A car accident or breakdown is stressful, and sometimes it’s hard to remember what to do next. Here are a few tips on how to manage the situation easier. Please STAY CLAM, and make sure that you and members of your family are in a safe place before any further actions.
Stay calm and prioritize safety. If you are in immediate danger or someone is injured, call 911. Otherwise, follow this streamlined guide for AWIN.ca.
Turn on hazard lights and use flares or triangles if available. If the other driver flees, quickly note their license plate number.
Confirm the well-being of all passengers. Do not move injured people unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., fire risk).
If drivable, pull your car to the shoulder or curb. If not, stay inside or move far from the roadway. Avoid “chasing” tow trucks; only use reputable services you have authorized.
Contact local police. If they do not attend the scene, you must visit a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) within 24 hours.
Note the date, time, exact location, weather conditions, and a brief description of how the collision occurred.
Exchange names, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers. Note the make, model, color, and plate of all vehicles involved.
Record the Insurance Company name and Policy Number for every driver involved.
Collect names and phone numbers of passengers and any bystanders who saw the event.
Safely take photos/videos of vehicle damage, the surrounding intersection, and the final positions of all cars.
Report accidents exceeding $2,000 in combined damage to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours. Contact your insurer immediately to arrange repairs and rentals.
