You have been injured in a car accident, now what?

1. Remain calm and assess your surroundings. If it is safe, move your vehicle to a safer location and out of traffic. If your vehicle cannot be moved, then turn on your hazard lights if possible. If your vehicle is involved in an accident and you don't stop, you may be subject to criminal prosecution.

 

2. If you are able to, call the police, especially if anyone is injured, if the total damage to all the vehicles appears to be more than $2,000 or you suspect that other drivers involved are under the influence. Follow the instructions by the emergency operator. In Ontario, you may also attend a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours, if damages appear to be less than $2,000. These centres are police facilities created to assist motorists in reporting motor vehicle accidents. At the reporting centre you will complete a police report, and damage to the vehicle will be photographed. In the greater Toronto area, you can call (416) 745-3301 to locate the Collision Reporting Centre nearest to you.

 

3. If it is safe, get out of the car. You should take pictures of the scene. Make sure to take note of the direction of the vehicles, the name of the intersecting streets and the direction from which the vehicles were travelling prior to the collision. Also take note of any cameras in the area and the colour of any traffic signals.

 

4. Ensure that you take the other driver’s license information, insurance information, plate number of the vehicle.  At the very least, take down the plate number of the vehicle and the name of the driver and as much other information as possible.

 

5. Seek immediate medical attention either at the hospital, your family doctor or a walk-in clinic.

 

6. Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident and inform them about the accident and any injuries you may have.

 

7. Contact Sandhu Injury Legal Services for a free consultation to discuss your rights.