```json
{
    "title": "What To Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident",
    "url": "https://csncollision.com/auto-repair-blog/what-to-do-in-the-first-24-hours-after-a-car-accident/",
    "datePublished": "2026-08-28",
    "dateModified": "2026-09-08",
    "language": "en-CA",
    "description": "Step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in Canada/USA, with checklists, reporting thresholds, & tips to protect your insurance claim.",
    "author": "Rubaiyat Raihan",
    "publisher": "CSN Collision"
}
```

# What To Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident

[fusion_builder_container admin_label="" type="flex" hundred_percent="no" hundred_percent_height="no" min_height_medium="" min_height_small="" min_height="" hundred_percent_height_scroll="no" align_content="stretch" flex_align_items="flex-start" flex_justify_content="flex-start" flex_wrap_medium="" flex_wrap_small="" flex_wrap="wrap" flex_column_spacing="" hundred_percent_height_center_content="yes" equal_height_columns="no" container_tag="div" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" status="published" publish_date="" class="" id="" html_attributes="W10=" margin_top_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" padding_top_medium="" padding_right_medium="" padding_bottom_medium="" padding_left_medium="" padding_top_small="" padding_right_small="" padding_bottom_small="" padding_left_small="" padding_top="0px" padding_right="0px" padding_bottom="0px" padding_left="0px" link_hover_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" link_color="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_right="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_radius_top_left="" border_radius_top_right="" border_radius_bottom_right="" border_radius_bottom_left="" box_shadow="no" box_shadow_vertical="" box_shadow_horizontal="" box_shadow_blur="0" box_shadow_spread="0" box_shadow_color="" box_shadow_style="" z_index="" overflow="" background_color_medium="" background_color_small="" background_color="" gradient_start_color="" gradient_end_color="" gradient_start_position="0" gradient_end_position="100" gradient_type="linear" radial_direction="center center" linear_angle="180" background_image_medium="" background_image_small="" background_image="" skip_lazy_load="" background_position_medium="" background_position_small="" background_position="center center" background_repeat_medium="" background_repeat_small="" background_repeat="no-repeat" background_size_medium="" background_size_small="" background_size="" background_custom_size="" background_custom_size_medium="" background_custom_size_small="" fade="no" background_parallax="none" enable_mobile="no" parallax_speed="0.3" background_blend_mode_medium="" background_blend_mode_small="" background_blend_mode="none" background_slider_images="" background_slider_position="" background_slider_skip_lazy_loading="no" background_slider_random_order="no" background_slider_loop="yes" background_slider_pause_on_hover="no" background_slider_slideshow_speed="5000" background_slider_animation="fade" background_slider_direction="up" background_slider_animation_speed="800" background_slider_blend_mode="" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" video_preview_image="" pattern_bg="none" pattern_custom_bg="" pattern_bg_color="" pattern_bg_style="default" pattern_bg_opacity="100" pattern_bg_size="" pattern_bg_blend_mode="normal" mask_bg="none" mask_custom_bg="" mask_bg_color="" mask_bg_accent_color="" mask_bg_style="default" mask_bg_opacity="100" mask_bg_transform="left" mask_bg_blend_mode="normal" render_logics="" logics="" absolute="off" absolute_devices="small,medium,large" position_top_medium="" position_right_medium="" position_bottom_medium="" position_left_medium="" position_top_small="" position_right_small="" position_bottom_small="" position_left_small="" position_top="" position_right="" position_bottom="" position_left="" sticky="off" sticky_devices="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_background_color="" sticky_height="" sticky_offset="" sticky_transition_offset="0" scroll_offset="0" collapse="" collapsed_height_medium="" collapsed_height_small="" collapsed_height="" collapse_fade="none" collapse_fade_color="#ffffff" collapse_fade_height_medium="" collapse_fade_height_small="" collapse_fade_height="" collapse_trigger="button" collapse_more_text="Read More" collapse_less_button="yes" collapse_less_text="Read Less" collapse_button_position="below" collapse_button_align="center" collapse_button_offset="" collapse_speed="400" content_visibility="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset="" filter_hue="0" filter_saturation="100" filter_brightness="100" filter_contrast="100" filter_invert="0" filter_sepia="0" filter_opacity="100" filter_blur="0" filter_hue_hover="0" filter_saturation_hover="100" filter_brightness_hover="100" filter_contrast_hover="100" filter_invert_hover="0" filter_sepia_hover="0" filter_opacity_hover="100" filter_blur_hover="0" filter_backdrop_hue="0" filter_backdrop_saturation="100" filter_backdrop_brightness="100" filter_backdrop_contrast="100" filter_backdrop_invert="0" filter_backdrop_sepia="0" filter_backdrop_opacity="100" filter_backdrop_blur="0" filter_backdrop_hue_hover="0" filter_backdrop_saturation_hover="100" filter_backdrop_brightness_hover="100" filter_backdrop_contrast_hover="100" filter_backdrop_invert_hover="0" filter_backdrop_sepia_hover="0" filter_backdrop_opacity_hover="100" filter_backdrop_blur_hover="0"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" align_self="auto" content_layout="column" align_content="flex-start" valign_content="flex-start" dimension_gap_medium="" dimension_gap_small="" dimension_gap="" content_wrap="wrap" spacing="" center_content="no" column_tag="div" link="" target="_self" link_description="" min_height="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" html_attributes="" type_medium="" type_small="" max_height_medium="" max_height_small="" max_height="" flex_grow_medium="" flex_grow_small="" flex_grow="" flex_shrink_medium="" flex_shrink_small="" flex_shrink="" order_medium="0" order_small="0" dimension_spacing_medium="" dimension_spacing_small="" dimension_spacing="" dimension_margin_medium="" dimension_margin_small="" margin_top="" margin_bottom="" padding_medium="" padding_small="" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" hover_type="none" border_sizes="" border_color_hover="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_radius="" box_shadow="no" dimension_box_shadow="" box_shadow_blur="0" box_shadow_spread="0" box_shadow_color="" box_shadow_style="" z_index_hover="" z_index="" overflow="" background_type="single" background_color_medium="" background_color_small="" background_color_medium_hover="" background_color_small_hover="" background_color_hover="" background_color="" gradient_start_color="" gradient_end_color="" gradient_start_position="0" gradient_end_position="100" gradient_type="linear" radial_direction="center center" linear_angle="180" background_image_medium="" background_image_small="" background_image="" background_image_id_medium="" background_image_id_small="" background_image_id="" lazy_load="none" skip_lazy_load="" background_position_medium="" background_position_small="" background_position="left top" background_repeat_medium="" background_repeat_small="" background_repeat="no-repeat" background_size_medium="" background_size_small="" background_size="" background_custom_size="" background_custom_size_medium="" background_custom_size_small="" background_blend_mode_medium="" background_blend_mode_small="" background_blend_mode="none" background_slider_images="" background_slider_position="" background_slider_skip_lazy_loading="no" background_slider_random_order="no" background_slider_loop="yes" background_slider_pause_on_hover="no" background_slider_slideshow_speed="5000" background_slider_animation="fade" background_slider_direction="up" background_slider_animation_speed="800" background_slider_blend_mode="" render_logics="" logics="" sticky="off" sticky_devices="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_offset="" absolute="off" absolute_props="" collapse="" collapsed_height_medium="" collapsed_height_small="" collapsed_height="" collapse_fade="none" collapse_fade_color="#ffffff" collapse_fade_height_medium="" collapse_fade_height_small="" collapse_fade_height="" collapse_trigger="button" collapse_more_text="Read More" collapse_less_button="yes" collapse_less_text="Read Less" collapse_button_position="below" collapse_button_align="center" collapse_button_offset="" collapse_speed="400" filter_type="regular" filter_hover_element="self" filter_hue="0" filter_saturation="100" filter_brightness="100" filter_contrast="100" filter_invert="0" filter_sepia="0" filter_opacity="100" filter_blur="0" filter_hue_hover="0" filter_saturation_hover="100" filter_brightness_hover="100" filter_contrast_hover="100" filter_invert_hover="0" filter_sepia_hover="0" filter_opacity_hover="100" filter_blur_hover="0" filter_backdrop_type="regular" filter_backdrop_hover_element="self" filter_backdrop_hue="0" filter_backdrop_saturation="100" filter_backdrop_brightness="100" filter_backdrop_contrast="100" filter_backdrop_invert="0" filter_backdrop_sepia="0" filter_backdrop_opacity="100" filter_backdrop_blur="0" filter_backdrop_hue_hover="0" filter_backdrop_saturation_hover="100" filter_backdrop_brightness_hover="100" filter_backdrop_contrast_hover="100" filter_backdrop_invert_hover="0" filter_backdrop_sepia_hover="0" filter_backdrop_opacity_hover="100" filter_backdrop_blur_hover="0" transform_type="regular" transform_hover_element="self" transform_scale_x="1" transform_scale_y="1" transform_translate_x="0" transform_translate_y="0" transform_rotate="0" transform_skew_x="0" transform_skew_y="0" transform_scale_x_hover="1" transform_scale_y_hover="1" transform_translate_x_hover="0" transform_translate_y_hover="0" transform_rotate_hover="0" transform_skew_x_hover="0" transform_skew_y_hover="0" transform_origin="" transition_duration="300" transition_easing="ease" transition_custom_easing="" motion_effects="" scroll_motion_devices="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset="" last="true" border_position="all" first="true"][fusion_code admin_label="" render_logics=""]<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@graph": [
    {
      "@type": "Article",
      "@id": "https://csncollision.com/auto-repair-blog/what-to-do-in-the-first-24-hours-after-a-car-accident#article",
      "headline": "What To Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident",
      "description": "A step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after a car accident in Canada/USA, including checklists for the scene, reporting thresholds, and how to protect your insurance claim.",
      "image": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://csncollision.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Accident-Assistance.jpg"
      },
      "datePublished": "2026-08-28",
      "dateModified": "2026-08-28",
      "author": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "CSN Collision"
      },
      "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "CSN Collision",
        "logo": {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://csncollision.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/CSN-Collision-Logo.jpg"
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowTo",
      "@id": "https://csncollision.com/auto-repair-blog/what-to-do-in-the-first-24-hours-after-a-car-accident#howto",
      "name": "What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident",
      "description": "A comprehensive step-by-step guide covering immediate actions, legal requirements, documentation, and insurance steps to take after a collision.",
      "step": [
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 1,
          "name": "Check for injuries and call emergency services",
          "text": "Check yourself and everyone else involved for injuries. If there are any injuries, if a vehicle is blocking traffic, or if you suspect impaired driving, call 911 immediately. Remain calm but act swiftly."
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 2,
          "name": "Move vehicles to safety and turn on hazard lights",
          "text": "If necessary and possible, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you. Stay at the scene until it's safe and appropriate to leave."
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 3,
          "name": "Determine if you need to call the police",
          "text": "Notify the police if the damage exceeds your province's or state's reporting threshold, or if there's an injury, death, or suspected criminal act. In most Canadian provinces, thresholds range from $5,000 to $10,000. When in doubt, call."
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 4,
          "name": "Exchange information with other drivers",
          "text": "Collect full names, contact information, driver's licence numbers, insurance company names and policy numbers, licence plate numbers, and vehicle descriptions from everyone involved. Also collect contact information from any witnesses."
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 5,
          "name": "Document the accident scene",
          "text": "If it's safe, use your phone to photograph the position of all vehicles, close-up damage shots, licence plates, skid marks, nearby road signs, and weather/lighting conditions. Make a voice recording or jot down notes about the sequence of events while they're fresh in your mind."
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 6,
          "name": "Notify your insurance company",
          "text": "Ideally, notify your insurer within 24 hours, but no later than seven days. Report the date, time, location, other driver's information, and a description of what happened. Have your photos and any police report number ready."
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 7,
          "name": "Arrange towing and choose a repair shop",
          "text": "If your vehicle isn't drivable, arrange a tow. Tell the operator your preferred destination, such as a specific collision repair shop. In most provinces, you have the legal right to choose your own repair shop, even if your insurer suggests a preferred provider."
        },
        {
          "@type": "HowToStep",
          "position": 8,
          "name": "Avoid common post-accident mistakes",
          "text": "Don't admit fault at the scene, post details on social media, delay a medical assessment, accept a fast-cash settlement, leave before exchanging information, skip notifying your insurer, or sign documents from the other party's insurance company without reviewing them first."
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "@type": "FAQPage",
      "@id": "https://csncollision.com/auto-repair-blog/what-to-do-in-the-first-24-hours-after-a-car-accident#faqpage",
      "mainEntity": [
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What is the very first thing you should do immediately after a collision in Canada/USA?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "First, check for injuries. Check yourself, then check on anyone else involved. Try to remain calm, but act swiftly. Check on everyone's health and safety, move vehicles out of traffic if possible, turn on hazard lights, call 911 if needed, exchange information, and stay at the scene until it's safe to leave."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "When are you legally required to call the police after a car accident in Canada?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "In Canada, you must call police when the damage exceeds your province's reporting threshold, or if there's an injury, death, or suspected criminal act. Alberta and Ontario have a $5,000 threshold, British Columbia has a $10,000 threshold, and Quebec has no dollar threshold (report immediately for injury, death, or crime)."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "When are you legally required to call the police after a car accident in the USA?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "In the USA, laws vary by state. California requires reporting to law enforcement within 24 hours for injury or death, and filing a DMV report within 10 days for damage over $1,000. Texas requires reporting for injury, death, or damage over $5,000 (as of 2023). Minnesota requires reporting for injury, death, or damage over $1,000."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What information should you collect at the scene of an accident?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Collect full names and contact information, driver's licence numbers, insurance company names and policy numbers, licence plate numbers and vehicle descriptions from all drivers involved. Also collect contact information from any witnesses."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "How should you document the accident scene to protect your insurance claim?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Photograph the position of all vehicles, close-up shots of the damage, licence plates, skid marks, nearby road signs, traffic signals, and weather/lighting conditions. Also jot down or record the sequence of events while they're fresh in your mind."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "When and how should you notify your insurance company after a collision?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Notify your insurer ideally within 24 hours, but no later than seven days. Report the date, time, location, other driver's information, a description of what happened, and have your photos and police report number ready. This is required even for minor damage."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "How do you arrange a tow and choose a repair shop after a collision?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "If your vehicle isn't drivable, arrange a tow through a 24/7 towing service. Tell the operator your preferred destination, such as a specific collision repair shop. In most provinces, you have the legal right to choose your own repair shop, even if your insurer suggests a preferred provider."
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "Question",
          "name": "What should you not do in the 24 hours following a car accident?",
          "acceptedAnswer": {
            "@type": "Answer",
            "text": "Don't admit fault at the scene, post details or photos on social media, delay a medical assessment, accept a fast-cash settlement, leave before exchanging information, skip notifying your insurer, or sign documents from the other party's insurance company without reviewing them first."
          }
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
</script>[/fusion_code][fusion_text admin_label="" awb-switch-editor-focus="" columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" user_select="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" disable_idd="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" html_attributes="W10=" width_medium="" width_small="" width="" min_width_medium="" min_width_small="" min_width="" max_width_medium="" max_width_small="" max_width="" margin_top_medium="" margin_right_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_left_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_right_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_left_small="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" render_logics="" logics="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""]

If you’ve ever been in a car accident in Canada/USA, you know it can be an overwhelming experience. First, there are the hectic moments immediately after the collision. Making sure you’re OK, and then seeing to any passengers, the other driver, or anyone else involved in the crash. Then there’s a potentially overwhelming checklist of things to do to make sure you file an insurance claim correctly and get your vehicle repaired properly. Whether you need accident assistance after a major crash or just need help navigating the insurance process to restore some minor damage, this article can help.

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe admin_label="" image_id="12922|full" aspect_ratio="" custom_aspect_ratio="100" aspect_ratio_position="" fetch_priority="" skip_lazy_load="" lightbox="no" gallery_id="" lightbox_image="" lightbox_image_id="" alt="24/7 Accident Assistance" link="" linktarget="_self" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" html_attributes="W10=" max_width="" sticky_max_width="" align_medium="none" align_small="none" align="none" mask="" custom_mask="" mask_size="" mask_custom_size="" mask_position="" mask_custom_position="" mask_repeat="" style_type="" blur="" stylecolor="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" hover_type="none" magnify_full_img="" magnify_duration="120" scroll_height="100" scroll_speed="1" margin_top_medium="" margin_right_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_left_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_right_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_left_small="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="40px" margin_left="" bordersize="" bordercolor="" borderradius="" z_index="" caption_style="off" caption_align_medium="none" caption_align_small="none" caption_align="none" caption_title="" caption_text="" caption_title_tag="2" fusion_font_family_caption_title_font="" fusion_font_variant_caption_title_font="" caption_title_size="" caption_title_line_height="" caption_title_letter_spacing="" caption_title_transform="" caption_title_color="" caption_background_color="" fusion_font_family_caption_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_caption_text_font="" caption_text_size="" caption_text_line_height="" caption_text_letter_spacing="" caption_text_transform="" caption_text_color="" caption_border_color="" caption_overlay_color="" caption_margin_top="" caption_margin_right="" caption_margin_bottom="" caption_margin_left="" render_logics="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset="" filter_hue="0" filter_saturation="100" filter_brightness="100" filter_contrast="100" filter_invert="0" filter_sepia="0" filter_opacity="100" filter_blur="0" filter_hue_hover="0" filter_saturation_hover="100" filter_brightness_hover="100" filter_contrast_hover="100" filter_invert_hover="0" filter_sepia_hover="0" filter_opacity_hover="100" filter_blur_hover="0"]https://csncollision.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Accident-Assistance.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text admin_label="" awb-switch-editor-focus="" columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" user_select="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" disable_idd="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" html_attributes="W10=" width_medium="" width_small="" width="" min_width_medium="" min_width_small="" min_width="" max_width_medium="" max_width_small="" max_width="" margin_top_medium="" margin_right_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_left_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_right_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_left_small="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" render_logics="" logics="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""]

## What is the very first thing you should do immediately after a collision in Canada/USA?

First, check for injuries. Check yourself, then check on anyone else involved in the collision. Try to remain calm, but act swiftly. Here’s a checklist for what to do after a car accident:

1. Check on everyone’s health and safety.
2. If necessary and possible, move your vehicle out of traffic.
3. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you.
4. Call 911 immediately if there are any injuries, if an immobile vehicle is blocking traffic, or if you suspect impaired driving.
5. Exchange contact and insurance information with any other drivers involved.

Stay at the scene until it's safe and appropriate to leave.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text admin_label="" awb-switch-editor-focus="" columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" user_select="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" disable_idd="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" html_attributes="W10=" width_medium="" width_small="" width="" min_width_medium="" min_width_small="" min_width="" max_width_medium="" max_width_small="" max_width="" margin_top_medium="" margin_right_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_left_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_right_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_left_small="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" render_logics="" logics="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""]

## When are you legally required to call the police after a car accident in Canada/USA?

Notifying the police is legally mandatory when the damage exceeds your province's reporting threshold, or when there's an injury, death, or a suspected criminal act, such as impaired driving. These thresholds vary by province and have changed recently in several regions, so it's worth knowing the number that applies where you live.

Reporting thresholds in the four most populous provinces:

- **Alberta**: Report if combined damage exceeds $5,000, or if there's an injury or suspected criminal offence.
- **British Columbia**: Report if damage exceeds $10,000, there's an injury, a criminal offence, or the vehicle needs towing.
- **Ontario**: Report if combined damage exceeds $5,000, or if there's an injury, death, or suspected impairment.
- **Quebec**: No dollar threshold; report immediately for any injury, death, criminal offence, or hit-and-run.

Source:

[How to Report an Accident in Canada: 2026 Province Guide](https://onthemovecanada.com/living/driving/reporting-a-car-accident/)

### Reporting thresholds in three key US states:

- **California:** Report to law enforcement within 24 hours if there is an injury or death. Separately, you must file a report (Form SR-1) with the DMV within 10 days for any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
- **Texas:** Report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage where a vehicle cannot be safely driven. The damage threshold for a mandatory police report increased from $1,000 to $5,000 on September 1, 2023.
- **Minnesota:** Report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The report must be filed within 10 days.

Source:

[A Comprehensive Guide on Car Accident Reporting by State](https://www.pstriallaw.com/legal-news/car-accident-reporting-by-state)

### Important Notes:

Ontario and Alberta both raised their thresholds to $5,000 in 2024 and 2025, and Texas raised its reporting requirement to $5,000 in 2023, so if you remember an older, lower figure, it's out of date. When in doubt, call. Reporting a minor accident costs you little, but failing to report one that's needed can lead to fines or complications with your claim.

Keep in mind that these figures are minimums. Police can choose to attend and file a report for any collision, and you can request one for a sub-threshold incident too. This can be helpful if you're unsure about another driver's account of what happened.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text admin_label="" awb-switch-editor-focus="" columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" user_select="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" disable_idd="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" html_attributes="W10=" width_medium="" width_small="" width="" min_width_medium="" min_width_small="" min_width="" max_width_medium="" max_width_small="" max_width="" margin_top_medium="" margin_right_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_left_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_right_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_left_small="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" render_logics="" logics="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""]

## What information should you collect at the scene of an accident in Canada/USA?

Collect the following information from everyone involved before you leave the scene:

1. Full name and contact information for the other driver(s).
2. Driver's licence number.
3. Insurance company name and policy number.
4. Licence plate number and vehicle description.
5. Contact information for any witnesses. (Optional-wise for incidents where you suspect criminal activity or negligence.)

Having this information on hand makes your insurance claim faster and more straightforward, and it protects you if there's ever a dispute about what happened.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text admin_label="" awb-switch-editor-focus="" columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" user_select="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" disable_idd="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" html_attributes="W10=" width_medium="" width_small="" width="" min_width_medium="" min_width_small="" min_width="" max_width_medium="" max_width_small="" max_width="" margin_top_medium="" margin_right_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_left_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_right_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_left_small="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" render_logics="" logics="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""]

## How should you document the accident scene to protect your insurance claim?

If it’s safe to do so, document the scene with your phone’s camera before anyone moves any vehicles. Photograph the position of all vehicles involved, close-up shots of the damage, the licence plates, and any skid marks on the road. Capture nearby road signs, traffic signals, and take photos that convey the general weather and lighting conditions.

This documentation matters because memory is faulty and people don’t always agree. A time-stamped photograph is strong evidence, though. Clear photos give the insurance company and a collision repair shop the full picture of what happened. If you're able to, jot down or make a voice recording recounting the sequence of events while they’re still fresh in your mind. Small details are easy to forget after the adrenaline wears off.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text admin_label="" awb-switch-editor-focus="" columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" user_select="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" disable_idd="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" html_attributes="W10=" width_medium="" width_small="" width="" min_width_medium="" min_width_small="" min_width="" max_width_medium="" max_width_small="" max_width="" margin_top_medium="" margin_right_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_left_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_right_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_left_small="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" render_logics="" logics="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""]

## When and how should you notify your insurance company after a collision in Canada/USA?

Ideally, you should notify your insurer within 24 hours. This isn’t always possible, but don’t wait any longer than seven days. This is best practice even if the damage is minor or you don't plan to file a claim. Insurance policies typically require policyholders to report all collisions, regardless of who was at fault or the extent of the damage.

Your insurance company will want to know the date, time, and location of the accident. They may also ask for the other driver's information, a description of what happened, and any photos or police report number you have. Having your documentation ready before you call makes this a much smoother process.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text admin_label="" awb-switch-editor-focus="" columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" user_select="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" disable_idd="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" html_attributes="W10=" width_medium="" width_small="" width="" min_width_medium="" min_width_small="" min_width="" max_width_medium="" max_width_small="" max_width="" margin_top_medium="" margin_right_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_left_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_right_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_left_small="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" render_logics="" logics="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""]

## How do you arrange a tow and choose a repair shop after a collision?

If your vehicle isn't drivable, arrange for a tow through a 24/7 towing service; your insurance company may have a recommended towing service. And it’s important to note that, in most provinces, you have the legal right to choose your own repair shop, even if your insurer suggests a preferred provider.

When you call for a tow, tell the operator your preferred destination, whether that's a specific

[collision repair](http://../../service/collision-repair/)

shop or your home. Confirming your destination upfront avoids extra storage fees and delays in getting your vehicle to the shop you actually want. It also means your vehicle goes straight to a collision repair shop that can start the intake inspection and estimate immediately, rather than waiting at an impound lot.

[/fusion_text][fusion_text admin_label="" awb-switch-editor-focus="" columns="" column_min_width="" column_spacing="" rule_style="" rule_size="" rule_color="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" user_select="" content_alignment_medium="" content_alignment_small="" content_alignment="" disable_idd="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" html_attributes="W10=" width_medium="" width_small="" width="" min_width_medium="" min_width_small="" min_width="" max_width_medium="" max_width_small="" max_width="" margin_top_medium="" margin_right_medium="" margin_bottom_medium="" margin_left_medium="" margin_top_small="" margin_right_small="" margin_bottom_small="" margin_left_small="" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" fusion_font_family_text_font="" fusion_font_variant_text_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" text_color="" render_logics="" logics="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""]

## What should you not do in the 24 hours following a car accident in Canada/USA?

Here are some common mistakes to avoid after a collision:

1. Don't admit fault at the scene, even casually. Fault is determined later, based on evidence. Even if you personally recognize that you’re at least partially at fault, it’s wisest to keep this to yourself in the moments after a crash. You can always take responsibility later when it’s appropriate.
2. Don't post details or photos of the accident on social media.
3. Don't delay a medical assessment; some injuries take a while to show symptoms and worsen over time.
4. Don't accept a fast-cash settlement offered at the scene.
5. Don't leave the scene before exchanging information, unless there are safety reasons that require this.
6. Don't skip notifying your insurer, even for minor, out-of-pocket damage.
7. Don't sign documents from the other party's insurance company without reviewing them first.

Stay calm, factual, and professional in the moments after a collision. This helps protect both your claim and your legal position.

### Quick Reference Checklist

- Check for injuries and call emergency services if there are injuries.
- Photograph the scene, damage, and conditions if it’s safe to do so.
- Move your vehicle to safety and turn on your hazard lights.
- Collect names, licence numbers, insurance details, and witness contacts.
- Arrange towing and choose your own repair shop.
- Avoid admitting fault, social media posts, and fast settlements.
- Notify your insurer within 24 hours.
- Notify the authorities if the damage equals or exceeds your province's threshold.

CSN Collision offers

[24/7 accident assistance](http://../../service/accident-assistance/)

and towing across Canada. If you need immediate help, call

1-877-700-4276

for 24/7 towing assistance anywhere in Canada, or

[find a CSN Collision location near you](https://csncollision.com/find-a-location/)

.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]