When involved in a car accident, the last thing on the minds of most motorists is the do’s and don’ts of what to do at a car accident scene. It is important that you abide by these do’s and don’ts since they influence insurance rates, the success or failure of the claim, the payout to be received, and other important factors.

The Do’s

The law requires that you file a police accident report:

• If there is physical injury or death
• If the physical damage exceeds $2,000
• If a government vehicle is involved in the accident
• If the accident involves a driver who does not have car insurance
• If a criminal act has occurred such as in case of impaired driving or driving under the influence
• If a pedestrian has been involved in the accident
• If there is damage to municipal or private property

In Ontario, you have 24 hours to file a police report after an accident. Do this by calling 911 for immediate assistance or the closest collision reporting centre.

File an insurance claim with your insurance. Some drivers do not file claims for repairs and instead pay for damage from their own pocket when the cost is low and/or to keep their auto insurance rates low. This is, however, dangerous if you are not at-fault because the other driver may disagree with the repair quote or fail to pay in a timely manner. Note that your rates will not rise automatically. Depending on your record, many insurance companies also have accident forgiveness. Note that the other driver will most likely file a claim and your insurer will be notified. It is imperative that you abide by your legal obligations and file your claim in a timely manner.

Collect as much evidence as you can. Take photos of the scene of the accident. The evidence should also include the name and contact information of the other driver, the name and contact information of witnesses, the license and insurance information, the brand, make, and year of manufacturer of the other vehicle, and any other information you feel might be relevant in your claim, including records of any available nearby street and private cameras.

Call a car accident lawyer who is able to handle your claim in Cambridge. Your lawyer will assist you to gather the necessary evidence while it is still fresh. You should particularly call a personal injury lawyer in Cambridge to ensure your legal rights are fully protected and advanced. At Grillo Law, our lawyers will help guide you throughout the stages of the claim process. We will do all the groundwork such as filing car accident and car accident injury claim, supplying the relevant documentation and obtaining any necessary forensic, engineer, accounting and medical expert reports to prove your case. We will protect your interests by ensuring you recover what you deserve under the full ambit of the law.