What to do in a car 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.

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.

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. It is important to include information such as name, address, driver’s license number, phone number, and insurance information. Taking pictures of their documents ensures that you don’t miss anything.

Step 7

If there are any independent witnesses, obtain their names and phone numbers.

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.

Step 9

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

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