What to do after a rear-end collision
Q: If I am involved in a rear-end car accident on a city road, what should I do?
A: If you are involved in a rear-end collision, you should first stay calm and ensure your safety.
You may need to move your car to a safer location and then check yourself and any passengers for injuries. You should then call the police and wait for them to attend, along with the ambulance and other emergency responders.
Ensure you exchange information with the other driver, including the driver’s name, insurance information and licence plate numbers.
If you are physically able to, take photographs of the vehicles at the scene that depict the location of the accident and the damage to the cars.
If you are unwell, prioritize your health and medical well-being and ask someone else to take photographs on the same day as your accident.
If you are feeling unwell, allow any attending emergency responders such as paramedics or firefighters to examine you, and if they feel it is appropriate, accept the ambulance ride to the hospital.
Unfortunately, many individuals involved in rear-end collisions do not immediately feel the physical or psychological effect of the crash and decline a paramedic examination and transportation to the hospital.
Several hours later when the initial shock and adrenaline wears off, they find themselves in desperate need of medical treatment at a hospital or other medical facility.
Finally, once you have been medically assessed at a hospital or family physician’s office, you should contact your insurance company to notify them of the accident and report a claim.
You should also consider contacting a lawyer experienced in personal injury claims and motor vehicle accidents who can help you navigate the maze of the insurance regime in Ontario and who can advise you of your rights.
This article was originally published by The Hamilton Spectator.
