.  

1. STOP YOUR VEHICLE, MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS OK 
The first and most important step immediately following an MVA is to stop your vehicle and assess if you are injured. If this is the case, call 911 immediately, or get someone else to call 911 for you. If you can, get out of your vehicle and assess whether any other people need your assistance calling emergency services. 

Remember – you should always remain on the scene following an accident. Failure to remain is known as a “hit and run” and doing so may lead to criminal charges. 

2. RELOCATE TO A SAFE AREA 
Following assessing everyone’s injuries, the next step is to relocate to a safe area. If possible, turn your car hazard lights on, and safely move to a sidewalk or shoulder. 

If the cars are drivable you may choose to move your car to a shoulder or parking lot. This is to prevent further accidents and ensure your safety. Only do so if you are in the right frame of mind. Again, the most important consideration is everyone’s health and safety. If you do choose to move your car and are able to do so, prior to moving the cars try and take some photos of the property damage. Photos from immediately following the accident may be useful if a dispute arises about how the accident occurred; however, moving your car safely is a higher priority. Only take photos if it is safe to do so and won’t put you in further danger.    

3. CALL THE POLICE 
Once everyone is safely out of harms way, the next step is to decide if police should be called to the scene. If anyone needs immediate medical attention, 911 should have already been called at this point. If that is not the case, you can now call the local police department to report the accident. 

 The police will advise on the phone if an officer will come directly to the scene, or if you should attend a collision reporting center. If the police advise that you should go to a reporting centre, make sure you do so within 24 hours of the accident. If police do attend, ensure you remain at the scene of the accident until they arrive. 

The police may ask you questions about what happened, talk to any witnesses, and take photos of the property damage. Always be truthful to the police while they are completing their investigation. If you are unsure of how to answer any of their questions, let the police know – never guess or speculate. 

4. EXCHANGE INFORMATION WITH OTHER PARTIES 
It is important to exchange information with the other parties. You will need the following information: 

1. Full name 
2. Phone number; 
3. Address; 
4. Insurance company and policy number (in Ontario this information can be found on what is known as a “pink slip”); 
5. Driver’s license number and license plate number; and 
6. Make and model of the vehicle. 

You will need this information when you notify your insurance of the accident. Be sure to store this information in a safe place, where you will be able to locate it later. 

If the police did not attend the scene, ensure you collect any witness contact information.  

5. NOTIFY INSURANCE 
You should contact your car insurance company as soon as possible after an MVA. You will be assigned a claim number and insurance adjuster, who will coordinate your vehicle repair and entitlement to accident benefits. 

Remember – even if you are at fault for the accident, in Ontario you are still entitled to no fault accident benefits. Opening a claim with your insurance will ensure that you have access to necessary benefits. 

KEEP IN MIND you DO NOT have to talk to the other driver’s insurance adjusters. Other driver’s adjusters may try and call you a few days following the accident to take a statement from you. You do not have to provide them with anything – often the purpose of this call is to collect information to dispute your claim later down the line. 

6. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION 
Injuries from an MVA do not always appear immediately following the accident. Often people are too shocked at the scene of the accident to adequately assess their injuries. A few days following the accident you may realize you need medical attention. If this is the case, contact your family doctor and advise of the symptoms you are experiencing. Never delay seeking medical attention, the sooner you contact your doctor the quicker you can begin receiving treatment. 

7. CONTACT POLLACK TSIMERMAN 
Car accidents are incredibly traumatic events. At Pollack Tsimerman we understand this stress and are here for you every step of the way. Reach out to us with any questions you may have, we will be there to assist you through this process.

TIP: It may be useful to print off this list and keep a copy in your car to reference if necessary.