Car accidents are shocking and stressful events. You might feel upset or frustrated if you are not the one who caused the accident but now have to go through processes and procedures to get the situation rectified. An out-of-province car accident can only add to this stress, as you are likely unfamiliar with your surroundings and might be unsure what to do next. Here are several tips.
Remain Calm
You are likely to feel overwhelmed and replay the accident over in your head, assessing what went wrong and how it could have been avoided. Your safety is a top priority, so try to stay calm and assess if you have been hurt in any way. Put your hazard lights on as a precaution for oncoming vehicles before you attempt to exit the car.
Check the Scene
If it is safe to do so, get out of your vehicle and survey the area. Look for any hazards such as spilled gasoline or broken car parts, and see how many vehicles are involved in the crash. Don’t move vehicles or what could be considered evidence, and check if anyone needs immediate medical attention. Finally, ensure you call 911 promptly for help with the situation.
Collect Information
Where possible, get as many pictures and videos as you can of the collision, including vehicles involved in the crash and road conditions. If there are witnesses, ensure you get their names and phone numbers in case you need to contact them at a later date. Avoid connecting with the other driver too much as a precaution, especially if your recollection of events and theirs are conflicting with one another.
Call Your Insurance Company
Insurance for drivers in Ontario is mandatory and, as such, you will have coverage when it comes to different kinds of accidents. Likely, you are even covered if the other driver is uninsured. Call your insurance company to explain what happened and where you are. Ask them if you should follow any immediate next steps.
If you were injured in an accident out of the province, a personal injury lawyer can be helpful if you are intending to file a compensation claim. All Ontario drivers have coverage for accident benefits, but being involved in an out-of-province car accident means laws and limitation periods could differ for the other driver. At Zuber Brioux, we are experienced with various factors when it comes to injuries stemming from vehicle accidents. If you are interested in learning how we might be able to help you, contact us. We’re here to help.