Accidents happen when you least expect it, and the consequence can be seriously or even life changing to those involved. This is a short article with step by step instructions on what you should do when you get into a motor vehicle accident.
Step 1: Stop. If your vehicle is involved in an accident and you don’t stop, you may be subject to criminal prosecution.
Step 2: Call the police if anyone is injured, if the total damage to all the vehicles involved appears to be more than $2,000, or you suspect that any of the other drivers involved are guilty of a Criminal Code offence, such as driving impaired. Follow the instructions given to you by the emergency operator. Police will arrive as soon as possible. Do not try to move anyone injured in the accident since you may aggravate their injuries.
If no one is injured and total damage to all the vehicles involved appears to be less than $2,000, you should make a report at one of the self-reporting collision centres within 24 hours. These centres are police facilities created to assist motorists in reporting motor vehicle accidents. At the reporting centre you will complete a police report, and the damage to your vehicle will be photographed. Visit: www.accsupport.com or call 416-745-3301 to locate the Collision Reporting Centre nearest to you.
Step 3: If it’s safe to do so, get out of your vehicle. If you have access to a camera or a cellphone, you should take clear pictures of the accident scene and the vehicles involved.
Step 4: When it is safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road, out of traffic. If your vehicle cannot be driven, turn on your hazard ligths or use cones, warning triangles or flares, as appropriate.
Step 5: Record information. Write down or take clear pictures of the following information: Date and time of the accident, Location, Weather and road conditions, Estimated speed of the vehicles, Descrption of the accident, and a Diagram of the accident. You also need to record the folowing information from the other driver involved in the accident: Full name, address, contact phone number, Driver’s license number, Vehicle plate number, Vehicle make and model and colour, Registered owner of vehicle, Vehicle identification number, Insurance company, Insurance policy number, Expiry date, Damage to the vehicle, Number of passengers and their names and position in the vehicle.
You also need to record the name and contact information of any witnesses, name of the attending police officer, his/her badge number, police force and division, contact telephone number. Also, don’t forget to record the name and contact information of the tow truck operator and the address where your vehicle is being towed to.
Step 6: Call and speak to an experience personal injury lawyer first to find out what your rights are, before you call and report the accident to your insurance company. Don’t sign anything or agree to any settlement with your insurance company before you obtain proper legal advice from a personal injury lawyer.
No matter how clean your driving record, you never known when an accident can happen. Larrisa has over 15 years of experience handling personal injury matters for individuals and their families injured in motor vehicle accidents. She can assist you to present your claim with your insurance company and get the appropriate accident benefits and compensation that you deserve. Call her now at 647-838-4663 for your free initial consultation.