Today, we’re going to discuss what to do in the event of a car accident.
A car accident can be a jarring experience, both emotionally and mentally. The experts at Hansma Automotive are here to help - we can offer information on what to do after getting into 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. Now, let’s dig in.
What To Do After Getting Into a Car Accident
Even the best drivers on the road can get into a car accident, and it’s important to know how to respond in the aftermath. Here’s the official process to follow according to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.
1) Stop
If you are involved in a car accident and you don't stop your vehicle, you may be subject to criminal prosecution. 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) Call the authorities
From FSRA, “Call the police 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 Code offence (such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol). Follow the instructions given to you by the emergency operator. Police will arrive as soon as possible. Do not try to move anyone injured in the accident — you may aggravate their injuries.
“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 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.”
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) If it is safe to do so, get out of your car
Take pictures with your phone of the scene and your vehicle.
4) Move your vehicle to the side of the road, out of traffic.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, turn on your hazard lights.
5) Record information
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. You can also use your cell phone to record as much information as you can so you can report the incident as accurately as possible.
6) Call 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.
In the event of a car accident, remain calm and follow the steps above
Additional Dos and Don'ts
The Globe and Mail offered the following tips for how to handle a car accident, courtesy of Natalie Dupuis, senior product manager of auto with RBC Insurance in Toronto:
DO:
Stay calm. Keep yourself and others safe.
Exchange information with the other drivers involved - names, addresses, phone numbers, licence information, insurance company name and policy number.
Obtain the contact information of any witnesses who are at the scene.
DON’T:
Move anyone who is injured – wait for paramedics to arrive.
Accept 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)
Get your vehicle repaired without clearing it with your insurance company; 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
Been in a 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:
“This is the type of place you dream of having available to you when you need a repair. The mechanics that work on your vehicle, are great guys - honest, trustworthy, and fair. This type of place should be the rule, not the exception. If you need car work done, give Pete Hansma, and this repair shop your business.”
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