Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a scary thing. You may be confused about what to do and not know where to start. You may also be unsure of your rights and the coverage available to you. Here is a basic checklist to help you out.
At the Scene of the Accident
- First of all, determine if you or any passengers in your vehicle need medical attention. If so, call 911.
- Check the occupants of the other vehicle. If they need medical attention, call 911.
- Take pictures. If possible, leave the vehicles where they are and try to get at least one picture of the overall scene.
- Report the accident to the police. If the property damage to the vehicles is over $2,000 you must report the accident. You should also report the accident if you are unsure as to who is at fault, or if there are suspicions as to whether there is a Motor Vehicle Act violation (for example, speeding or failure to yield) or Criminal Code charges (impaired driving, dangerous driving).
- Obtain the other driver’s contact and vehicle information. You should get the following details:
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- The name of the other driver
- The other driver’s address
- The name of the owner of the car (if different than the driver)
- The owner’s address
- The other driver’s insurance company and policy number
- The year, make and model of the other car
- The license plate number of the other vehicle
- If police are called, the name of the investigating officer and the file #
- Contact information for any witnesses
After the Accident
- Report the accident to your insurance company. A lot of people think that if the accident isn’t their fault, they don’t have to report it. Your insurance company must be notified of the accident to ensure you access to your Section B benefits.
- Write out a statement of what happened in as much detail as possible. Overtime, memories fade and people forgot details. Writing out in your words what happened will ensure you capture as much information while the memory is fresh. Date this statement. Include a diagram if you find it helpful.
- Sometimes the insurance company for the person who hit you may contact you for a statement. You are under no obligation to give a statement.
- Seek medical attention and/or treatment. In the event that you make an insurance claim, medical documentation of your injuries is necessary.
If you are injured, call us at 425-7330, or toll free at 1-800-465-8794. Even injuries which appear minor can get worse with time. Consultations are free and it is important to know the options available to you.