What to Do After a Minor Car Accident – Ontario

Vehicle collisions and car accidents, both major and minor, are an unavoidable reality of driving. 

In the Ottawa area, for example, the Ottawa Police Service recorded 19,777 collisions in 2024. Most collisions occurred during December and January, but this kind of a statistic is a reminder that accidents and collisions happen on a regular basis; anyone who operates a motor vehicle needs to be vigilant about both controlling their vehicle and watching out for others. 

Many people expect a small crash to resolve quickly. Difficulties sometimes emerge later: lingering pain, disagreements about accident benefits, or confusion over how an insurance provider is handling the file. 

If you aren’t sure what to do after a minor car accident in Ontario, this guidance can help you understand what needs to be done to stay in line with the province’s legal and insurance systems.

Immediate Steps After a Minor Collision

Check for injuries and make safety your first priority

Check for injuries and assess the situation carefully

The first priority is always safety. Look for any sign of injury to yourself and your passengers, as well as the occupants of the other vehicle involved. If there is any uncertainty, call 911. In Ontario, the presence of an injury triggers the requirement for a police report, and early medical records often play a meaningful role in later claims.

Move the vehicles out of active traffic

If your vehicle can be driven safely, move it out of the way of other vehicles, as much as reasonably possible. 

Once you are clear of live traffic, you can speak with the other driver involved. 

Reporting obligations in Ontario

Ontario law is clear about when police must be involved: any injury, property damage that appears to exceed $2,000, or any circumstances that suggest impaired or unlawful driving.

For collisions that fall outside those categories, drivers should visit a collision reporting centre within 24 hours. Staff document the vehicles, gather insurance information, and issue a police report number.

Exchange information with the other driver

When the scene is safe, obtain the important accident details: names, contact details, driver’s licence numbers, licence plates, and car insurance details. Photographs of documents and the vehicles at the accident scene can help create a reliable record. Don’t try to determine fault on your own. Ontario insurers apply fault-determination rules that do not rely on roadside conversations. Contact police if the other driver refuses to cooperate.

Notify your insurance company

Ontario auto policies require prompt notice of a collision. Reporting early preserves access to accident benefits, including medical and rehabilitation coverage. Some drivers hesitate because of auto insurance premium concerns, but failing to report can lead to more serious issues. Your adjuster may ask for the police report number, photographs, any medical information, and receipts for related medical expenses. 

Monitor your health

Not all injuries present immediately. Headaches, sleep issues, or difficulty concentrating can surface in the hours or days after the minor accident could be signs of a mild traumatic brain injury, for example. A healthcare professional should assess symptoms that persist or worsen. Keeping simple notes about symptoms, missed work, and related costs can support an insurance or injury claim if the condition evolves. 

Protect Your Rights After a Minor Collision With McNally Gervan

Even a low-impact auto accident can lead to complex questions about accident benefits, fault, and even potential compensation. 

At McNally Gervan LLP, our team of Ottawa car accident lawyers and Ottawa personal injury lawyers focuses on personal injury and insurance matters, including disputes involving accident benefits and tort claim processes. We understand the legislation and regulations that govern motor vehicle claims in Ontario and advocate for clients seeking fair outcomes.

If you’ve been involved in a minor collision and want to understand your legal options, contact McNally Gervan LLP for a consultation.