What to Do After a Car Accident
Stay calm. Stay safe. A step-by-step checklist and legal rights guide for drivers in Oakville, Burlington & across Ontario.
✓ Free printable roadside guide for your vehicle's glove box
Ontario Highway Tow Zone Safety
QEW, Hwy 403 & 401 Restricted Towing Protocols
FIRST: IS ANYONE INJURED?
If someone is seriously injured or there is immediate danger:
When calling 911, clearly state:
- • Exact location of the collision (nearest cross-street or highway marker)
- • Whether anyone requires urgent medical attention
- • Number of vehicles and people involved
- • Presence of hazards (smoke, fuel leaks, downed power lines, fire)
⚠️ Do NOT move an injured person unless there is an immediate danger requiring evacuation. Follow the 911 operator's instructions.
Ontario Paramedics and Fire services are dispatched immediately upon calling 911.
THE 10 STEPS AFTER A COLLISION IN ONTARIO
Follow this structured protocol immediately following an accident to protect your physical safety, your legal rights, and your vehicle's value.
STOP & SECURE THE VEHICLE
"Never leave the scene of a collision."
Stop immediately and turn on your hazard lights. Turn off the engine and check for hazards. If your vehicle is driveable and safe, Ontario's MTO recommends moving it off active traffic lanes.
Remember: 'If you can safely Steer It, Clear It.' Never put yourself in danger to move a vehicle.
CHECK FOR INJURIES
"Prioritize human life above all else."
Check yourself, your passengers, and others involved. Call 911 immediately if needed. Remember that adrenaline masks injuries; seek medical evaluation if symptoms appear later.
For non-emergency Ontario medical advice 24/7, call Health811 (Dial 811) to speak with a Registered Nurse.
MAKE THE SCENE SAFE
"Prevent secondary collisions and road hazards."
Keep hazard lights flashing. Use warning triangles, flares, or cones if available. Keep passengers safely off the roadway behind guardrails. Never smoke near vehicles with possible fuel leaks.
CALL POLICE WHEN REQUIRED
"Know when Ontario law mandates a police report."
You MUST report to police if: someone is injured, you suspect impaired driving, danger is present, or combined damage appears over $5,000. For minor collisions under $2,000 without injuries, you may be directed to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) within 24 hours.
EXCHANGE INFORMATION
"Collect verified driver, vehicle, and insurance details."
1. Driver
- • Full Legal Name
- • Residential Address
- • Phone Number
- • Driver's Licence Number
2. Vehicle
- • Licence Plate & Province
- • Make, Model & Year
- • Registered Owner Name
3. Insurance
- • Insurance Company Name
- • Policy Number
- • Pink Slip Verification
4. Scene
- • Date & Exact Time
- • Exact Location & Direction of Travel
- • Weather & Road Conditions
- • Witness Contact Information
DOCUMENT & TAKE PHOTOS
"Document everything before and after moving vehicles."
Photograph the entire scene: positions of all vehicles, intersection details, street signs, lane markings, skid marks, debris, and weather conditions. Capture wide shots and close-ups of damage on all vehicles, licence plates, and preserve dashcam video.
Essential Photos Checklist:
- ✓ All 4 sides & angles of all involved vehicles
- ✓ Ontario licence plates & registration stickers
- ✓ Wide road perspective: signs, lights, skid marks
- ✓ Dashcam footage (preserve & don't overwrite)
TALK TO WITNESSES
"Secure independent evidence quickly."
Ask bystanders for their name, phone number, and email. Note any nearby commercial businesses or traffic cameras that may have recorded the incident. Preserve all dashcam footage, messages, and receipts.
DON'T ADMIT FAULT
"Remain calm, objective, and professional."
Accidents are stressful. Never argue, apologize, or admit liability at the scene. Do not agree to informal cash settlements before reporting to your insurer. Let police and insurers determine legal fault based on Ontario Insurance Rules.
BE CAREFUL WITH TOWING
"You have the legal right to choose your tow and repair shop."
Never feel pressured by roadside tow operators. In Ontario, you have the legal right to select your repair facility. Always ask: Where is my vehicle going? What are the towing and storage rates? Who authorized the tow? Request a full itemized receipt.
🚨 Highway Tow Zone Notice: Driving on QEW, Hwy 401, or Hwy 403 in Halton/Peel? These are Restricted Towing Zones. If safely stopped on the shoulder, call 511 for the Ontario Tow Zone Program.
Questions to Ask Before Towing:
- 1. Where is my vehicle being towed and stored?
- 2. What are your itemized tow and daily storage rates?
- 3. Direct Delivery: Have it towed directly to Complete Auto Body (1149 Speers Rd, Oakville).
CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
"Report promptly regardless of fault."
Notify your insurer or broker promptly (standard Ontario policies recommend reporting within 7 days). Provide your CRC report, photos, witness details, and tow receipt. Remember: you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at Complete Auto Body & Collision.
WHAT IF IT'S A HIT-AND-RUN?
If the other driver flees the scene, do not panic and adhere to these priority safety actions:
Stay Safe
Do not pursue the fleeing vehicle under any circumstances.
Call Police (911)
Report the hit-and-run immediately to police dispatch.
Record Vehicle Details
Note make, model, colour, licence plate (even partial), direction of travel, and driver description.
Gather Witnesses & Video
Ask witnesses for statements and look for nearby security/traffic cameras.
Contact Insurer
Report the hit-and-run claim with police incident number.
WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO
Under Ontario law and insurance policy guidelines, avoiding these common errors will safeguard your liability:
- ✕ Never leave the scene of an accident.
- ✕ Do not argue, accuse, or admit fault to anyone.
- ✕ Do not sign blank or confusing authorization forms from tow operators.
- ✕ Do not guess or downplay physical injuries at the scene.
- ✕ Do not allow yourself to be steered to an uncertified repair shop.
- ✕ Do not put yourself in danger in active traffic to take photos.
- ✕ Do not delete photos, dashcam recordings, or accident evidence.
YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AFTER AN ACCIDENT
In Ontario, motorists are fully protected by provincial consumer rights legislation. You have choices — never let anyone pressure you at an accident scene.
Independent Choice Guarantee
You have 100% legal authority to choose your collision facility in Ontario.
Right to Choose Your Repair Facility
Ontario law guarantees your right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. Insurers may recommend shops, but the final decision is 100% yours.
Right to Choose Your Tow Operator
You are entitled to select your towing company (subject to MTO 511 Restricted Highway Towing Zone protocols).
Right to Replacement Vehicle
Under Ontario standard policies (OPCF 20 / Direct Compensation), you have rights to comparable rental transportation during repair.
Right to Ask Questions & Authorize Work
No repair facility or insurer can begin teardown or repairs without your informed written consent.
Did your insurance company suggest a specific body shop?
While insurers maintain preferred networks, you have 100% legal autonomy to select Complete Auto Body & Collision. We provide direct insurance billing, lifetime workmanship warranty, and OEM-standard collision reconstruction.
IMPORTANT ONTARIO EMERGENCY & ASSISTANCE NUMBERS
Keep these official contacts handy for collisions, towing, highway incidents, and collision reporting in Halton, Peel, and the GTA.
Police, Fire & Ambulance — Emergency
Life-threatening emergencies, serious collisions, immediate hazards.
Health811 — Ontario Registered Nurse
24/7 free, confidential medical guidance for non-emergency injuries.
Ontario 511 — Tow Zone Assistance
MTO Tow Zone Program for QEW & 400-series highway breakdowns/accidents.
OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) Non-Emergency
Highway collision inquiries and non-urgent provincial police dispatch.
Halton Regional Police Service (Oakville/Burlington)
Local non-emergency dispatch and CRC reporting instructions.
Complete Auto Body & Collision (Speers Rd, Oakville)
Direct towing assistance, insurance claim help & certified collision estimates.
What to Keep in Your Glove Compartment
FSRA & MTO recommended emergency items for every Ontario vehicle:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Get straight answers about Ontario collision reporting, insurance fault determination, and repair shop rights.
Do I have to take my car to the body shop my insurance company recommends?
When is a collision report mandatory in Ontario?
What are Ontario Restricted Towing Zones (QEW / Hwy 403)?
Will having Complete Auto Body & Collision repair my vehicle affect my insurance claim?
What should I do if my vehicle is not driveable after an accident?
ACCIDENT? LET US TAKE IT FROM HERE.
You've already been through enough. Let our certified collision team handle everything.
Complete Auto Body & Collision is a certified collision repair facility serving drivers in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, and surrounding GTA communities. We guide you through every stage of insurance claims and factory-standard structural repair.
Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty
Every repair, structural realignment, and paint finish is backed by our comprehensive lifetime guarantee.
Complete Insurance Claim Assistance
We work directly with all major Canadian insurance carriers, handling paperwork, appraisals, and authorizations.
OEM Certified Equipment & Technicians
State-of-the-art diagnostic scanners, computer-guided frame alignment, and factory-matched computerized paint booths.
Hassle-Free Rental Car Coordination
On-site rental vehicle pickup and drop-off so your daily routine isn't interrupted while your vehicle is restored.
Complete Auto Body & Collision
1149 Speers Road, Oakville, ON L6L 2X5
[email protected] • https://completeabc.com