A car accident can leave people shaken, injured and unsure what to do next. The safest approach is to protect health first, report the incident properly and preserve reliable evidence before memories and physical conditions change.
If it is safe and lawful to do so, move away from active traffic. Use hazard lights and avoid standing between vehicles. Call 911 when anyone may be injured, a dangerous condition exists or emergency help is needed.
Some symptoms appear immediately; others develop over hours or days. Tell the health-care provider how the collision happened and describe pain, dizziness, numbness, headaches, sleep changes and mobility limits accurately.
Record driver names, contact information, licence plates, driver’s licence information and insurance details. Do not rely on memory or a later promise to provide information.
When safe, photograph vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, traffic controls, debris and visible injuries. Preserve the original files because their time and location information may later be useful.
Ask independent witnesses for their names and contact information. A short note about what each witness observed can help distinguish them later.
Follow police or collision-reporting-centre requirements that apply to the incident. Keep the occurrence or report number.
The 2026 OCF-1 instructions say an applicant should notify the insurer within seven days of the accident, or as soon as possible if that cannot be done. Ask the insurer to send the correct accident-benefits package.
Track appointments, treatment, medication, time missed from work or school, help required at home, expenses and changes in daily activities.
Provide truthful information, but understand what is being requested before signing a release or agreeing to a final settlement. Keep copies of everything submitted.
Accident-benefit and court deadlines are not all the same. Early advice can help identify the correct insurer, preserve evidence and distinguish a no-fault benefits claim from a claim against an at-fault party.
Learn more on Krylaw’s Accident Benefits page or review the Personal Injury FAQs.
FSRA: 2026 OCF-1 Application for Accident Benefits
This article provides general legal information as of September 2026 and is not legal advice. Reporting rules and deadlines depend on the circumstances.
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