What to do in case of a traffic accident?

A road trip can turn into a stressful situation in an instant when a traffic accident occurs. In such cases, a clear understanding of the procedure depends not only on your safety, but also on the ability to quickly complete the necessary paperwork and avoid additional problems with the police and insurance company. Below is a step-by-step guide for drivers who have been involved in an accident on the roads of Calgary.

Immediately after the collision: ensuring safety

As soon as you feel an impact or loss of control, immediately slow down and stop the car in a safe place — preferably off the roadway. If possible, turn on your hazard lights and place a warning triangle at least 30 meters behind the car. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is bleeding, has chest pain, signs of unconsciousness, or other emergency symptoms, call 911 immediately and report the accident with injuries.

Calling emergency services and reporting to the police

In Calgary, the law requires you to report any accident to the police if there are injuries, damage to public property exceeding CAD 2,000, or if the person responsible does not stop. Even if you are sure that the damage is minor, call the toll-free number 403-266-1234 (Calgary Police Service non-emergency line) and clearly describe the location, time, and nature of the collision. A police officer will arrive at the scene or advise you to report to the nearest police station.

When talking to the operator, be prepared to provide:

  • The exact address or intersection of the accident.
  • The number of people and vehicles involved.
  • Whether there are any injuries and the nature of the injuries.
  • Whether there is a fuel leak or traffic obstruction.

Information exchange: procedure

After assessing the safety of the vehicles and participants, keeping your distance from the moving parts, approach the driver of the other vehicle and exchange the following information:

  • The driver's name and contact details (phone number, email address).
  • The license plate numbers of the vehicles.
  • Names and numbers of insurance companies, as well as policy numbers.
  • Makes, models, and colors of the vehicles.
  • Place of registration (province or territory) of the vehicles.

Do not discuss details of fault or the amount of damage at the scene — these issues will be determined by the police and insurance company.

Photographing the accident scene and evidence

Modern smartphones make recording events quick and easy. Record the following step by step:

  • The general position of the vehicles on the road from several angles.
  • License plate numbers and visible damage to the vehicles.
  • Road signs, traffic lights, markings, and road conditions (wet road, potholes).
  • Skid marks, debris, or spilled liquids.
  • Witnesses nearby — ask for their contact information or allow them to record a short video statement. These photos and videos will help the insurance company and the police reconstruct the accident.

Medical assistance

Even if the injuries seem minor, it is better to see a doctor or go to the nearest emergency room. Sometimes symptoms appear later. If you call 911, paramedics will assess you on the spot and, if necessary, take you to the hospital. For non-emergency cases, it is worth contacting a paid emergency medical service (Urgent Care) or your family doctor.

Notifying the insurance company

First, contact your insurance company. Immediately after contacting the police and documenting the accident, call your insurance agent or the insurance company's hotline. Follow the instructions:

  1. Provide the police case number and send a series of photos.
  2. Send copies of documents and photos of the damage.
  3. Find out which repair shops are certified by your company.
  4. Ask about the deductible and the payment procedure.

If the car repair is certified by insurance appraisers, have the repair done only at an approved service center to avoid denial of compensation.

Completing reports and forms

In addition to the police report and insurance report, you may need additional forms:

  • Collision Report Form (provincial form for registering a traffic accident).
  • Victim Impact Statement (if there are injured parties).
  • Tow Vehicle Release Form, if the car was towed from the accident site.

These documents are completed at the relevant agencies and through your insurance company.

Legal advice and compensation

In complex cases where there are disputes about fault or the amount of damages, it is worth contacting a car lawyer or organizations that provide free legal advice:

  • Law Society of Alberta Referral Service for information about lawyers.
  • Pro Bono Law for free initial legal assistance.

Legal support will help protect your rights during litigation or insurance claims.

Tips for avoiding accidents and minimizing consequences

  • Keep a safe distance (at least two seconds from the vehicle in front of you).
  • Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or medications that slow your reaction time.
  • Check your tires and brakes regularly.
  • Keep a first aid kit, warning triangle, and high-visibility vest in your car.
  • Keep a travel log: record your route, time, and weather conditions.

Conclusion

Traveling through the city with its wide highways and expressways carries certain risks, but a clear understanding of the steps to take in the event of an accident will help you cope with stress as quickly as possible and restore your car to proper condition. Remember: safety is paramount, so take care of people first. Next, preserve evidence, interact with the police and insurance company, and, if necessary, seek legal assistance. It is this comprehensive strategy that ensures that even in a difficult situation, you will reach safety with minimal loss of time and money.