What to Do in the First 72 Hours After a Car Accident in Ontario (Even If You Feel ‘Mostly Fine’)

It was bound to happen to you sooner or later, you realize.  While you’ve always prided yourself on being a responsible driver, not everyone is.

Heaven knows, you’d driven by plenty of car accident scenes on your way to and from your job. You’d shake your head in sympathy as you viewed the mangled fenders and frightened drivers exchanging  contact information.

Now, it’s happened to you. A driver – miscalculating the time needed to change lanes – collided with the side of your vehicle, inflicting some rather serious-looking dents and scratches. Thankfully, no one’s airbag deployed; and although each obviously shaken up, you were able to  exit your cars.

Mostly fine, you’re hoping the stiffness in your neck and arms will pass in a few days. With several important projects afoot at your job, and the kids depending on you to chauffeur them to school and activities, the rental car will have to do for now. 

You’ve reported the accident to your insurance company, and, although concerned that your premiums might go  up, you trust them to treat you fairly. As a person who hates unnecessary conflict, even the thought of filing suit against the other driver is unappealing. The sooner your car can be repaired and you can get back to your regular routine, the happier you’re going to be.

In the first 72 hours after a car accident in Ontario, focus on your health and your paper trail. Get checked by a doctor, report the collision to police or a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours when required (often when combined damage appears over $5,000), take photos and gather witness info, start a symptom diary, and notify your insurer promptly (SABS notice is commonly referenced as 7 days).

An 6-Point, 72-hour post-accident checklist: 

#1 Your own safety must be first on your after-accident to-do list. See a doctor ASAP (go to a walk-in clinic or ER)

Many people feel just fine right after a car crash, wanting nothing more than to get home (or back to work) anxious to get on with their lives. The problem is that many soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and psychological symptoms don’t show up right after the accident.

In fact, it’s quite common for serious effects to make themselves known hours, days, even weeks later.

• “Adrenaline and shock often mask pain receptors immediately after impact,” Dr. Adam Rosoff of the Total Vitality Medical practice explains.
• “Psychiatric symptoms and disorder are frequent after major and less severe road accident injury,” according to the National Library of Medicine.

Therefore, you should start a symptom-and-impact diary, which helps both doctors and. Insurers understand functional limits caused by the crash, not just labels. Record all incidents of:

• pain
• stiffness
• headaches
• nausea
• brain fog
• fear of driving
• whiplash neck pain
• things you have difficulty doing at home or at work since the injury

#2 Deadlines start the moment a crash happens. 

• 24-hour deadline: “Drivers involved in property damage collisions MUST report  within twenty-four hours to a Collision Reporting Centre,”

The government collision report form is then checked by a police officer.

• 7-day deadline: “Following an accident, you must file a report with your broker, agent or insurance company within seven days,” the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario explains.

#3  Information to collect at the accident scene:

(All drivers are advised to screenshot this list on their phone)

From the other driver:

• name
• contact information
• driver’s license
• insurance information
• license plate

From witnesses:

• name
• contact information

Take photos – or videos – showing:

• damage to both cars
• road conditions
• weather conditions
• skid marks
• debris
• airbag deployment
• seat belt marks
• bruises to drivers or passengers

#4  What to say (and what not to say) when reporting the accident to your insurance company: 

• Notify your insurer of the accident as soon as possible (don’t  wait 7 days)  
• Stick to facts, not fault

Report the date, tie, location of the accident, the basic facts of what happened, and any injuries you know of to either party or to passengers. Avoid assigning blame to the other driver or to yourself.

• Ask about accident benefits

Verify SABS (Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule) of coverage for treatments, income replacement, rehabilitation support.

Request  that an Accident Benefits package be sent to you, noting the 30-day form deadline. 

#5  Document now – it will make a big difference later!

Start an Accident Folder (or Accident App) to keep all records, photos, and information  pertaining to the accident.

1. Claim number
2. Adjustor’s name and contact information
3. Log of calls – time, date, who said what
4. Photos and videos
5. Accident effects log (documenting

                 – days you needed to take off from work

                 – help you needed to hire for childcare or household management

                 – tasks you now have difficulty performing at work

#6  Avoid mistakes commonly made in the first 72 hours following a car accident

• Minimizing your injuries (you’re embarrassed or busy)
• Not reporting the accident (failing to notify the Collision Reporting Center or the police)
• Giving detailed recorded statements before you understand your rights (You feel pressured to make early statements or to sign authorizations before you’ve had a chance to speak with a lawyer)
• Posting about the accident on social media (saying you’re “safe” or “fine” can be used against you later if you file a claim)