In this article, we’re going to take a look at what to do after getting in a car accident.
The experts at Hansma Automotive are here to help in this event - we can offer information on what to do after getting in a car accident, and we can make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road afterwards.
Here, we’ll go over the specific steps you should take after one of these unfortunate incidents. Let’s get started now.
What To Do After Getting In Car Accident
Even the best drivers can meet this fate, and it’s important to know what to do after getting in a car accident. Here’s are 6 steps to follow according to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.
1) Stop Your Car
If you don't stop your vehicle after getting into a car accident, you may be subject to criminal charges. Do not drive away. Immediately turn on your hazard lights. If there is another driver involved and they leave, write down their licence plate number so the authorities can locate them.
2) Notify The Authorities
There are two approaches to take here, and it depends on the extent of personal injury and vehicle damage.
Call 9-1-1 if anyone is injured, if the total damage to all the vehicles involved appears to be more than $2,000, or you suspect that any of the other drivers involved are guilty of a criminal offence (such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol). (Source: FSRA)
If no one is injured and total damage to all the vehicles involved appears to be less than $2,000, call a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours. These facilities exist 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. (Source: FSRA)
Visit accsupport.com or call (416) 745-3301 to locate a Collision Reporting Centre near you.
Who you call depends on the extent of the damage and whether there are any injuries
3) Record The Scene
If it is safe to do so, get out of your car. Take pictures with your phone of the scene and your vehicle.
Try to capture general views of the accident scene, all vehicles involved in the accident, traffic lights and signs near the accident scene.
You’ll also want to record weather conditions, such as clouds, rain, or snow, objects damaged by the accident, detailed views of the damaged vehicles, license plates and insurance cards.
Take note of the condition of the roads and surrounding areas, as well as any physical injuries you sustained - ensure you take photos of any injuries that are visually apparent.
Ask for permission before taking photos of those involved who were not in your personal vehicle.
4) Move To The Side
When safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road, out of traffic. If your vehicle cannot be driven, turn on your hazard lights.
5) Write Down What Happened
As soon as you are able, fill out an Accident Worksheet to help you remember what information is required.
You can download the Accident Worksheet here.
Again, use your cell phone to record as much information as you can so you can report the incident as accurately as possible.
6) Contact Your Insurance Company
Let them know them what happened and ask for next steps.
For more information on filing an insurance claim with your insurance company, visit After an Auto Accident: Understanding the Claims Process.
The steps outlined above are what to do after getting in a car accident.
Additional Tips For What To Do After Getting In Car Accident
The Globe and Mail offered the following tips for what to do after getting in a car accident, courtesy of Natalie Dupuis, senior product manager of auto with RBC Insurance in Toronto:
Stay calm. Keeping yourself and others safe is the highest priority.
Exchange information with the other drivers involved - names, addresses, phone numbers, licence information, insurance company name and policy number.
Obtain contact information of any witnesses who are at the scene.
Don’t move anyone who is injured – wait for paramedics to arrive.
Refuse a direct offer of payment of damage from the other driver. “Settling for direct payment may not be as advantageous as it seems. If you’re not at fault, the accident won’t affect your driving record nor will you have to pay a deductible.” (Source: The Globe and Mail)
Clear it with your insurance company before getting your car fixed; they may refer you to a repair facility where the work is guaranteed.
Be sure to seek out an automotive service technician to make sure your car is fixed properly.
Following a car accident, get your vehicle repaired by a reputable mechanic
What To Do After Getting In Car Accident: Trust Hansma Automotive!
As a Tech-Net professional auto repair facility, Hansma Automotive is committed to serving you, our customer, with professional auto service repair at a reasonable cost.
We use quality CARQUEST auto parts, guaranteed coast to coast. We stand on sound business principles and uphold high ethical standards. Our goal is to make your automotive repair experience friendly and successful.
By providing good, old-fashioned customer service over the years, Hansma Automotive has gained a loyal following in the community. Many hundreds of area residents have come to depend on our team, rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep their family vehicles in peak running condition.
The success of our neighbourhood business has been built on a foundation of customer satisfaction. Indeed, satisfied existing clients are our best advertising. Our 'word-of-mouth referrals' continue to be our largest source of new customers.
What Hansma Customers Are Saying:
“Been here a number of times for tire swaps and oil changes. Very nice people, go out of their way to accommodate me, always gave me a timely ride to and pick up from work when my vehicle is in the shop. Work is done well, and at a reasonable price. No complaints, will keep going here.”
- Arjun Das