When a car accident occurs, the drivers involved have an obligation to take certain actions.
Stay at the scene
You should remain at the scene of the accident, even if the collision is minor. This will give you a chance to see the damage or help those in need. If you don’t, you could be fined or even charged with a crime.
Alerting emergency services if someone is injured
If someone’s life is in danger, you must help them: you can provide physical assistance, if you are able, or call emergency services.
You should also contact the police, even if the injuries seem minor. They will prepare an accident report that will be sent.
Special rules apply if you have injured or killed an animal.
Exchange information with the other driver
If no one is injured, you do not have to contact the police. However, you must exchange some information with the other person involved in the accident. If you do not, you may be fined.
The following information must be recorded:
- the driver’s name and address,
- the driver’s license number,
- the name and address of the owner of the vehicle as it appears on the vehicle’s registration certificate,
- the license plate number of the vehicle,
- the information appearing on the insurance certificate.
You can fill out a joint report. This is a form that allows you to describe the accident and record all the important information.
To obtain a free accident report, you can :
- order a copy from an insurance website,
- ask your private insurer.
Filling out a joint report does not mean that you are responsible for the accident. Only your insurer can determine your responsibility. Even the police officers called to the scene of the accident will not.
In the event of a collision with an unoccupied car or an object
Can’t reach the owner or the owner is not close to the accident scene? It is mandatory to contact the nearest police station when you hit something like an unoccupied car or a sign. The police will then take the required information.
