What to Do After a Car Accident?

Settlement ISC Community

If you find yourself in a car accident, there are some actions you should follow:

Stop

  • If you do not stop your vehicle, you may face demerit point deductions or criminal prosecution

Call 9-1-1 if:

  • Someone is seriously injured
  • If you think the other driver is guilty of a Criminal Code offence, such as drunk driving

Ensure safety

  • Do not move anyone who is injured
  • If your vehicle is still drivable, there are no injuries, and it is safe, move your vehicle out of the way to the side of the road
  • If your vehicle is not drivable, turn on your hazard lights. All passengers should leave the vehicle a walk to a safe place if they are not seriously injured

Report to the police if:

  • Anyone is injured
  • A driver involved in the incident does not have documentation such as a driver’s license, registration, or insurance
  • One or more of the vehicles is not drivable
  • The total damage to all vehicles and property looks to be more than $2,000 (as of January 1, 2011)
  • Any public property was damaged (report immediately)

Exchange contact and insurance information

  • Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved
  • Take pictures of the collision if possible
  • If someone refuses to exchange information, record their license plate number, a description of their vehicle, and a description of the driver

Notify your insurance provider

  • After reporting to the police, report to your insurance provider as soon as possible, regardless of who is at fault

Other tips:

  • Do not voluntarily admit that you are at fault
  • Do not pay or promise to pay for damages
  • Do not agree to forget about the accident
  • Do not accept money or discuss a settlement
  • Do not chase after a vehicle if you are a victim of hit and run

These tips are derived from tips from the Alberta government. For further information about what to do after a car accident, please visit:

http://www.finance.alberta.ca/publications/insurance/info_consumer_auto_collision.html

http://www.calgary.ca/cps/Pages/Traffic/Collisions.aspx