There are certain things you must do if you’re involved in a car accident.
Stop your car
You must stay at the scene of the accident, even for a small collision. You can then assess the damage and help anyone who may have been injured. If you leave, you could be fined or even charged with a crime.
Notify emergency services if anyone is hurt
You must help anyone whose life is in danger. You must provide physical assistance if you can, or notify emergency services.
You must also contact the police, even if the injuries appear minor. They will write up an accident report, which will be forwarded to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (Quebec automobile insurance board or SAAQ).
Specific rules apply if you hurt or kill an animal.
Exchanging information with the other driver
If there are no injuries, you don’t have to contact the police. However, you must exchange information with the other person involved in the accident. If you don’t, you could be fined.
You must exchange the following information:
- name and address of the drivers involved in the accident
- drivers’ licence numbers
- name and address of each car owner as shown on their vehicle registration certificate
- information on each driver’s certificate of insurance
You can complete a Joint Report, which is a form used to describe the accident and gather all the important information.
To get a free Joint Report form:
- Order one from the Info Insurance website.
- Download the Groupement des assureurs automobiles app (association of car insurers).
- Ask your private insurance company for a copy.
Filling out a Joint Report doesn’t mean you’re admitting responsibility for the accident. Only your insurance company can determine your level of responsibility. Even if the police are called to the scene they won’t determine who is responsible.
If you hit a parked car or an object
What should you do if you can’t reach the owner, or if the owner isn’t close to the scene of the accident? You must contact the nearest police station if you hit something, such as a parked car or a road sign. The police will take down all necessary information.