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
