What to do if you have a Car Accident

There are very important things to do to protect yourself if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. These apply if you are a pedestrian, cyclist, passenger or driver of a vehicle involved in an accident.

At the scene:
Obtain the names, addresses, phone numbers and drivers licence numbers of the drivers of all motor vehicles involved in the accident. Obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses;

Identify the driver of the other car and note the following:
1) what was the driver's physical condition;
2) was the driver wearing glasses;
3) was the driver wearing a seatbelt;
4) did the driver appear tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
5) did the driver admit responsibility for the accident?

Make a note of the road, traffic and weather conditions. Write down any other factors that may have caused or contributed to the accident.

Briefly detail the location of the accident, direction of travel of each car, speed and actions taken by yourself and by the other driver just prior to impact.
Draw a sketch of the accident scene.

Apart from providing the details of your insurance and address, it is best not to discuss the accident with anyone except the police and your lawyer. It is generally unwise to discuss responsibility for an accident until you have obtained legal advice. This is particularly important if you have any reason to believe that you may be charged with a criminal offence as a result of the accident.

If the police did not attend the accident, you must report it to the police if damage is over $400.00.

Identify yourself as it is an offence to leave the scene of any motor vehicle accident without so identifying yourself if the intent is to avoid criminal or civil liability.
Seek medical attention if you were injured.

Call your lawyer.

Telephone your local  I.C.B.C. office (860-4069 in Kelowna) to report the claim.

This article is not legal advice and a lawyer should be consulted on any specific case.