The 6 Car Accident Checklists: Evidence That Protects Your Future Claim

You’d always taken pride in being a careful driver,  but an accident was bound to happen sooner or later, you told yourself after your car was sideswiped in late afternoon Kitchener traffic. Your car was quite badly damaged; you , of course, were quite shaken up. Thankfully, no ambulance needed to be summoned. 

Now, days later, headachy and experiencing considerable stiffness, you’re second-guessing yourself, worried about saying the wrong things on what seems like a “mountain” of claim forms.  You certainly don’t view yourself as the litigious sort , but  (just in case things later appear to be “going downhill”, you could use a clear, practical checklist of what to record and what to save. 

You did report the accident to the police along with the insurer, and you did take photos at the scene. However, amidst the late afternoon rush, there was little opportunity to gather  any information from witnesses. You’ve had the same insurance company for years, and although somewhat concerned that your premiums might rise, you nonetheless feel fairly confident that your claim will be fairly treated.  

Meanwhile, you’ll work on keeping calm, but the truth is, the sooner your car is repaired and you’re able to put this behind  you and get back to a regular  routine, the happier you’re going to be…

What evidence should you keep after a car accident in Ontario?
After a car accident in Ontario, keep photos of the scene and vehicle damage, contact and insurance details for everyone involved, police or Collision Reporting Centre reports, medical records, a symptom diary, work and income records, receipts for accident-related expenses, and copies of all insurer communications. This evidence can quietly protect your future insurance or injury claim.

After an Ontario car accident – even a no-fault accident – evidence matters.

Insurance adjusters rely on what’s written down, not on what you say later.

Documents to gather and organize include: 

• photos
• medical records
• police reports
• Collision Reporting Centre reports
• financial records

No-fault accidents

You can get Statutory Accident Benefits regardless of fault, but you still must show evidence of injuries, treatment costs, and income loss.

Serious injury claims

Courts look for medical evident and documentation of the effect injuries have on your work and on your daily life.

(keep this list on your phone)

Checklist set #1 – at the scene

Scene and vehicle photos

• all damages to vehicles
• license plates
• road and weather conditions
• skid marks, debris at the scene
• visible injuries (bruises, cuts, seatbelt marks) 

 Exchanged information

• names, phone numbers, addresses
• driver’s licenses, license plates
• insurance providers and policy numbers
• make, model, year of vehicles

Witness checklist

• names and contact details for anyone who saw the crash
• short note or text message from each witness tellling what they saw
   

Checklist set #2 – official reports

• police report (request incident number, officer’s name and number)
• Collision Reporting Centre report (request report number and copies)

Insurers and courts often treat these reports as a starting point for understanding the incident.

Checklist set #3 – medical evidence

Medical visit and treatment reports

See a doctor, go to a walk-in clinic or ER and keep:

• consultation notes/visit summary
• imaging reports
• specialist reports
• physiotherapy/rehab/chiropractor records
• hospital discharge papers
  

Symptoms and function diary (this diary is evidence not just a complaint list.)

Prepare weekly notes on:

• pain levels and location
• sleep problems
• headaches, dizziness, “brain fog”
• tasks you now have difficulty doing at home or at work
• emotional impact (fear of driving, anxiety, low mood)

Checklist set #4 – work, income, daily life impact

(Ontario pain-and-suffering claims focus on credible evidence that important functions were affected by the accident)

Income and employment records 

• pay stubs and T-4s
• employment contract/job description
• timesheets showing reduced hours
• employer letters confirming time off and modified duties

Impact on real life

• notes on missed work days or lost contracts
• extra help needed with childcare housework, shopping
• hobbies or activities that needed to be given up

Checklist set #5 – receipts and out-of-pocket expenses

Start a file of receipts for:

• medications
• over-the-counter aids (braces, bandage wraps, etc)
• treatment expenses not fully covered (physiotherapy, massage, counseling)
• parking and travel expense going to medical appointment
• home help (assistance with chores, childcare)

 Checklist set #6 – insurance and communication file

(A  tidy “claim binder”, either physical or digital, will make it easier for your lawyer or claims adjuster to review the full picture and also make it harder for anyone to claim there is “no proof”.)

Keep copies of:

1. insurer communications

• letters and emails from insurers
• text messages relating to the accident
• notes of phone calls (dates, times, what was said and by whom)

2. forms and applications

• accident benefits forms (OCFs)
• proof-of-loss forms
• questionnaires