I Was Just in an Accident — What Do I Do?

Do these things before you leave, if it's safe to do so.

• Move to safety

  If your car can still drive and it's safe, move it out of traffic. If you can't move it, turn on your hazard lights and stay clear of moving cars.

• Call emergency services if you need to

  Call 911 if anyone is hurt, if a car can't be moved, or if there's a lot of damage. Police can also help sort out what happened.

• Get the other driver's information

  Write down their name, driver's licence number, licence plate, and insurance company and policy number. Take a photo of their licence and insurance card if they're okay with it.

• Get witness information

  If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and phone number. A witness can back up your version of events later.

• Take photos

  Photograph where the cars ended up, the damage, any debris on the road, traffic lights or signs, the road surface, and any visible injuries.

• Don't argue about fault

  Don't say "I'm sorry" or guess out loud about whose fault it was. Stick to facts. What actually happened will get sorted out later.

• Write down the details

  Note the exact location, the time, the weather, and which direction each car was going. These small details are easy to forget later.

• Ask how to report the crash

  Ask the police officer, or check your province's rules, on how and where the crash needs to be reported.

Your body and your case both depend on what you do in this first day.

• Get medical care

  See a doctor or go to a walk-in clinic or ER, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, show up hours or days later.

• Tell the doctor exactly what happened

  Describe how the crash happened, not just how you feel. This becomes part of your medical record, which matters later.

• Report every symptom

  Mention anything unusual, even if it seems small — a headache, stiffness, trouble sleeping, or feeling foggy. Small symptoms can matter later.

• Call your insurance company

  Let them know about the crash as soon as you reasonably can. Waiting too long can cause problems with your claim.

• Save your evidence

  Keep your photos, videos, and dashcam footage somewhere safe. Don't repair or throw away damaged property until it's been documented.

• Write down what happened

  While it's still fresh, write out the full story in your own words — what you saw, heard, and felt, step by step.

• Stay off social media about it

  Don't post about the crash or your injuries. Insurance companies do look, and posts can be used against you, even innocent ones.

This is about staying organized so nothing falls through the cracks.

• Confirm your claim is open

  Follow up with your insurer to make sure a claim has actually been started, not just noted in a phone call.

• Get your claim number and adjuster's contact info

  Save this somewhere you won't lose it. You'll need it every time you contact your insurer.

• Request the collision report

  Once it's available, ask the police service for a copy of the official report on the crash.

• Track missed work and cancelled plans

  Write down any work days you missed and anything you had to cancel because of the crash or your injuries.

• Start a symptoms-and-recovery journal

  A few lines a day about how you're feeling and what you can and can't do. This becomes useful evidence over time.

• Keep every receipt and treatment record

  Physio, medication, transportation to appointments — keep it all in one folder or envelope.