Reporting Requirements After an Auto Accident

Car accidents can be extremely stressful. Figuring out what to do after a crash can add to the burden, especially if the accident caused serious injuries. There are important steps to take after a car accident, including gathering evidence, getting proper medical attention, and reporting the accident. 

Today’s blog post from our Barrie, Collingwood, and Midland injury lawyers will detail reporting requirements after an Ontario auto accident. If you’ve been involved in an accident but aren’t sure what steps to take—or your injuries are too severe to take the steps yourself—we encourage you to reach out for help. An experienced Barrie auto accident attorney at our personal injury law firm can guide you through the process and take steps on your behalf to protect your rights to claim compensation. 

Reporting Auto Accidents to the Police

Ontario law requires you to report an auto accident to the police in certain situations. You must call the police immediately after the accident if: 

• Anyone has been injured or killed

• Damage to vehicles involved appears to be more than $5,000 

• You suspect the other driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol

• The other driver is uninsured, refuses to provide insurance information, or flees the scene of the accident 

You should also report the accident to police as soon as possible if a pedestrian or bicyclist was involved, or if the accident caused damage to highway property or private property (signs, fences, etc.). If police attend the scene, write down the officer’s name and badge number. The investigating officer will prepare a written collision report, which you’ll need a copy of for insurance and legal reasons. 

If no one was injured and total damage to vehicles appears to be less than $2,000, you should report the accident to the nearest Collision Reporting Centre instead of the police, and you should do so within 24 hours of the crash. In Barrie, the Collision Reporting Centre is located at the police headquarters at 110 Fairview Road. You’ll be asked to fill out a police report and damage to your vehicle will be photographed. Filing a police report does not mean you’re required to file an insurance claim, but it will protect you if legal issues later arise. 

Reporting Auto Accident to the Insurance Company 

You are required by Ontario law to file an accident report with your auto insurance company within seven days. You’ll need to provide information about the accident, including date, time, location, how the accident occurred, names/information about others involved, extent of vehicle damage, extent of injuries (if any), and the name/badge number of the investigating officer if the police attended the scene. 

Once you’ve reported the accident to your insurer, a claims adjuster will be assigned to review the claim and determine fault for the accident. The amount of coverage you’ll receive for vehicle damage depends on the type of coverage you have and the extent to which you’re found at fault for the accident. 

Regardless of fault for the accident, you’re entitled to make a Statutory Accident Benefits claim (also called a no-fault benefits claim) if you suffered injuries. This type of claim can provide you with important financial benefits such as income replacement, medication costs, treatment expenses, and other benefits such as attendant care, housekeeping, and home maintenance. You must submit your Application for Accident Benefits (OCF-1) within 30 days of the car accident. 

What Happens if You Don’t Meet Reporting Requirements? 

Failure to report an Ontario car accident to either police or the Collision Reporting Centre within the required timelines can result in fines, penalties, and other legal consequences. It can also cause delays or complications in your insurance claim.

Failure to report an auto accident to your insurance company within the required timelines can cause significant problems. The insurance company can deny coverage for vehicle damage and/or deny your no-fault accident benefits claim. You bear financial responsibility for property damage and personal injury if insurance coverage is denied. 

Are There Other Deadlines that Can Impact Your Claim?

Yes! The reporting requirements and claim filing deadlines discussed above are just some of the procedures that must be followed after an Ontario car accident. Other deadlines and reporting requirements may apply depending on the circumstances (e.g., reporting requirements with respect to claims following a hit and run accident).

There are also critical steps that must be taken if you want to bring a personal injury claim against an at-fault driver. The general rule is that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you’re unsure of the limitation period in your case or think you might have missed important deadlines, reach out to one of our auto injury lawyers right away by calling 705.725.7355.

Call a Barrie Auto Accident Attorney

Barrie, Collingwood, and Midland injury lawyers at Littlejohn Barristers are here to help if you’ve been involved in an auto accident. You’re already dealing with enough after being hurt in a crash. You don’t have to take on the extra stress of figuring out reporting requirements, filing deadlines, paperwork, and limitation periods on your own.

We welcome you to contact us today to arrange a free consultation about your case. An experienced injury lawyer at Littlejohn Barristers can advise you of the procedural steps that must be taken. If you choose to work with us, we will take all necessary steps to protect your legal rights, preserve your claim options, and maximize the personal injury compensation you receive.