WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I WAS INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT?

The aftermath of a crash can be confusing. Below are the steps to take after a car accident to protect your health and your ability to pursue the benefits and compensation you may be entitled to.

First and foremost, it is important to remain calm at the scene of the accident. If you or anyone has been injured, then you should call an ambulance immediately. Oftentimes, people think they are not injured enough to call an ambulance, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, ambulance reports often have important information and value in personal injury claims.

If the situation is urgent, call 911 and tell the dispatcher your location and whether anyone is hurt. If you can do so safely, move away from active traffic, turn on hazard lights, and follow police directions. A collision scene can become dangerous quickly, especially on busy roads or in poor visibility.

Even if you feel “okay,” get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Shock and adrenaline can mask symptoms. Keep copies of medical notes, prescriptions, and follow-up instructions, because they can support your recovery and your accident benefits file.

If you are able to, obtain information about the other driver(s) and vehicle(s) involved in the accident. Identify any witnesses to the accident and obtain their names and contact information.

When exchanging information, be precise. Write down the other driver’s full name, phone number, and driver’s licence number. If you can do it safely, photograph the license plate and visible vehicle damage. You should also note the insurer and policy details where available, and keep your own car insurance information handy for reporting.

If your vehicle is not drivable, you may need a tow. Keep the tow and storage receipts, and avoid signing documents you do not understand at the roadside. These records can help prove out-of-pocket losses connected to the collision.

Reporting and accident benefits

Depending on the circumstances, police may attend the scene, or you may be directed to a collision reporting centre to document the damage and provide your information. If you are told to report the accident there, go when it is safe and bring your driver’s licence, ownership, and insurance documents.

Separate from any lawsuit, Ontario drivers and passengers may qualify for accident benefits through their own insurer, regardless of fault. Accident benefits can help pay for medical and rehabilitation treatment, and in some cases, income replacement and other supports, depending on the facts of your case and your coverage.

To start the process, your insurer will typically require forms and medical documentation. In Ontario, the OCF-1 is the application for accident benefits, and it often begins an accident benefits claim. If you are unsure what to submit or how to respond to insurer requests, early guidance can prevent avoidable delays and disputes about accident benefits.

ACCIDENT SCENES ARE DANGEROUS

In this day and age, everyone has cell phones with cameras, and it is often a good idea to take photos of the vehicle damage and any injuries. With that said, accident scenes can be dangerous, and your number one concern should be your safety and listening to the police.

If you can safely take photos, capture road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and the overall position of the vehicles before they are moved. If witnesses are willing, ask them to confirm their contact information. Those small details can matter later if the collision is disputed.

Be careful about what you say at the scene. People are shaken, and comments can be misunderstood. Focus on getting medical help, cooperating with police, and making sure the facts and injuries are properly documented. If you notice pain, dizziness, or confusion, say so right away so it is recorded.

WHY YOU WANT AN ONTARIO ACCIDENT LAWYER ON YOUR SIDE

When you are hurt, you are suddenly dealing with treatment, time away from work, and insurance paperwork at the same time. If you were involved in a crash in Hamilton or elsewhere in Southern Ontario, having a personal injury lawyer involved early can help you stay organized, protect your rights, and avoid mistakes that insurers later use to minimize what happened in the motor vehicle collision.

If you or a loved one has been injured, you should have a lawyer working for you on your claim every step of the way. Oftentimes, when injured victims deal with insurance companies independently, they receive less compensation and can be misled by the other side as to what fair compensation really means and looks like.

By consulting a lawyer from our office, you can focus on your medical care and recovery with our guidance and the medical professionals we work with on each case. Contact our office now for free legal advice on your personal injury case.

If you were injured in a car accident in Hamilton, you can request a free consultation with Bernstein Law Group. We also serve clients across Burlington, Oakville, Dundas, Brantford, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Milton, and Cayuga.