Accidents have a way of catching you off guard and a car accident can be especially distressing. In addition to the potential physical injuries sustained, we’re often overcome with emotional anguish. It’s in these times, when our focus is scattered, that important basics of what to do in the event of a collision are forgotten. For that reason, I’m emphasizing the top five things to do immediately following a car accident and how you can best protect yourself in these difficult scenarios.
1. Collect the Necessary Information
If you’re in a car accident — and your injuries don’t prevent you from doing so — it’s really important to get the key information you’re going to need to support your claim. The reality is that the police do not attend most accidents nowadays. Unless there’s serious injury or death, the police won’t be coming. As a result — and because of our fault-based auto insurance system — you actually have to do your own investigation. If you’re the not-at-fault party, you have to be able to prove that. You need to (if possible), gather the necessary information you will require in order to support your claim, both for ICBC and possibly a courtroom.
As for specifics, it’s very important that you get driver’s license information and vehicle registration for all vehicles involved in the collision. If you don’t have a pen and paper handy, use your cell phone. I’ve had a lot of clients who will simply take a photograph of the other parties’ driver’s license and vehicle registration, and that works great. Any which way, it’s crucial that you be able to identify all the parties who were involved in the collision. If possible, take a picture of the vehicles before they're moved, including license plate numbers. If that’s not possible (vehicles typically have to be moved off the road right away), make sure you still take pictures of the damage to all the vehicles involved and include the license plate numbers so each vehicle can be identified.
2. Seek Independent Witnesses
Independent witnesses can be key to a successful claim. Initially, when ICBC is dealing with a claim, they’ll often take what drivers say with a grain of salt. Therefore, seeking out independent witnesses that have no interest in the event is imperative. If you can obtain the name and contact information for independent witnesses, you can provide that information to ICBC and potentially your lawyer, if you engage them to further the investigation on your behalf.
3. See a Doctor, if Necessary
Obviously, if you have no symptoms, seeing a doctor is not necessary. However, if you’re experiencing any symptoms at all, you’d be wise to see a doctor as a precaution. Sometimes at a car crash scene, you’ve got the adrenaline pumping and may not necessarily feel any symptoms until later that same day or perhaps even the next day. If that’s the case, go and see a doctor. Firstly, a doctor can provide any necessary treatment, and secondly it documents your injuries in case you do have to advance an injury claim to ICBC.
4. Report the Accident to ICBC
If you’re involved in a car accident, you should report it to ICBC as soon as reasonably possible. If that can be done the same day, then that’s ideal. However, if it has to be done the next day because you’re dealing with other matters associated with the accident, report it then. You’re required by law to report the accident promptly to ICBC, so within the first day or two, you should be reporting it.
5. If Applicable, Seek Legal Support with Personal Injury
At what point do you reach out for legal support with personal injury after an accident? Due to our fault-based system, if you’re going to be pursuing a claim, it’s very important that you get legal advice at an early stage. Almost all personal injury lawyers in BC will offer a free consultation. CBM has six full-time personal injury lawyers that offer free consultations, and can get to work on your claim right away. Getting advice early on is critical as you need to know what evidence is required to advance your claim.
Car accidents can be devastating. If possible, taking a moment to collect yourself can help you long after the wreckage has cleared. Take down important information, seek out witnesses and see a doctor, if necessary; your health is the number one priority. Make sure you report the accident to ICBC, and if you’re going to pursue legal action for personal injury, act early when details are the freshest. You can’t stop an accident from happening, but you can arm yourself with the knowledge of what to do if one does occur.
Safe driving.
