Even the best drivers get into car accidents. It can be a scary and stressful moment for any driver. Here are step-by-step instructions of what you should do if you are involved in an accident.

STEP 1

Stop. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident you must stop.

STEP 2

Check yourself and any other passengers in the car to make sure that no one is injured. If you or your passengers are injured or there is any emergency, call 911 or ask someone else to do so.

car accident calling 911 CAA roadside

STEP 3

If it is safe to do so, get out of your car and take pictures of the scene with your phone or camera.

STEP 4

When it is safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road, out of traffic. If your vehicle cannot be driven, turn on your hazard lights or use cones, warning triangles or flares.

car accident safety cone hazard

STEP 5

Record details of the accident. How, when and where it happened. Include the time, date, location, speed of your vehicle, weather and road conditions. Draw a sketch or take a picture of the accident scene indicating the position and direction of the vehicles and cross streets.

STEP 6

Exchange information with the other involved parties. Information such as name, address, driver’s license number, phone number and insurance information is important. Taking a picture of their documents ensures that you don’t miss anything.

exchanging insurance information after accident

STEP 7

If there are any independent witnesses, obtain their name and phone number.

STEP 8

If no one is injured and the total damage to both vehicles appears to be less than $2,000, call a collision reporting centre within 24 hours.

woman making phone call

STEP 9

Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident and ask for next steps.

STEP 10

Call CAA! If you have a CAA Membership and need a tow, call CAA at 1-800-CAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357). Be aware of the risks associated with allowing non-CAA tow truck operators to provide you with emergency roadside assistance, and get to know your legal rights as a motorist. Download your Towing Bill of Rights at: caaneo.ca/automotive/towing-bill-rights.

CAA roadside assistance tow 500x350

REMEMBER

Stay calm, as difficult as that may seem.
Do not argue or debate with other drivers and passengers. Save your story for the police.
Do not voluntarily assume liability or take responsibility, sign statements regarding fault, or promise to pay for damages at the scene of the accident.
Be watchful for unauthorized tow truck operators.

Ask your local CAA Insurance Agent about protecting your car.

Did you know CAA Members can SAVE UP TO 20% on CAA Auto Insurance?* Visit a CAA Store, call 1-877-222-1717 or visit caaneo.ca/insurance for more information and to get a quote.

_{* Auto Insurance is underwritten by CAA Insurance Company. To qualify for the discount you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Eligible CAA Members may qualify to receive a Member Loyalty Discount based on Membership tenure and Roadside Assistance usage. Subject to certain conditions and approvals. Underwriting eligibility rules apply.}