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A car crash in Toronto can be overwhelming, frightening, and disorienting. Whether the collision occurs on a busy highway like the 401, on a residential street, or at a congested downtown intersection, the steps you take in the minutes and hours that follow can significantly affect your health, safety, and legal rights. Many people are unsure of what to do in the aftermath of a collision, and this uncertainty can lead to avoidable mistakes that weaken a future claim.
At JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP, our Toronto personal injury lawyers have supported thousands of injured individuals throughout Ontario. With more than 90 years of collective experience in complex motor vehicle cases, our firm understands how important early action can be. The decisions you make immediately after the crash are the foundation of any accident benefits claim or personal injury lawsuit that follows. Taking the right steps will help you protect your health, preserve valuable evidence, and safeguard your right to compensation.
This guide outlines the most important actions to take after a car crash in Toronto. These steps are designed to protect you, reduce stress, and support your legal position should you pursue a claim.
Prioritise Safety and Check for Injuries
The first and most important step after any collision is to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Shock, confusion, and adrenaline can make it difficult to assess your condition, but taking a moment to breathe and evaluate the situation is essential.
Key actions include:
- Check yourself and passengers for injuries
- If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic
- Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers
- Call 911 if anyone appears injured
Remember that some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, may not appear immediately. Medical attention is vital for both health and documentation.
Call Police When Required Under Ontario Law
In Ontario, police must attend the scene under certain circumstances. Understanding these rules is essential because failing to report the collision properly can affect your ability to file claims later on.
You must call police when:
- Injuries are involved
- Combined vehicle damage appears to exceed two thousand dollars
- A driver is uninsured or unlicensed
- Criminal activity is suspected, such as impaired driving
If you are instructed to attend a Collision Reporting Centre, do so as soon as possible. These centres provide a report that serves as an important piece of evidence when submitting insurance or legal claims.
Exchange Information With All Involved Parties
After a crash, it is important to exchange information with all drivers involved. This information will be required by your insurance company and may be necessary for future legal action.
Make sure to collect:
- Full names and contact information
- Driver’s licence numbers
- Plate numbers
- Insurance details
- Vehicle descriptions
- Contact information of passengers
Remain calm and polite, but avoid discussing fault. Anything said at the scene can be misinterpreted or used against you later.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Evidence collected at the scene can be invaluable when proving liability and establishing damages. If you are physically able, take steps to document the scene thoroughly.
Helpful evidence includes:
- Photos of vehicle damage
- Photos of the location, skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Photos of visible injuries
- Names and contact information of witnesses
- Weather information such as snow, ice, rain, or poor visibility
This early evidence often becomes crucial days or weeks later when memories fade or stories change.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Prompt medical attention is essential even if injuries seem minor. Documentation is a key element in an accident benefits or tort claim. Without medical evidence, insurance companies often argue that injuries are exaggerated or unrelated to the crash.
Your doctor will:
- Diagnose visible and hidden injuries
- Provide treatment recommendations
- Document your symptoms
- Refer you to specialists when necessary
Following a treatment plan consistently is important. Missed appointments or poor follow through can weaken a claim, regardless of how real the injury may be.
Report the Collision to Your Insurance Company
Ontario law requires you to report a collision to your insurer within seven days or as soon as possible. Delays can lead to complications or a denial of benefits. Your insurance company will provide an accident benefits package and instructions for filing claims.
When speaking to your insurer:
- Provide accurate information
- Do not guess or assume details
- Do not minimise injuries
- Avoid giving unnecessary commentary
Your statements can influence how the insurer evaluates your claim. If you feel uncomfortable, you can request that communication take place through your lawyer.
Avoid Speaking With the Other Party’s Insurer
One of the biggest mistakes injured individuals make is speaking directly with the at fault driver’s insurance company. These insurers may attempt to collect statements, minimise injuries, or pressure you into an early settlement.
You are not required to speak with them. Politely decline and refer them to your lawyer. Early statements can be used to reduce your compensation, so it is safest to avoid these conversations.
Do Not Post About the Accident on Social Media
Social media activity can be taken out of context and used against you. Even innocent posts may be interpreted as evidence that you are less injured than you claim. Insurers often search for online information to dispute injuries.
Avoid:
- Posting photos
- Commenting on the accident
- Discussing your recovery
- Allowing others to tag you in posts
Until your case is resolved, a cautious approach to social media is wise.
Consult a Toronto Personal Injury Lawyer
Speaking with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and guide you through the claims process. A qualified lawyer ensures that deadlines are met, evidence is preserved, and insurers do not take advantage of you.
At JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP, our experienced team supports clients at every stage of recovery. We pride ourselves on personalised service and multilingual support. We speak English, Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Hindi, Mandarin, Portuguese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tamil, and Urdu, which allows us to serve Toronto’s diverse communities with care.
With more than 90 years of collective experience, our firm has the resources and knowledge to take on even the most complex motor vehicle claims. You deserve dedicated legal support when your health, income, and future are at stake.
FAQs About What to Do After a Car Crash in Toronto
When should I call the police after a collision?
You should call police if anyone is injured, if vehicle damage appears significant, or if the other driver refuses to cooperate.
Do I need to report the accident to my insurer even if it is minor?
Yes. Ontario law requires timely reporting. Failing to report may jeopardise access to accident benefits.
What if I feel fine and do not seek medical care?
Delayed medical care weakens your claim. Many injuries do not appear immediately, so it is important to see a doctor right away.
Should I move my vehicle after a crash?
If it is safe and possible, move off the road to avoid further harm. Otherwise, remain in place until help arrives.
How soon should I speak with a personal injury lawyer?
As early as possible. Early advice protects your rights and helps you avoid mistakes that may affect your case.
Contact JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP After a Car Crash in Toronto
If you have been involved in a car crash in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario, the steps you take immediately afterward can make a significant difference. At JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP, we have decades of experience guiding injured individuals through the legal and insurance process with care, clarity, and strength.
Contact our Toronto personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights from the very first steps. We are here to stand with you and pursue the compensation you deserve.