Whether a minor fender-bender or a major collision, knowing what to do after a car accident can help ensure everyone’s safety and protect your legal rights. Overwhelming and stressful, experiencing a car accident can be a life-altering experience. Whether it’s your fault or someone else’s, knowing the steps to take immediately afterward can help you effectively manage the situation, reduce risk exposure, and protect loved ones.

Courtesy of our auto accident legal team, this guide will help you navigate the complexities, enable you to remain calm and composed, and allow you to think more clearly and make better decisions in the aftermath of a car crash.   

1. Safety First and Foremost

Ensuring your and others’ safety immediately after an accident is paramount. Panicking can exacerbate the situation, so remain calm and focused at all times.

  • Check yourself, your passengers, and occupants of the other vehicle(s), take note of cuts, bruises, dizziness, or swelling.
  • Some injuries may not be immediately apparent; therefore, err on the side of caution and seek a medical evaluation.
  • If someone is injured, avoid moving them if possible and call emergency services immediately.
  • If safe to do so, move the vehicles involved or call a tow truck to avoid blocking traffic or causing a hazard.
  • Activate hazard lights on the vehicles to alert traffic that there is an accident and to proceed with caution.

2. Whom To Call and When

Filing a police report even for minor accidents is advisable, as documentation will be critical in the case of a factual dispute or lawsuit. Complications with fines and potential legal penalties can be a consequence of failing to record a reportable accident.

  • Under the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act, a police report is required if you or other parties were injured, there appears to be property damage that exceeds $2,000, dangerous driving, impaired driving, or a hit-and-run took place, or if there was a fatality.
  • Ensure that if there were any witnesses to the collision, their names and contact information are obtained and provided to the police.
  • Obtain the names and badge numbers of all responding police officers in case additional information is needed after the fact.
  • Remember, leaving the scene of an accident can result in criminal charges, including hit-and-run.

Reporting the accident to your insurance company (no matter who is at fault) as soon as possible will avoid insurance claim hurdles and payment delays.

  • Initiating the claims process sooner rather than later is prudent regarding the accuracy of submissions, as you may be relying on recall for details that were not documented.
  • Reach out to your insurance agent at the scene of the collision so they can provide guidance regarding what you should gather to file a claim.
  • Most insurance policies require you to report incidents within 24 hours; failing to do so can prevent you from being reimbursed for any and all accident-related costs.

3. Compiling Key Information

Once safety concerns have been addressed, exchanging information with the other driver(s), including insurance, vehicle registration numbers, and contact details, is the next most important step in preparing to file a claim.    

  • To fortify insurance claims and aid in legal proceedings, documenting the scene with photographs can provide vital key information that is indisputable.
  • Keep detailed records of medical treatments, not only for obvious health reasons but also to further insurance collection efforts.   
  • Any communications directly related to the accident should be retained and catalogued for easy reference or forwarding to interested parties.
  • Repair receipts, estimates, or paperwork if the vehicle is deemed a “total loss” by the insurance company will be required for reimbursement.
  • Ascertain how and when you can receive a copy of the police report once available. Typically, it can take 5 to 10 days for the police department to issue a report; however, that time span may be influenced by specific circumstances. The report will be utilised as evidence to support insurance claims and be included in legal proceedings.

5. Being Proactive Means Being in Control

While no one wants to entertain the thought of being in an accident, being prepared in the event of a traffic collision can diminish some of the associated panic and emotional distress and, in some cases, may even save a life. The following checklist can help you be prepared if you are involved in an accident:

  • Emergency Kit – assemble first-aid supplies, a blanket, paper towels, flashlight, reflectors, and flares, storing them where you can readily access them after a crash.
  • Document Holder – Updated proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and your driver’s license should all be at hand in case of an emergency.
  • Review your insurance policy and adjust if you do not have adequate coverage to protect you, your family, and your home in case of a motor vehicle accident.
  • Accident Checklist – Print out and include this checklist in your emergency kit. Having a “to-do” list will keep you focused and ensure you collect the necessary information to submit a claim or provide evidence for a lawsuit.

6. Seek Legal Counsel from an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can be not only traumatising but also life-changing. Having an experienced lawyer can make all the difference in protecting your rights and receiving the compensation you deserve, including car repair services, medical expenses, as well as other associated damages. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in a lawsuit, Nova Injury Law brings a deep understanding of the legal system and tactics used by insurance companies to minimise payouts. Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts, they will build a strong case on your behalf, proving liability and maximizing your compensation. Nova Injury Law can guide you through each step of the process, offering reassurance and clarity when you need it most, providing invaluable emotional support during this stressful time.

If you have been in a car accident, schedule a consultation to discuss your options and recourse. You don’t want to put your health, financial well-being, or family’s future in jeopardy. Call us today or use our contact form to schedule a consultation!

For more information on car accident law, check out our latest post: Supporting a Car Accident Injury Victim in the First 90 Days: A Guide for Treatment Providers