Steps to take after a motor vehicle accident in Ontario

An image of two cars directly after a collision. A blue car rear-ended a black car, resulting in its hood being bent up.

In the event of a motor vehicle collision in Ontario, there are several critical steps you should take to ensure your safety, comply with legal requirements, and protect your rights. Firstly, don’t panic, take a moment to keep yourself and anyone with you calm. Then, follow these six important steps:

  1. Ensure Safety: First and foremost, check for any injuries to yourself or others involved in the collision. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately. Move to a safe location if possible to avoid any further accidents, but do not leave the scene.
  2. Report the Accident: If there are injuries, significant property damage, or if a driver involved in the collision is uninsured, you must report the accident to the police. In Ontario, if the combined damage exceeds $2,000, the collision must be reported. For minor collisions without injuries, you can report to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.
  3. Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the collision. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance policy details.
  4. Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, any visible damages, and any relevant road conditions or signs. This documentation can be vital for insurance claims and legal purposes.
  5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the collision as soon as possible. Provide them with all the relevant details and cooperate with their investigation. Be honest and detailed in your account of the incident.
  6. Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm: If you’ve been injured or there’s significant damage, it’s crucial to seek legal advice. Contacting an experienced personal injury law firm in Ontario can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. A law firm specializing in motor vehicle collisions will be able to guide you through the process of filing insurance claims, dealing with other parties involved, and, if necessary, pursuing legal action to recover damages.

Remember, the steps you take immediately after a collision can significantly impact your ability to recover damages and navigate the aftermath smoothly. Always prioritize safety and legal obligations, and seek professional advice when needed.

About the Author: Brenda Hollingsworth

Brenda Hollingsworth co-founded Ottawa’s Auger Hollingsworth in 2005 with her husband Richard Auger. Together, their mission was to create a personal injury law firm for Eastern Ontario that is unrivalled in the province for customer service and legal expertise. Brenda was named an Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40 award recipient and took home the Women’s Business Network’s Businesswoman of the Year award in the Professional category. She was also recognized as one of Ottawa Life Magazine’s “Top 50 People in the Capital.” She is often quoted as an expert and has appeared in media outlets such as CTV, The Globe and Mail, National Post, Ottawa Citizen, Sun Media, CBC, Toronto Star, Montreal Gazette, CFRA and many legal publications.

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