A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye: one minute you are driving down the Queensway, and the next, everything has changed. Most people are not aware of how to proceed after a collision in the shock and confusion that ensues. During the hours and days following a crash, however, your actions can make a big difference in health, safety, and the recovery of the compensation you deserve.
At SG Injury Law<, we’ve helped many people who have been involved in an accident in Ottawa navigate through the processes that follow a serious accident. Here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: Stay at the Scene and Check for Injuries
Never leave the scene of an accident right away. Ontario law requires all drivers involved in an accident to remain until the appropriate steps have been taken. Your safety always comes first. Call 911 immediately if someone is injured.
Even if you feel fine at the moment, do not assume you are uninjured. Adrenaline can mask pain. Injuries to soft tissues, whiplash, and even concussions may have happened even if you don’t immediately feel symptoms.
Step 2: Move to Safety (If You Can)
If the vehicles involved in the crash are driveable and it is safe to do so, move them to the side of the road or park in a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicle is not in a condition to move, evacuate the vehicle and move to a safe place away from the traffic.
Step 3: Call the Police
In Ottawa, car accidents must be reported to the police if:
- Anyone got injured, or anyone lost their life in the accident
- Damage to all vehicles and property amounts to more than $2,000; or
- A criminal offence may have been committed (e.g. impaired driving, leaving the scene)
Once the police arrive at the scene, they will prepare the report. Request the report number because you will need it when dealing with your insurance company. If the police do not arrive, you must report the collision at a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.
Step 4: Exchange Information
Collect the following information from all other drivers involved in the accident before you leave the scene:
- Full name and contact details
- Driver’s licence number
- Licence plate number
- Make, model, and colour of the vehicle
- Name of the insurance company and policy number
You should also collect the contact details of any witnesses if you are able to. They play an important role in determining who was at fault; if the other driver claims they were not at fault, the witness might hold a key to proving it.
Step 5: Document the Scene
If possible, use your phone to take photos or videos to document the:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- The position of the vehicles before they are moved
- Skid marks, the condition of the road, and traffic signals
- Any visible injuries
- The crosswalk, signs, and traffic lights in the surrounding area
Visual evidence captured at the scene is often the most compelling and is far easier to collect immediately than to reconstruct later.
Step 6: Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Even if you walked away from the accident scene feeling fine, see a doctor as soon as possible, ideally the same day or within 24 hours. A medical professional can identify injuries that aren’t yet symptomatic, and a medical record provides an important link between the injuries and the accident.
One of the most common mistakes accident victims make is delaying medical attention, and insurance companies will not hesitate to use this against you. Gaps in treatment or a failure to seek treatment can be considered as proof that your injuries weren’t that serious or were caused by something other than an accident.
Step 7: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
As per Ontario’s no-fault insurance system, regardless of who caused the accident, the collision must be reported to your own insurer. This must be done promptly, as most policies require notification within a few days.
You will gain access to Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs) once you report the accident. This can cover your:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Income replacement benefits
- Attendant care
- Other expenses for your injuries
Be mindful of what you say to your insurance adjuster. While cooperating with your insurance company is necessary, you are not obliged to provide any formal recorded statement without legal advice. Insurance companies, even your own, are looking to minimize what they pay out. What you initially say can be used against you later.
Step 8: Preserve All Evidence and Records
Keep records of everything, right from the moment of the accident and after:
- Medical appointments, diagnoses, prescriptions, and treatment records
- Receipts of out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries
- Pay stubs or employment records, if you have missed work
- Notes on how the injuries have affected your daily life
Maintain a detailed journal documenting your symptoms, pain levels, limitations, and recovery. This can be very strong evidence in a personal injury claim.
Step 9: Be Careful What You Post on Social Media
After an accident, once you decide to pursue an insurance claim, be cautious about what you share online. Insurance companies and their lawyers routinely monitor the claimant’s social media accounts. Photos or posts that could be interpreted as inconsistent with your stated injuries can be used to undermine your claim, even if they’re taken out of context.
Step 10: Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
Consulting a personal injury lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take after a car accident in Ottawa. A lawyer can:
- Advise you on your rights and entitlements as per the law in Ontario
- Make sure you get all the accident benefits you deserve
- Investigate the circumstances of the accident and preserve key evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Pursue a tort claim against the at-fault driver (if applicable)
The lawyers at SG Injury Law began their careers as insurance defence lawyers. This gives us an advantage, as we know exactly how insurance companies operate and how they handle accident claims. We know the tactics they employ and the arguments they use.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation for accident victims, and we also charge nothing unless your case is successfully resolved.
Ontario’s Two-Year Limitation Period
Time is of the essence in any type of personal injury claim. Generally, in Ontario, there is a two-year time period after the accident during which a civil action against an at-fault party may be commenced. If you miss this deadline, you will no longer be able to claim compensation. Also, there are specific notice requirements and early deadlines for accident benefit claims.
Don’t delay getting treatment after you’ve been injured in a car accident. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better positioned you will be.
Contact SG Injury Law Today
If you or your loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident in Ottawa or anywhere in Eastern Ontario, the team at SG Injury Law is here to help. We proudly serve clients in Brockville, Pembroke, Cornwall and the surrounding areas of Ontario, as well as in Kingston and Ottawa.
Call us at (613) 518-2416 or contact us online for a free consultation.
FAQs
1. Should I call the police after a car accident in Ottawa?
Yes. Ontario law requires you to call the police if anyone is injured or if the damage exceeds $2,000. Always obtain the report number for your insurance claim.
2. Do I need to report the accident to my insurance company even if I wasn’t at fault?
Yes. Ontario’s no-fault system requires you to report the collision to your own insurer regardless of fault, and to do so promptly after the accident.
3. What information should I collect at the scene?
Gather the other driver’s name, licence number, plate number, insurance details, and witness contacts. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the surrounding area.
4. Can I still make a claim if I didn’t seek medical attention right away?
Yes, but delays hurt your case. Insurance companies use gaps in treatment to argue your injuries weren’t serious. See a doctor as soon as possible after any accident.
5. What are Statutory Accident Benefits, and am I entitled to them?
Statutory Accident Benefits are no-fault benefits covering medical costs, income replacement, and more. Any person injured in an Ontario motor vehicle accident is entitled to apply, regardless of fault.
6. Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Ottawa?
Not legally required, but strongly recommended. A lawyer protects your rights, handles insurer negotiations, and maximizes your compensation, especially if injuries are serious or liability is disputed.