What to do after an Automobile Accident

Each year in Canada, there are around half a million motor vehicle accidents. Of those, approximately 250,000 people sustain injuries and 20,000 are critical. To put this into perspective, a serious injury occurs on Canadian roadways every two minutes, resulting in eight deaths each day.

The number one cause of death for people under age 30 involves motor vehicle collisions. SUV accidents account for more than double the rate of fatalities as a result of road accidents.

After hearing these staggering statistics, it is easy to see how Canadian automobile accident attorneys deal with some 100,000 claims each year.

Accidents happen

It is a fact that automobile accidents happen. Many people are involved in at least one serious crash in their lifetime.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, here are some things you should do:

• Ensure your safety and seek medical attention if necessary.
  
  
• Collect all the details and contact information of the other parties involved. This includes their names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, birthdates, driver's license numbers and license plate numbers. Also write down the other party’s and insurance details, including the name and policy number of their insurer, especially if the other driver is not insured with Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).
  
  
• Obtain all the details and contact information of witnesses, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers and/or email addresses. Ask each witness what they saw and obtain a statement, if possible, about the collision from their perspective.
  
  
• Never admit responsibility for the accident. A qualified British Columbia automobile accident lawyer will can help you determine whether in fact you are completely or partially at fault at a later time. If appropriate, then you can make an admission of liability.
  
  
• Do not instantly move your car from its resting position. The way it came to rest can help determine who was at fault for the accident. If you have a camera or a cell phone camera, take pictures of the scene.
  
  
• Document the names and badge numbers of any police officers or emergency personnel that are on the scene of the accident.
  
  
• If you are a driver involved in a motor vehicle crash in British Columbia, it is your responsibility to report this accident to your insurer (usually ICBC). If the damages exceed $1,000, then the provincial legislation that governs motor vehicles requires that you report this accident to the authorities, such as the police, if they were not called to the scene.
  
  
• However, keep in mind that before you provide any information to the ICBC or the police, you have the right to speak to your choice of attorney. Do not let anyone intimidate or bully you into making a statement and signing any paperwork before seeking legal advice.
  
  
• Never leave the scene of a crash without out identifying yourself to the other parties involved. The other party may include the driver of the other vehicle or vehicles involved in the crash, or the owner of property that was damaged in the collision. Leaving the scene of an accident without attempting to locate the owners, drivers or injured parties can result in a refusal of damages. Although it is not always possible to locate the other party involved, you must make as best attempt as you can.
  
  
• Contact a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you with the process of filing a claim for damages with the relevant insurance companies that may be involved. He or she can help you report the claim and help you fill out the appropriate documentation for your no-fault or medical benefits.