What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident in Ottawa
- Vanshika Thareja
- May 8
- 5 min read
At DreamDen, we believe a well-designed home is more than just walls and furniture—it's a space that supports your well-being, even when life throws unexpected challenges your way. And one of the most stressful disruptions? A car accident.
In Ottawa, where snowstorms, heavy traffic, and construction zones are part of daily life, accidents can happen in a flash. What you do in the first 24 hours after a crash doesn’t just impact your recovery and legal rights—it can also affect your home life, your family routine, and your peace of mind.
This easy-to-follow guide walks you through everything you need to do, in simple language, so you can get back to feeling safe and supported—at home and beyond.
1. Check for Injuries First
Right after the crash, check if anyone is hurt. Start with yourself. Then check your passengers. If you’re able, check on the people in the other car too.
Call 911 if:
Someone is bleeding, in pain, or unconscious
A vehicle is in a dangerous spot
You smell fuel or see smoke
There’s damage over $2,000
In Ottawa, 911 connects you to emergency medical services and police. If you're not sure whether to call, it's better to be safe and do it.
2. Move to a Safe Spot
If no one is seriously hurt and the vehicles can move, pull off the road. Turn on your hazard lights.
Use cones or warning triangles if you have them. Stay out of traffic lanes. Ottawa roads can be slippery, especially in winter, and other drivers may not see you in time.
If your car can't move, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
3. Call the Police or a Collision Reporting Centre
In Ontario, you must report an accident if:
Anyone is hurt
Damage exceeds $2,000
A driver was impaired, unlicensed, or fled the scene
Government or city property was damaged
You can call the Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222 or go to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC). There are two CRCs in Ottawa:
Hunt Club CRC (2670 Queensview Dr)
Nepean CRC
Report the crash as soon as possible, ideally within a few hours.
4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Stay calm and polite. Don’t argue. Do not admit fault.
Exchange:
Full name and contact number
Driver’s licence number
Licence plate and vehicle info
Insurance company and policy number
Use your phone to take clear photos of their documents. Double-check names and numbers for accuracy.
5. Take Photos and Notes
Pictures help protect you. Take many clear shots from different angles.
Capture:
Damage to all vehicles
Road signs, lights, or traffic signals
Road and weather conditions
Debris, skid marks, or broken glass
Injuries (if visible and safe to do so)
Also write down:
Time and location
What happened, in your words
Any strange driver behaviour (e.g. texting or speeding)
These notes are useful for insurance, police, or legal claims.
6. Speak to Witnesses
If anyone nearby saw the crash, ask for their contact information. Get their:
Name
Phone number
Short statement about what they saw
You can also record them with your phone (with permission). Witnesses help support your version of the story if there's a dispute.
7. Call Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance provider within 24 hours.
Give them:
Date, time, and location
Names of people involved
Vehicle and policy info
Any injuries or damage
Keep it factual. Don’t guess or speculate. Ask what your coverage includes, such as towing, rental cars, or injury benefits.
Even if you're not at fault, early reporting helps protect your claim.
8. Seek Medical Attention
Not all injuries are visible right away. Whiplash, concussions, and back pain may appear hours or days later.
Go to:
Your family doctor
A walk-in clinic
The Ottawa General Hospital emergency department
Get checked, even if you feel okay. This helps:
Ensure your safety
Build a medical record for your insurance
Avoid long-term complications
If you're injured, follow all medical advice and attend follow-ups.
9. Document and Organize Everything
Create a folder (digital or paper) to keep:
Photos and videos from the crash
Police report number
Insurance claim number
Medical visit receipts and doctor’s notes
Vehicle repair estimates or towing invoices
Having organized records makes insurance claims and legal support easier to manage.
10. Notify Your Employer if You Miss Work
If your injury forces you to miss work, let your employer know right away.
Keep a written record of:
Time missed
Doctor’s notes
Any forms your employer needs
In some cases, you may qualify for income replacement benefits under Ontario’s accident benefits system.
11. Be Careful on Social Media
Don’t post about the accident. Avoid uploading photos or commenting on the other driver.
Insurance companies and legal teams may use your posts against you. Even an innocent update like “I’m fine” can affect your case.
Keep details private and talk to a lawyer before discussing the accident online.
12. Consider Speaking to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Ottawa
You may not need a lawyer for every accident. But in serious cases, it's smart to talk to one.
You should contact a lawyer if:
You suffered serious or long-term injuries
Your insurance claim is delayed or denied
You’re unsure about fault or liability
You're overwhelmed or don't understand the process
A personal injury lawyer in Ottawa can:
Help you access full benefits
Handle paperwork and negotiations
Represent you in court, if needed
Explain your rights clearly
Most lawyers offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in asking.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident in Ottawa
Here’s what you should avoid:
Don’t leave the scene. You could be charged with a criminal offence.
Don’t admit fault. Even a polite “I’m sorry” can be used against you.
Don’t delay medical care. It weakens your injury claim and may hurt your health.
Don’t ignore symptoms. Headaches, dizziness, or pain may signal serious problems.
Don’t miss deadlines. Ontario has time limits for filing claims—often two years.
Available Resources in Ottawa
You don’t have to handle this alone. Here are some helpful services:
Ottawa Collision Reporting Centres: Ottawa Police CRC Info
Ottawa Public Health: Mental health and trauma recovery
Legal Aid Ontario: Help for low-income residents
211 Ontario: Free support line for housing, counseling, and more
OHIP: Covers hospital visits and some follow-up care
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it illegal not to report a car accident in Ontario?
Yes. If there’s injury or damage over $2,000, you must report it.
Q: What if the other driver refuses to share their information?
Call the police. It’s required by law to exchange details.
Q: How long do I have to file an insurance claim?
Ideally within 7 days, but some insurers have tighter rules. Check your policy.
Q: Can I still claim injury if it appears days later?
Yes, but you must seek medical care and notify your insurer as soon as symptoms appear.
Final Thoughts
Getting into a car accident in Ottawa is stressful. But the first 24 hours are crucial. They shape your recovery, insurance, and legal process.
Here’s what to remember:
Check for injuries
Call 911 or report the crash
Collect all important details
See a doctor
Talk to a lawyer if needed
Don’t rush. Don’t panic. Follow each step and protect your health and rights.
If you’re dealing with a serious crash outside Ottawa—say, while visiting California—a trusted car accident lawyer San Diego can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process, no matter how far from home you are.
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