What to Do After a Car Accident in Ontario

At the scene

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
2. Move to safety if you can, and turn on hazard lights.
3. Exchange names, licence, plate and insurance details with the other drivers.
4. Take photos of the vehicles, the road, traffic signals and any visible injuries.
5. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
6. Do not admit fault or discuss blame. Stick to the facts.

Reporting the collision

In Ontario a collision must be reported to police if anyone is injured, or if the total damage appears to be more than $2,000. Some police services direct drivers to a collision reporting centre within a set time. Keep the report number.

The first week

• See a doctor or go to a walk-in clinic, even if you feel fine. Some injuries appear later.
• Notify your own insurer within 7 days, even if you were a passenger, pedestrian or cyclist.
• Start a simple diary of symptoms, missed work and appointments.
• Keep receipts for prescriptions, transportation and treatment.
• Be careful about recorded statements to any insurer before getting advice.

The first month

• Complete and return the accident benefits application within 30 days of receiving it.
• Follow your treatment plan and attend appointments.
• Ask your employer for proof of income and missed time.
• Do not sign a release or accept a settlement before you understand your injuries.

Longer-term deadlines

A lawsuit against the at-fault driver must generally be started within two years. The at-fault driver must usually be given written notice within 120 days. See car accident claims and accident benefits and insurer denials.

Rideshare, pedestrian and cyclist collisions

Different insurance can apply when a rideshare vehicle is involved or when you were not in a car. See Uber, Lyft and Hopp accidents and pedestrian and cyclist injuries.

If you don't have your own car insurance

Passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and rideshare riders can claim accident benefits even without a policy of their own, usually through the insurer of a vehicle involved. Since July 1, 2026, people who are not covered under their own or a household policy generally receive the mandatory medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits only, not income replacement. Notify the insurer within seven days anyway. See accident benefits without car insurance.

Talking to insurance companies

• Report the claim to your own insurer promptly and answer its questions honestly; you have a duty to cooperate.
• Be careful with the other driver's insurer. You do not have to give it a recorded statement, and anything you say can be used to limit your claim.
• Do not guess about speeds, distances or your injuries. It is fine to say you do not know.
• Do not sign a release or accept a settlement cheque before getting legal advice.
• Keep copies of every form and letter, and write down the date and name of everyone you speak with.
• Assume your social media may be reviewed. Avoid posting about the collision, your injuries or your activities.

Keeping records that help your claim

Claims are won on records. Keep a folder, paper or digital, with:

• receipts for medication, treatment, parking, mileage to appointments and any paid help at home
• a list of missed work days and any lost overtime or shifts
• a short weekly note of your symptoms and activities you could not do
• copies of every insurer form, denial and approval
• photos showing your injuries as they heal

When it is time to value the claim, these records show what the collision actually cost you.

When to call a lawyer

The earlier the better, ideally within the first few weeks. A lawyer can make sure notices go out on time, that you claim every benefit available under your policy, that evidence such as video is preserved, and that you do not say or sign anything that weakens your claim. Injury consultations at SLG Lawyers are free, and you pay no legal fee unless we recover compensation for you. Call (647) 657-4400 or book a free consultation.