Car accidents are stressful, disorienting, and often happen at the worst possible time. Knowing exactly what to do — step by step — will protect you legally, ensure your insurance claim goes smoothly, and get you home safely. Here's the complete guide for Ottawa drivers.
1 Check for Injuries & Ensure Safety First
Before anything else, check yourself and all passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Do not move injured persons unless there's an immediate danger (fire, oncoming traffic).
If vehicles are driveable and it's safe to do so, move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot to clear the road. Turn on your hazard lights.
2 Call 911 If Required
In Ontario, you must call 911 if:
- Anyone is injured
- Total damage appears to exceed $2,000
- Either driver appears to be impaired
- There is a hit-and-run involved
If the accident is minor (no injuries, damage under $2,000), you can proceed without police but you'll need to file a collision report at a Collision Reporting Centre.
3 Exchange Information
Collect the following from every other driver involved:
Also get contact information from any witnesses. Take their name and phone number — they could be important later.
4 Document the Scene
Your smartphone is your best tool here. Take photos of:
- All vehicle damage from multiple angles
- The overall accident scene including road conditions
- Licence plates of all vehicles involved
- Traffic signs, signals, or road markings nearby
- Any skid marks or debris patterns
- Injuries (if applicable and appropriate)
Document the date, time, weather, and road conditions in a note as well. Memory fades — write it down.
5 Call Your Tow Truck (If Needed)
If your vehicle can't be driven, you need a tow truck. Important: in Ontario, you have the right to choose your own tow truck operator. Never feel pressured to use an unsolicited tow truck that shows up at the scene.
Call OnPoint Towing directly. We'll come to your scene, safely load your vehicle onto our flatbed, and transport it to the repair shop of your choice — not one we're paid to recommend.
⚠️ Watch for Predatory Towing
In Ontario, tow truck operators cannot charge more than the regulated rate. Predatory towing — where tow trucks rush to accident scenes uninvited and charge excessive fees — is illegal but it happens. Always call your preferred towing company directly.
6 Report to Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident — ideally within 24 hours. Most policies require prompt reporting. Have your photos, the other driver's information, and any police report number ready.
Do not admit fault at the scene. Let the insurance companies determine fault based on the evidence.
7 File at Ottawa Collision Reporting Centre (If Required)
If police did not attend the scene but damage exceeds $2,000, Ontario law requires you to report the accident at a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.
Ottawa has Collision Reporting Centres that handle these reports. Your insurance company can guide you to the nearest location.
Quick Checklist: After an Accident in Ottawa
✓ Check for injuries — call 911 if anyone is hurt
✓ Move vehicles to safety if possible, turn on hazards
✓ Call 911 if damage exceeds $2,000 or someone is impaired
✓ Exchange info with all other drivers
✓ Document the scene with photos
✓ Call your tow truck of choice (not unsolicited ones)
✓ Contact your insurance company within 24 hours
✓ Report at a Collision Reporting Centre if needed
OnPoint Towing is available 24/7 for accident towing in Ottawa. Call (613) 485-3333 for immediate dispatch.