What to do after a car accident: A step-by-step guide

Even a minor accident can be unsettling. Knowing ahead of time what steps to take can help you stay calm and handle the situation with confidence. This guide walks you through the steps to take after an accident, from the scene of the collision to filing a claim.

In this article:

1.           What to do right after the accident

2.           What information you need to collect at the scene

3.           When to report the accident to your insurer

4.           What to do in specific situations

5.           What not to do after a car accident

6.           How to file a car insurance claim after an accident

7.           Car accident FAQ

In the aftermath of an accident, your adrenaline is pumping and emotions are running high. But there are a couple simple steps you can take to keep calm and protect yourself:

In Canada, it is against the law to flee the scene of an accident (this is known as a hit and run). Even if there seems to be little to no damage, you’re legally required to stay and exchange information.

Once you’ve come to a complete stop, you’ll want to immediately turn on your hazard lights. If you can safely pull your car over, move out of traffic to the shoulder or curb.

Your safety and the safety of your passengers should be your top priority. If you have safety cones or warning triangles, you may want to set them up. However, only get out of your car if it’s safe to do so!

Before you do anything else, make sure everyone in your car is okay. If someone’s injured and needs first aid, call 911 right away. The most important thing to do is get them the care they need.

You don’t always need to call the police, but in many cases, it’s highly recommended—or even a must. Requirements can vary depending on the province or territory where the accident occurs.

Call the police if:

• Someone is injured: Dial 911 and wait for emergency services to show up. First responders can provide life-saving medical attention in a real emergency. Plus, depending on where you live, a police report can help speed up the claims process.
• There’s a danger to other drivers: If the accident created debris or blocked one or more lanes of traffic, it’s important to alert the authorities. Other safety hazards include fluid spills or vehicles carrying dangerous cargo, as this can put other cars on the road at risk as well.
• You’re the victim of a hit and run: In order to investigate, the police need evidence—and evidence can disappear fast. The sooner the police get to the scene, the better their chances are to accurately document the evidence, get witness information and secure dashcam footage. Plus, if you suspect the driver was impaired or under the influence, they may still pose a danger to other drivers.
• The other driver is aggressive or hostile: If you feel unsafe speaking with the other driver, it’s smart to call the police. The last thing you want is for the situation to escalate.

Once you and your passengers are safe, your next priority should be to document the accident. You’ll need information about what happened in order to file an insurance claim.

Here’s a checklist of the details you need to get from the other party to the accident:

• Full name and contact details
• Driver’s licence number
• Licence plate number
• Insurance provider
• Insurance policy number

You’ll also have to provide this information to the other driver, so make sure you have it handy. In Quebec, this information can also be filled out in a joint report, a document that can make it easier to file a car insurance claim. Don’t have a pen handy or the report form printed out? You can always use your phone to take pictures of their driver’s licence, licence plate and insurance information.

You’ll also want to gather information about the accident itself. Your car insurance company will need these details to understand what happened and how to handle your claim. That’s why you should always try to document:

• Damage to all the vehicles involved, preferably through photos from multiple angles
• The collision scene, including photos showing the position of the vehicles, road conditions and signage
• Witness contact information
• The date, time and exact location (address, intersection, kilometre marker) of the accident

While you may be tempted to share the photos or videos you take with friends and family, it’s never a good idea to post them to social media before you’ve reported the accident to your insurer.

Even if you’re not responsible for the accident or the damage seems minimal, you should let your insurer know right away to find out what steps you need to take. If you need to file a claim, it’s better to start the process as soon as you can so it can be resolved promptly.

Sometimes, accidents aren’t cut and dry. If it’s not your standard collision, you might not be sure how to handle it. Here’s what to do if you end up in some common collision scenarios.

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you should report it to the police right away. Be sure to record any details you can, like the time and location of the accident, the licence plate and a description of the vehicle (make, model, colour). The more information the police and your insurance company have, the better.

Depending on your policy and coverage, you may have to pay a deductible. And like with any accident, make sure to report it to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Accidentally hit a parked car and the owner’s not there? Don’t make the mistake of just walking away, as that’s considered a hit and run. Instead, make sure to leave a visible note on their car with your contact information and insurance details. It’s also a good idea to tell the parking attendant what happened. You’ll also want to document the accident by taking photos of the damage to each car. And of course, don’t forget to report it to your insurer. For more details, check out our article on what to do if you accidentally hit a parked car.

If you get in a small fender bender and think filing a claim is a waste of time, think again! Often, people underestimate the damage to their car, unaware that sensors and other hidden technology could be affected. It can add up fast. That’s why it’s always smart to get the other driver’s contact and insurance details. It’s also a good idea to report it to your insurer sooner rather than later, to avoid delays if you need to make a claim.

Have you hit a pole, guardrail, fence or some other inanimate object? If you’ve caused any property damage, you’ll need to report the incident to the police. But, if you’re the only driver involved, that can cut down significantly on the number of details you’ll need for your claim. In many cases, you may just need to document the object you hit and the damage to your vehicle. Then, report the accident to your insurer. Depending on your policy, you may be covered. Speak with your car insurance company for more information.

When you’re away from home, an accident can feel that much more stressful. Coverage that applies Canada-wide and throughout the United States can really give you peace of mind.

If you get in an accident while travelling, you’ll want to get a police report for the accident. An official accident report will make filing a claim that much easier. Plus, if you declare the accident to your insurer right away, they can give you advice on what to do next. Sometimes, your insurer can help you figure out whether it’s possible to repair your vehicle back home and if your policy covers a rental car.

Now that you know what you should do, here are six things you shouldn’t. After an accident, you should avoid:

1. Driving away from the accident without stopping—it’s against the law!
2. Admitting fault—let your insurer assess the situation
3. Signing any documents you disagree with, especially agreements to settle the accident privately
4. Waiting too long to report the loss to your insurance company
5. Ignoring a “minor” bump and walking away without the other driver’s information
6. Trying to resolve an accident without going through your insurance—this can lead to lawsuits later on

If you’ve been in a car accident, first make sure the scene is safe, check if anyone’s injured, and decide if you need to call the police. Once you’ve exchanged information with the other parties, if there are any, it might be time to file an insurance claim.

Here at Desjardins Insurance, we’re happy to walk you through the entire process, because accidents are stressful enough. And if you prefer to take care of it yourself, our practical tools make it easy for you to file an online claim.

Desjardins Insurance refers to Desjardins General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and Certas Direct Insurance Company or Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, underwriters of automobile and property insurance in other provinces and territories.

Certain conditions, exclusions and limitations may apply.

The terms and conditions of the coverages described are set out in the insurance policy, which always prevails.

These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and Desjardins Insurance cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.

Auto Insurance is not available in MB, SK and BC due to government-run plans.

Desjardins®, Desjardins Insurance®, all trademarks containing the word Desjardins, as well as related logos are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.