The First Steps

There's been an accident. What do you do?

At the Scene

The first thing to do at the scene of an accident is to address any immediate and serious injuries. By dialing "911" you can help ensure that the police, ambulance and fire crews are called.

The next step is to ensure that you obtain the necessary contact information from witnesses, and the other driver(s) involved in the accident, including: witness names and phone numbers and the name, address, license plate number, and driver's license number of any other drivers involved.

In many instances the police will not attend at an accident scene unless there are serious injuries requiring hospitalization, so the responsibility to gather this information may rest with you.

If the other driver does not remain at the scene (hit and run, or an unidentified motorist), you are required to make your best efforts to identify the other vehicle and driver. Failure to do so may result in ICBC denying your claim. In this case, if the police do not attend the accident scene, you are also obliged to file a Hit and Run Report with the police department.

Report the Accident

You are also required to report the accident to ICBC through DIAL-A-CLAIM at 604-520-8222 (24 hours). ICBC will ask you about the circumstances of the accident, whether or not you were injured and the names of any witnesses. This is all information that you are required to provide to ICBC. At this time ICBC may also book an appointment for you to attend at a claims centre and meet with an adjuster. You are free to consult with a lawyer before reporting the accident to ICBC and especially before you go to the claims centre.

Talk to a Lawyer

We strongly recommend that you contact a lawyer prior to attending any meetings with ICBC. While you have an obligation to cooperate in the accident’s investigation, you are not necessarily required to meet with ICBC. The manner in which you initially describe the accident and your injuries to ICBC can have a tremendous impact on ICBC’s findings of liability for the accident and any broader legal claim you may have against the other driver(s).

Call us today at 604-682-3771 for a no-obligation, cost-free consultation.