Steps to Take After an Accident
Accidents happen unexpectedly, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide is designed to help Ontario drivers handle the situation safely and responsibly—even from a smartphone at the scene. Stay calm, stay safe, and follow these steps.
Download the Free Fillable PDF Checklist and Collision Info Collection Sheets Here.
1. Ensure Your Safety
- Take a deep breath and check your surroundings.
- If it's safe, move your vehicle out of active traffic to avoid further incidents.
- Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- If you have emergency cones or triangles, set them up for extra visibility.
- Never stand between or directly in front of or behind vehicles—move to a safe spot away from traffic.
- Maintaining calmness and avoiding harm will help you think clearly.
2. Ensure Other's Safety & Check for Injuries
- Once you're safe, check yourself and others for injuries.
- If anyone is hurt—even a minor injury—call 911 immediately for medical help.
- Avoid moving seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger (like a fire).
- If trained in first aid, provide basic essential care until emergency responders arrive.
Ensuring everyone's well-being takes priority over everything else.
3. Call for Emergency Assistance
Contact emergency services as needed:
- Dial 911 if: someone is injured, a driver is impaired, it's a hit-and-run, or vehicles are undrivable or blocking traffic.
- If no one is hurt and vehicles are drivable, report to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours (see Step 7). You can call local police non-emergency lines for guidance:
- Toronto Police: 416-808-2222
- Peel Police: 905-453-3311
- York Regional Police: 1-866-876-5423
- Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for highway collisions: dial *OPP from your cell
By law, collisions involving injury or significant damage over $5000 must be reported. If in doubt, call the police.
4. Protect Yourself Legally
- Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene.
- Avoid arguing or blaming others.
- Do not offer or accept money or informal deals with other drivers—let insurance companies determine fault later.
- Stick to facts and essential information.
5. Exchange Information
Swap information with other drivers and anyone involved.
Collect:
- Driver details (name, address, phone number, driver's licence number)
- Vehicle details (make, model, year, colour, license plate, VIN)
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Contact information for passengers and witnesses
- Names and badge numbers of emergency responders on the scene
6. Document the Scene
Gather evidence. Use your phone to take multiple photos:
- Damage on all vehicles (close-ups and wide shots)
- Overall scene, street signs, traffic lights, intersection markers, skid marks, debris
- Road, weather, and lighting conditions
- License plates of all vehicles involved
Write notes detailing vehicle positions and impacts.
7. If Your Vehicle Needs Towing
Stay in control of towing:
- Use a reputable towing service, such as CSN 427's 24/7 towing partner, Express Roadside Recovery, at 1-855-227-5066. CSN 427 Auto Collision covers towing within city limits when your vehicle is brought to our facility.
- Never sign tow releases or repair authorization forms at the scene.
- Ask for a rate sheet and confirm towing directly to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC).
- Beware of "tow chasers" pressuring you to use particular shops. You are not obligated to follow their recommendations.
8. Report the Collision
Ontario law requires reporting collisions involving injuries, criminal offences, or total damage exceeding $5,000. Use Collision Reporting Centres (CRC) to report minor collisions within 24 hours.
Bring your driver's licence, vehicle registration, insurance, and collected collision information to the CRC. After reporting, keep a copy of the collision report or the reference number.
9. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide accident details, driver info, and collision report numbers.
10. Know Your Rights (Repair Shops & Claims)
Remember your rights:
- You choose the repair shop. CSN 427 Auto Collision is a trusted, manufacturer-certified collision repair facility in Toronto, authorized by all major insurers.
- Tow trucks cannot pressure you into using specific repair shops. Carefully read any document before signing.
- Understand your insurance coverage, deductibles, rental coverage, and the impact on your premiums. You have the right to clarify or dispute claims.
Towing Information
FOR TOWING ASSISTANCE CALL EXPRESS ROADSIDE RECOVERY: 1-855-227-5066
- Never sign anything at the collision scene.
- It is your choice who tows your vehicle.
- Check with police for authorized tow firms and ask to see a rate sheet.
- CSN 427 Auto will cover tows within city limits.
- Beware of “Towing Chasers” — if you choose to use a non-police authorized tow firm, the police cannot help you if you have problems with the tow firm or body repair shop.
Collision Reporting Centers (CRC)
Collision Reporting Centers are facilities where the public reports a collision to the police. If directed to a CRC, you will have up to 24 hours to report the collision in the jurisdiction it occurred.
Locations:
- North Collision Reporting Centre
📞 416-808-3960
📍 113 Toryork Road, North York - East Collision Reporting Centre
📞 416-808-4960
📍 39 Howden Road, Scarborough
CSN 427 Auto Collision
CSN 427 Auto Collision is an authorized body shop for all major insurance companies and vehicle manufacturers.
For our list of partners, visit: https://www.427autocollision.com/partners/insurance-partners
Locations:
- CSN 427 in Etobicoke
- Mercedes-Benz 427 Auto Collision
- CSN Avenue in Toronto
- CSN Heartland in Mississauga
Consider keeping a printed CSN Collision Checklist PDF in your glove box, along with essential phone numbers like your insurance claims hotline, CSN 427's towing line, and emergency contacts. Drive safely and refer to this guide whenever necessary.
CSN 427 Auto Collision is here to help you through the process of getting back on the road.
Your Safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.
