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Seven Tips: How to Proceed After a Car Accident

The sooner you can take these steps after a car accident, the better your chances of recovering safely and quickly. Here are seven tips to help make sure things go as planned.

1. Check on the Safety of All Passengers Involved (Including Yourself!)

Before anything else, always assess the safety of yourself and your passengers. If there has been an injury, it is important to determine if medical treatment is necessary. After that, check on any other motor vehicles involved and make sure no one was seriously injured.

2. Move Yourself and Others to Safety As Soon As Possible

Depending on the location of the accident, you may want to work with everyone involved to move to a safer place. Moving to a safe vehicular location can help reduce stress and refocus attention on the situation. Use your hazard lights in order navigate safely toward a more preferable area.

3. Call the Police (Under Severe Circumstances)

The police will be able to come and check on the situation and create a report. Depending on your location, this may take a bit of time; however, the police usually respond as quickly as possible. You can also let the other driver know you called the cops in case they're worried or confused about what's happening.

4. Take Pictures and Notes

Take pictures of the scene, including the vehicles and their locations (relative to each other), street names, close traffic signals, license plate numbers, and any documents related to the incident. Make sure to take pictures from multiple angles in order to capture details about damage and positioning of individual cars. This information can be helpful when filing a claim or if you're looking for clues during an investigation.

Documenting property damage to either your or the other driver's vehicle is important, particularly if there are any disputes within or about the accident report.

5. Exchange Insurance and Contact Information

Exchange information with the other drivers in order to ensure that everyone is on the same page and has what they need to proceed. This includes contact information, insurance company information (policy number), driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration, and any other details needed for filing a claim. You will need this info as you begin your claims process with your insurance professional.

6. Document Any Other Details You Think Might be Relevant

Documenting any other details about the scene can help you navigate the next steps. Write down the names of drivers involved (and persons affected), information about roadside assistance company used, and location of accident scene. Record police officer’s name and badge number, timing events, police report number as well as any other relevant information about accident.

7. Call Your Insurance Company ASAP

Finally, contact your insurance company to discuss the car accident and get advice about any car insurance claim you may need. Depending on who is at fault and the specific nature of the collision, your conversation with your insurer could go in many different directions. Be sure to mention that you were involved in a motor vehicle collision and whether there were any injuries. Ask them how they think you should proceed concerning details like rental cars or towing services.

8. Bonus Tip: Visit your nearest Collision Reporting Centre to file a Police Report. See: https://www.collision-reporting-centre.com/

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Winter Driving Tips to Keep You Safe on Ontario’s Roads this Winter

1. Preparation is key when heading out on the road in winter conditions. Work with your time constraints to account for possible slippery roads and stay safe on the way.

2. When driving in bad weather, make sure your vehicle is fully fueled and ready to go. Top up your windshield fluid, check for ice on the windows or wipers and remove any snow accumulation from around the car – even on top of the headlights and taillights.

3. Plan your route and let others know the expected travel time, especially when driving a long distance.

4. Drive carefully and follow the main roads. Major roadways are usually plowed and salted first, so they're generally in better condition than rural or side roads. Always drive according to road conditions - sudden acceleration or deceleration can cause wheels to slip on snowy and icy surfaces. Remember that all vehicles react differently on slippery roads; be conservative when driving

5. Drivers should leave plenty of room to react in the event of sudden changes in traffic or braking by other cars. This way, everyone will be able to safely get around any obstacles and accidents can be avoided.

6. Limit the use of cruise control when driving in snowy, wet or icy conditions. If your vehicle slides or hydroplanes on an icy or wet surface, it may try to accelerate on cruise control which could cause a driver to lose control.

7. To ensure optimal traction on winter roads, install four sets of winter tires. Tests have shown that these tires provide better grip even when the roads are cold and icy. The rubber compound in winter tires remains soft, so they offer a good level of grip during any weather condition.

8. Make sure you packing a winter car survival kit. The kit should include items such as a blanket, non-perishable food, a shovel, jumper cables, flares and flashlight. Drivers should also make sure they are properly dressed for the weather conditions and have heavy coat, gloves hat and proper shoes for walking.

9. Don't panic if you get stuck. A driver should avoid becoming overexerted and try to leave the scene as quickly as possible by remaining in their vehicle, leaving the window open slightly for fresh air intake, and watching for other vehicles. Leaving the engine running slowly can help a car stay warm during these conditions; however, drivers must make sure there are no obstructions around any exhaust pipes ornaments on the vehicle such as snow drifts or trees that could block them from escaping. Driving carefully is also advised so that even when moving a stuck car may not be an option it doesn't cause unnecessary damage to either yourself or those around you.

10. When traveling, always make sure to pack a fully charged phone in case you need to call for help. Avoid using your mobile device while behind the wheel; doing so is illegal and can endanger your safety.

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Injured in a motor vehicle accident?

Injured in a motor vehicle accident?

Here are some of the most common types of trauma:-Physical trauma, such as broken bones or head injuries. -Emotional trauma, such as shock or PTSD. -Legal complications from the crash, like car insurance hikes (especially if you're deemed at fault).

How would you describe a motor vehicle accident?

A motor vehicle accident can be referred to as a car accident or traffic collision. While some accidents are due to collisions with other vehicles, not all incidents result in physical damage to the vehicle and injuries for those involved. Motor vehicle accidents often lead to varying levels of severity - from minor dents and scratches on the exterior of the car, all the way up to more serious automobile damages such as broken windows or totaled vehicles.

What causes motor vehicle accidents?

There are many causes of motor vehicle accidents. These can be broken down into two main categories: human behavior and external conditions that may be out of our control. External conditions, such as weather and road conditions, can play a role in these types of accidents. Human behavior-related accidents often occur when we are able to prevent or avoid them by being aware of the risks involved and acting accordingly.

What is the impacts?

The physical, psychological, and economic impacts of motor vehicle accidents can be quite costly. Although most injuries from motor vehicle accidents are not life-threatening, they can still cause significant pain that may require time off work and affect one\'s ability to perform basic everyday activities. The financial cost of a motor vehicle accident can leave individuals and families struggling financially after paying for damaged vehicles as well as medical bills stemming from the crash.

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How Does Our Legal and Medical Referral Process work?

To get started, simply provide us with your name, phone number, and email. After that, our team will contact you to discuss your case details.

Following that discussion, our consultants will review your case details and provide you a recommended list of the the most qualified lawyers who can help you. We can facilitate a no-obligation / fee consultation.

It’s equally as important to us that we help you find the best possible accredited Medical/Rehabilitation Health Professionals to help you on your journey to recovery.

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