You’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident. You’re shaken up—and you’re not sure the extent of your injuries. You know you’ll need doctors and lawyers to help you get back on your feet, but what do you do until then?

Here’s what we recommend:

1. No matter your role, don’t leave the scene of the accident.
2. Stay calm — even when you don’t feel calm.
3. Call the police.
4. Write down the following information if possible:
   • Driver’s name
   • Driver’s licence number
   • Vehicle owner’s name
   • Vehicle owner’s licence number
   • Driver’s insurance company name and a policy number
   • Make, model and year of the vehicle
   • Vehicle licence plate
   • Date, time and location of the accident
   • Number of people involved
   • Description of the accident and damage to the vehicles involved
   • Name and badge number of the police officer
   • Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of witnesses
5. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including the damage to both vehicles. If someone has visible injuries, take pictures of those injuries and continue to take pictures of the injuries in the days and weeks following with a date stamp if possible.
6. If it’s safe, move your car to the side of the road. If you can’t drive your car, turn on your hazard lights or use cones, warning triangles or flares.
7. If nobody is injured and damage to the vehicles is less than $1,000, report the accident to the Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.
8. Notify your insurance company or insurance broker at your first chance.