A car accident is one of the most jarring and disorienting experiences a driver can face. In the immediate aftermath, amidst the adrenaline and confusion, it’s difficult to know what to do first. For drivers in Oshawa, navigating the moments after a collision on the busy 401, a bustling street like King or Bond, or a quiet residential road requires a clear head and a reliable plan.
Pars Towing, a trusted name in towing and roadside services and Accident Assistance in oshawa throughout Ontario, including the Aurora region, is here to provide more than just a tow. We offer professional and compassionate accident assistance. This guide is designed to be your calm in the chaos—a clear, step-by-step resource for what to do after a collision in Oshawa. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to handle the situation safely, legally, and efficiently, and to introduce ourselves as the partner you can count on when you need it most.
- Learn More >>>>> Accident Assistance
A Step-by-Step Guide by Pars Towing
Step 1: Prioritize Safety Above All Else
Before making any calls or exchanging any information, your absolute first priority is the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other road users.
- Assess for Injuries: Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Even if you feel fine, the shock of the event can mask pain. If anyone is injured, unconscious, or complaining of neck or back pain, do not move them unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., fire).
- Call 911 Immediately: If there are any injuries, no matter how minor they seem, call 911 immediately. Inform the operator about the injuries and the location of the accident. This is not just a safety precaution; it’s a legal requirement in Ontario.
- Secure the Scene: If the accident is minor and the vehicles are drivable, and it is safe to do so, move them to the shoulder or a nearby side street or parking lot. This helps prevent further collisions and keeps traffic flowing. If the vehicles cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers. If you have reflective triangles or flares, now is the time to use them.
- Stay at the Scene: It is against the law in Ontario to leave the scene of an accident where there are injuries or property damage exceeding $2,000. Stay put until you have exchanged information and the police (if called) have given you permission to leave.
Step 2: When to Call the Police vs. a Reporting Centre
A common point of confusion after an accident is whether to call the police to the scene. In Oshawa and the surrounding Durham Region, the rules are clear.
You MUST call 911 and have police attend the scene if any of the following apply:
- Injuries: Anyone has been injured.
- Suspected Criminal Activity: You suspect one of the other drivers is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Unidentified or Uninsured Drivers: The other driver refuses to provide their information, or you suspect they are uninsured.
- Government Vehicles: A government vehicle or public transit vehicle is involved.
- Hazardous Materials: A vehicle involved is transporting dangerous goods.
- Major Damage or Hazard: The vehicles are blocking a major roadway and cannot be moved, or there is significant public property damage.
If none of the above conditions are met and the total combined damage to all vehicles appears to be over $2,000, you should proceed to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC). For accidents in Oshawa, you will need to visit the Durham Region Collision Reporting Centre.
- Durham Region Collision Reporting Centre (Oshawa Location):
- Location: 279 King St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 1C6
- What to Bring: Bring your driver’s licence, vehicle registration, and insurance slip. It’s also helpful to have the other driver’s information and photos from the scene.
- Timeline: You generally have 48 hours to report the collision, but it is always best to do so as soon as possible.
- Learn More >>>>> Oshawa Towing Service
Step 3: The Critical Task of Information Gathering
Once it is safe to do so, you need to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. Do not discuss who was at fault—stick to the facts. Use your phone’s camera to take pictures of documents to ensure accuracy.
Collect the Following Information:
- From the Other Driver(s):
- Full Name and Address
- Phone Number
- Driver’s Licence Number
- Insurance Company and Policy Number
- About the Other Vehicle(s):
- Make, Model, and Colour
- Licence Plate Number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can usually be found on the dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s side door jamb.
- From Witnesses:
- If there are any impartial witnesses, politely ask for their name and phone number. Their account can be invaluable for insurance purposes.
- Document the Scene Extensively:
- Photos are Your Proof. Use your smartphone to take wide shots of the entire scene, showing the position of the cars. Take close-up photos of the damage to all vehicles from multiple angles. Photograph the licence plates, any skid marks on the road, and any relevant road signs or traffic signals. You cannot take too many photos.
- Learn More >>>>> Fast Response for Breakdowns & Accidents
Step 4: Choosing Your Accident Towing Partner Wisely
If your vehicle is not drivable, you will need a tow. This is a moment where you can be vulnerable, and it’s crucial to make the right choice. In Ontario, you have the right to choose your own towing company. You do not have to use the first truck that arrives on the scene.
Unfortunately, the industry has some operators who take advantage of drivers in distress. Be wary of “chasers” who may be listening to police scanners and show up uninvited.
Here’s how to select a professional and trustworthy towing service like Pars Towing:
- Look for Clear Branding: A professional tow truck will be clearly marked with the company’s name and contact information.
- Ask for Identification: The tow truck operator should be able to provide you with identification. Our drivers at Pars Towing are uniformed, professional, and always identifiable.
- Demand a Quote in Writing: Before they hook up your vehicle, ask for an itemized quote. This should clearly state the hook-up fee, the per-kilometre rate, and any other charges. A reputable company will provide this without hesitation.
- Specify Your Destination: You decide where your vehicle goes. Whether it’s the Collision Reporting Centre, your trusted local mechanic in Oshawa, or your home, the choice is yours. A tow company should not pressure you to take it to a specific body shop.
- Never Sign a Blank Form: Read any document carefully before you sign it. Ensure all the details and costs are filled in.
- Learn More >>>>> Accident Assistance aurora
Pars Towing: Your Reliable Accident Assistance in Oshawa
When you call Pars Towing after an accident, you are enlisting a team that understands the stress you’re under and is dedicated to making the process smoother. We extend our renowned Aurora-area service standards to the community of Oshawa, offering:
- 24/7 Emergency Response: Accidents don’t wait for business hours. We are available around the clock to assist you.
- Safe and Modern Equipment: We utilize state-of-the-art flatbed tow trucks, the safest way to transport a damaged vehicle. A flatbed ensures your car suffers no further damage, protecting its transmission and tires as it’s carried securely to its destination.
- Local Knowledge: Our drivers are familiar with Oshawa and the Durham Region, ensuring prompt arrival times and knowledge of the best routes to the CRC or local repair facilities.
- Insurance Company Liaison: We have experience working with all major insurance providers and can help streamline the process by towing your vehicle to an insurer-approved location and providing the necessary documentation for your claim.
- Transparent and Fair Pricing: With Pars Towing, there are no surprises. We provide clear, upfront pricing and a commitment to honest service. Our goal is to earn your trust, not just your business for a day.
Step 5: After the Tow – The Road to Resolution
Once your vehicle is safely in the hands of Pars Towing and on its way to your chosen destination, your immediate tasks at the scene are complete. The next steps involve:
- Reporting to the CRC: If required, proceed to the Durham Region Collision Reporting Centre. Officials there will help you complete the police report, take photos of the damage, and apply a “Damage Reported” sticker to your vehicle.
- Contacting Your Insurance Company: Call your insurance broker or provider as soon as possible to open a claim. Provide them with all the information you collected at the scene. They will guide you through the next steps regarding repairs and, if applicable, a rental car.
- Learn More >>>>> What to Do After a Breakdown
In Conclusion: Be Prepared, Be Protected
Being in a car accident is never easy, but being prepared can make all the difference. By following these steps, you can protect your safety, your legal rights, and your peace of mind.
Pars Towing is more than a service; we are your roadside advocates in a difficult time. Our commitment to professional, safe, and compassionate Accident Assistance oshawa is unwavering. We encourage all Oshawa drivers to save our number in their phones. You may never need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have a trusted partner ready to help.
