What To Do If You're In A Car Accident
Here are some things to remember if you are in a car accident;
- Check to make sure you and your passengers are ok. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. If you are able to safely leave the car you may do so, but it is fine to sit in the car if there is no smoke or fire. Airbags that have deployed often leave a “smoky smell” in the car, which can scare people but is not dangerous.
- If you are able to get out of the car safely, go and speak to the other driver. See if they require medical assistance.
- Move your car to a safe location if you are able to.
- Exchange information with the other driver including, (1) name, address and phone number, insurance company and pliicy number, and the license plate number of the vehicle.
- TAKE PICTURES – if you have a camera, “a picture speaks a thousand words”. Take pictures of the general area and position of vehicles as well as the specific damage to all the vehicles.
- Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Give them to the investigating officer.
- Call the police to see if they will come to the scene or if they will ask you to attend at a reporting centre. Generally if there are no injuries, the cars are drivable and the damage is less than $1000.00 the police will ask you to attend at the station to report the accident.
- Once you are safely home, call your insurance company to report the accident. If your car is NOT drivable you will have to call a towing company to tow the car to your choice of repair facility. Often your insurance company will suggest a repair company.
- Your insurance company may also direct you to physiotherapy. Remember that YOU can choose what physiotherapist to go to, you are NOT obliged to follow the insurance companies suggestions.
- If you are injured, you must apply for accident benefits. You may also wish to consult a lawyer for a free no-obligation consultation to learn more about your legal rights.
