The first thing to do after an accident is make sure you and everyone else involved are safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Toronto EMS is well-trained to handle collision scenes and will take care of both medical needs and police reporting if required.
If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, you still have legal responsibilities. Under Ontario law, all collisions that result in injuries or damage exceeding $2,000 must be reported. If police are not attending the scene, you are required to visit a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.
You’ll need to exchange your full name, license number, vehicle ownership, and insurance details with the other party involved. Be sure to record the make and model of the other car, the license plate number, and the exact location of the collision. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information. In dense areas of Toronto, nearby stores or pedestrians may have seen what happened. Their account could help if there’s ever a dispute over fault.
Photos are one of the most helpful things you can take away from an accident. Use your phone to capture the damage to both vehicles, road signs, skid marks, weather conditions, traffic lights, and any other relevant details. The more thorough you are, the easier it will be to explain the events to your insurer—or to a legal professional later.
Even if everything looks fine at first glance, it’s wise to take detailed notes of how you’re feeling and any discomfort that appears in the hours or days after. Many injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
In Toronto, if damage to all vehicles exceeds $2,000 or there are any injuries, you must file a report at a Collision Reporting Centre. There are two main locations: one in North Toronto and one in the east end. Bring your ID, insurance documents, ownership papers, and any photos you’ve taken. Reporting helps protect your rights and ensures the accident is officially documented. You can find full details and directions on the Toronto Police Service website.
You are legally required to notify your insurance provider about the accident, typically within seven days. Even if you don’t plan to file a claim right away, failing to report it could cause issues with your coverage later. Keep your explanation brief and factual. Let the adjusters determine fault and handle the rest.
Don’t assume you’re fine just because you feel okay at the scene. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue damage often take a day or more to show symptoms. A quick visit to your doctor or a walk-in clinic will not only protect your health—it also creates a medical record in case you need to seek compensation.
The Ontario Ministry of Health provides access to care options and clinics near you if you’re not sure where to go.
Ontario’s no-fault insurance system means your own insurer will pay for accident benefits like medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost income, even if you weren’t responsible for the crash. However, if your injuries are serious—long-term pain, lost earning ability, or emotional distress—you may be eligible to file a tort claim against the at-fault driver for additional compensation.
For more details about how accident benefits work, visit the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA).
Sometimes insurance companies offer fast settlements to close the case quickly. But if your injuries worsen or new complications appear, you may lose your right to additional compensation once you sign. It’s a good idea to get legal input before accepting any offers, especially if you’re still in pain, missing work, or unsure how long your recovery will take.
After an accident, what you say matters. Avoid posting photos, updates, or comments about the crash on social media. Insurers may use anything you post to downplay your injuries. Also, don’t admit fault at the scene—even casually. Stick to the facts, cooperate with authorities, and avoid making assumptions about what happened.
Getting into a car accident in Toronto can turn an ordinary day into a stressful situation. But knowing what to do—and doing it early—can make a real difference. Take care of your health, protect your rights, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
If your injuries are more serious or you’re getting pushback from your insurer, speaking with a legal professional can help you understand what you're entitled to. Navigating the legal side of an accident isn't always easy, but with the right information and support, you’ll be in a better position to move forward.
Supriyo Khan
Supriyo Khan
Supriyo Khan
Supriyo Khan
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