A crash course on what to do after a collision
It’s almost inevitable that we will end up in a motor vehicle collision, or damage something in the course of a motoring career. Are we really prepared in the case of a collision?
Here are a few tips for events that occur on public roads (private property/parking lot incidents are another matter). It’s wise to be careful of behaviour and choice of words when dealing with others in a collision. Some people can get emotional over vehicle damage, and it’s best to approach with caution.
1. Render assistance. The first words that should come out of your mouth are: “Is anyone hurt?” Never start off with “I’m sorry” as it could be interpreted as an admission of liability. If anyone is visibly injured, call 911. Don’t forget to check yourself. In the case of injury, police must be notified, as well as your insurance company.
2. Make the scene safe. If traffic conditions and/or the placement and condition of the vehicles are risky, move passengers to a safe location. Most police authorities will recommend moving the vehicles off the travelled lane(s) if possible.
Check for any fluid that may be leaking from the vehicles first. You may expose traffic to risk if enough slippery oils or fluids have leaked onto the road’s surface. If it’s dark, engage fourway flashers, deploy reflective triangles or flares if available, or get someone with a flashlight to warn oncoming traffic. If there are flames of any type, leave them to firefighters and move everyone a safe distance back.
3. Know your rights and obligations. By law you are required to provide your name, your vehicle type and insurance information to other driver(s). If you suspect someone is giving you false information, take specific note of their licence-plate number. Property damage limits requiring mandatory police notification vary from province to province. If you think you can avoid insurance premium jumps by not filing a report with your coverage carrier, think again. If the other driver files, and correctly identifies your vehicle, your insurance company will be notified. If there is third-party property damage, you must notify your insurance company.
4. Take photos. Just about everyone has a camera phone, so before the vehicles are moved, use it to snap some shots of the scene. If you feel safe doing so, take shots of the other driver and any passengers.
5. Collect data. This is especially important if police have not been called. Take the driver’s name, vehicle description, licence-plate number and insurance info. Note the date, time, location, and any pertinent details such as road, weather, or lighting conditions. Get names and contact information of witnesses. Get the police report number and name of the attending officer.
6. Look and listen. If you feel it’s safe to drive your vehicle away, take a short drive down a less travelled road to check for any unusual noises or mechanical problems at lower speeds.
7. Know when to tow. It’s your right to have your vehicle taken to the repair shop of your choice by the towing service of your choice.
8. Listen to medical advice. If paramedics on the scene advise getting a more thorough checkup at the hospital, follow their directions.
9. Get on the phone. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
10. Drive safely.