What to Do After a Car Accident on a Highway in Canada
What should you do immediately after a highway collision in Canada?
In Ontario, every driver in a collision must stay at the scene. Call 911 if anyone is injured (British Columbia) or seriously injured (Alberta). In British Columbia, and in Alberta when no one is seriously injured, move drivable vehicles off the road if it is safe. Ontario requires a police report for an injury or damage over CAD 5,000; Alberta (2026) for combined damage of CAD 5,000 or more.
Sources and scope (as of 2026)
The rules in this guide come from the Government of Alberta page on automobile collisions and insurance, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation MTO Bus Handbook section on emergencies and the Peel Regional Police collision reporting page. Other sources: Halton Regional Police, the Alberta collision reports page, the SGI Saskatchewan Driver's Handbook, the ICBC crash card (2023) and the FSRA Ontario Automobile Policy (2026). The police-report rule for British Columbia, and the rules for Manitoba, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, are not covered here: ask your provincial insurer or transport ministry for their rules.
The 5 steps at a highway crash scene
- 1Stop and stay at the scene
In Ontario, every driver involved in a collision must stay at the scene, or return to it at once, and give all possible help.
- 2Warn other traffic
In Saskatchewan, turn on the hazard lights of all undamaged vehicles at the scene. In Alberta, if a car cannot be driven, turn on its hazard lights or use cones, warning triangles or flares. In Ontario, when people are hurt, turn on emergency flashers, set up warning signals or flares, and have someone warn drivers who approach.
- 3Check for injuries and call 911 when needed
In Ontario, if there is no danger of fire or explosion, leave injured people where they are until trained medical help arrives. In Alberta, do not move anyone injured in the collision, because you can make their injuries worse. In Alberta, also call 911 if you suspect another driver of a Criminal Code offence, such as impaired driving.
- 4Move out of traffic when it is safe
In Ontario, move drivable vehicles as far off the road as possible. This is especially important on busy or high-speed roads, such as a highway.
- 5Exchange information before anyone leaves
In Ontario, the law requires you to exchange information with anyone whose vehicle was damaged, also when the damage is less than CAD 5,000. In Alberta, exchange contact and insurance information with all other parties involved.
Stay or go? What Alberta says about the vehicles and the people
When you must report a crash to police, by province
| Province | Report to police when | How and when |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Anyone is injured or killed, or damage to vehicles or property is over CAD 5,000 | As soon as possible (see Collision Reporting Centres below) |
| Alberta | Combined vehicle damage is CAD 5,000 or more (limit unchanged for 2026) | Go to a police station and file a Collision Report Form |
| Saskatchewan | Injury or death, a hit-and-run by an unknown driver, an impaired driver, an out-of-province vehicle, or a vehicle that must be towed from the scene | Report to police immediately |
Collision Reporting Centres and online reports
In Peel Region, Ontario, a crash with over CAD 5,000 in combined damage must be reported to police at a Collision Reporting Centre. In Peel Region, a driver whose vehicle is still drivable has 48 hours to report. In Alberta, the online Report My Collision service (2026) accepts only collisions with no injuries, no deaths and no police report already made. In Alberta, the other two options are a police station or a collision reporting centre.
What to record before you leave the scene
- Driver details (British Columbia). Each driver's name, contact information, driver's licence number and province or state.
- Photos (British Columbia and Saskatchewan). In British Columbia, if possible, photograph the crash scene and all vehicles involved, with their licence plates and the damage. In Saskatchewan, also photograph the road conditions.
- Witnesses (British Columbia). The names and contact information of each witness.
What not to say or sign at the roadside
In Alberta, do not admit fault, take responsibility or sign any statements at the collision scene. In British Columbia, avoid any discussion with the other drivers about who is responsible for the crash.
Tow trucks at a crash scene in Peel Region, Ontario
After the scene: insurer and repairs
- Tell your insurer. In Ontario, contact your insurance company as soon as possible if you intend to make a claim. The Ontario standard auto policy (OAP 1, 2026) says to report the collision to your agent, broker or insurance company within seven days, whoever is at fault.
- Claim or pay yourself. Before you decide, compare an insurance claim with paying for the repair yourself.
- Frame or cosmetic damage. Learn how frame damage differs from cosmetic damage before you approve a repair.
Related guides
- My Mechanic Doubled the Bill: What Are Your Legal Rights?
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- Do You Have to Use the Insurance Company's Preferred Body Shop?
Explains whether you must use the body shop that your insurer prefers.
Key takeaways
- In Ontario, when people are hurt at a collision scene, turn off all engines.
- In Alberta, a driver who does not stop after a collision can get demerit points or face criminal prosecution.
- When everyone is safe and the reports are done, find a collision repair shop near you and ask for a written estimate before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I accept cash from the other driver instead of going through insurance?
In Alberta, no: never agree to forget a collision or to accept money to settle it. Alberta drivers should also advise their insurance company as soon as possible, regardless of which driver was at fault.
What if the other driver refuses to give me their information?
In Alberta, write down the licence plate number, a description of the vehicle and a description of the driver before they leave the scene. In Alberta, a driver with no driver's licence, registration or insurance is also a reason to report the collision to police.
Do I have to report damage to highway property, such as a sign?
In Alberta, yes: if you damage or knock down any traffic safety device, report it to police. In Ontario, Halton Regional Police list damage to private, municipal or highway property among the collisions that you must report.
Should I see a doctor after a minor car accident?
In Alberta, yes if you are injured: see a primary health care practitioner as soon as possible for an assessment of your injury. That can be a medical doctor, a chiropractor or a physical therapist.
Who arranges the tow if my car cannot be driven?
In Alberta, you do: you must make arrangements to have a vehicle that cannot be driven removed from the road. If the vehicle is not drivable or was towed from the scene, contact your insurance company so that suitable arrangements can be made.
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