What to do after an accident?

Knowing what to do after an accident can feel overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to bear in mind so that you’re prepared for the unexpected.

5 Key Things to Remember

1. Stay calm.

• Even though accidents are stressful, the most important thing you can do is stay calm. Remind yourself that accidents happen all the time and that help is on its way.

2. Check for injuries.

• Are you safe? Are others safe? Check for injuries at the scene before doing anything else.
• Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. Listen to the advice of the emergency operator and wait for the response team to arrive.

3. Gather information.

• If it is safe, get out of your vehicle and take as many pictures/videos of the scene as possible.
• If other vehicles are involved, you should collect the following information from them:
  • Name and contact details
  • Vehicle tag/registration numbers
  • Insurance information including company name, phone number, and policy number

4. Contact a collision reporting center.

• If there are no injuries and the total damage appears to be less than $2,000, you should contact a collision reporting centre to complete a police report.
• If damages appear to be more than $2,000, you should contact the police immediately.

5. Contact your insurer.

• Contact your insurer to let them know about the incident.
• Find out more information about our claims process at Dorchester Insurance.

Common Scenarios

• Fender benders
  • Fender benders are quite common. If you are involved in a minor accident, you do not need to contact the police if:
    • There are no injuries
    • The total damage does not appear to be over $2,000
  • Instead, you can simply:
    • Move your vehicle out of the way
    • Take as many videos/pictures as possible
    • Exchange contact and registration details with other individuals involved
    • Contact a collision reporting center
    • Contact your insurer

• Injury-accidents
  • Injury-accidents can be scary for everyone. If you are involved in a more serious accident, it is important to remain calm, call 911 immediately, and listen to the operator’s advice.
  • You can then contact your insurer within 24 hours after you have reached safety.

Preparing Your Vehicle Ahead of Time

Accidents cannot always be avoided, but you can make sure your vehicle is prepared. Here are some things to keep in your car just in case. 

• Notepad and pen
• Copies of the official FSRA accident worksheet
• Reflective, hi-vis vests
• Bottled water
• Small tool kit