When Collisions Happen, Know What To Do.

When collisions happen, know what to do

You avoid distraction, you are alert and focused, and you’ve got a plan to get from point A to point B every time you get behind the wheel. Sometimes though, you can’t account for other factors like weather or other drivers and collisions happen – even to great drivers.

Would you know what to do? Here is a little refresher…

1. Report the collision

   1. If no one is hurt and the damage appears to be over $2000 and the vehicles are drivable, a police report can be filed at a local station.
   2. If the damage appears to be $2000 and over, the vehicles cannot be moved, or if someone is injured, the police should be called without delay or 911 if there is an emergency.

2. Move over. For your safety and that of other drivers on the road, if there are no injuries and it is safe to do so, move vehicles to the side of the road to exchange information.

3. Get the details

   1. Make a note of the time and location (intersections and directions).
   2. Look around for independent witnesses and collect names and numbers.
   3. Collect license plate numbers, vehicle information (make and model), driver information including name, phone number, drivers license, as well as, insurance details from all drivers involved regardless of who is at fault.
   4. Take photos if you can.

4. Call your insurer. Whether you are at fault or not, your insurer will coordinate with the other insurance companies to help get you back on the road safely.

Being in a collision can be overwhelming and remembering just what to do next might escape you in the moment. The Calgary Police Service has created this handy little checklist you can use in any province; download or print it from here and keep a copy in your glove box. Hopefully you’ll never need to use it, but it won’t hurt to be prepared.

Hit and run?

If you are involved in a hit and run, collect as much information as you can; license plate number, make, model and colour of the vehicle, and a description of the driver if possible. Write it down or make an audio note of it on your smart phone as soon as possible so you don’t forget the details, and call the police.

Want to know more? Review these sources and resources.

Alberta Traffic Safety Act

City of Calgary – Collision Reporting

Edmonton Police Service – Reporting a Collision

Collison Reporting Centre – Ontario

Have More Questions?

Let me know and I’ll do my best to address it here for you and all of our readers. Better yet, contact an InsureMy advisor; these guys know their stuff. Email Info@InsureMy.ca or give them a call locally at (403) 410-1896 or toll free at 1-844-410-1896.

Everyday Insurance With Allie

Working mom, lover of the great outdoors and self-professed know-it-all. Our resident blogger, Allie isn’t the insurance guru she claims to be – but she’s learning and we are happy to help guide her. All the while keeping you in the loop on the “insurancey” stuff you need to know. #AskAllie