Often, people who have been involved in a car may be confused about how they should handle the situation. However, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario outlines a number of steps to complete immediately following an accident. By carefully planning ahead, people can make certain they react in a correct manner and protect their rights.
Following an accident, the first thing everyone involved should do is stop and remain at the scene; a driver’s failure to stop may be prosecuted as a criminal offence. After stopping, people should check to see if anyone is injured. If someone is injured, they should provide assistance and call for help. In some cases, an emergency operator may be able to instruct a caller regarding treatment of injuries and first aid.
If safe, people should move their vehicles off the road and set up flares or other markers to warn oncoming traffic. People should take photos with a cellphone or digital camera if possible. They should also write down all the relevant information regarding the accident, including the make, model and approximate year of the vehicles involved; the licence plate of the other vehicle; details of the accident and the other driver’s contact information. If possible, people should also obtain the names and contact information for any witnesses, and they should share information with officials when they arrive. Finally, the accident should be reported to the person’s insurance company, and a doctor should be seen.
Being involved in an auto accident can be traumatic. By remaining calm and collected, people can increase the chance that their rights will be protected. If the wreck may have been caused by another party, information gathered after the incident might form the basis of a lawsuit that seeks compensation for damages. Those interested in taking such action might benefit from discussing the matter with a lawyer.
Source: Financial Services Commission of Ontario, "What to do After an Auto Accident", December 02, 2014
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