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9 minute read Published on Feb 9, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Being in a car accident can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. In the aftermath of a collision, you could not only face injuries, but also a web of insurance and legal procedures, along with financial uncertainty. One of the most important forms of protection available to Canadian motorists who are injured in a car accident is accident benefits coverage. This policy is mandatory in most provinces and provides essential financial support to help you recover.
Accident benefits offer access to medical and rehabilitative care, income replacement, caregiver services, and more, regardless of who caused the collision. For example, in Ontario, accident benefits fall under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABC), which includes:
Up to $3,500 for minor injuries.
Up to $65,000 for those seriously injured.
Up to $1 million or more for life-altering impairments.
And more.
In 2022 alone, over 118,000 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents across Canada, which is a 9.5% year-over-year increase from the year before. This stark statistic underscores the importance of understanding what these accident benefits entail and how to access them in the event of an injury.
Accurate and detailed documentation of the scene of the accident is key to supporting your future insurance claim and possible legal case. Whether your injuries are minor or more severe, having the right evidence will help ensure you receive maximum benefits and compensation. Here's the type of information you'll want to collect:
The following information should be recorded at the scene:
Police report.
Photos and videos of the damaged vehicles, the surrounding collision scene, licence plate numbers, and road conditions.
Contact information of all other drivers involved and any potential witnesses to the accident.
Over the days after the accident, ensure you collect the following details:
Medical records and doctors' notes.
Receipts for any medications, treatments, or transportation.
Invoices from health practitioners like massage therapists, physiotherapists, or chiropractors.
Documents from your employer for lost income or modified work, if applicable.
Communications from your insurance company, whether emails, letters, or notes from phone calls.
Notes about your physical and emotional condition over time.
Personal injury settlements in Canada from motor vehicle claims can average around $120,000 and climb as high as $300,000 for severe brain injuries. Because of this, we recommend keeping this information in a folder to ensure your claims process is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Because the aftermath of a collision can be high-stress, people tend to make mistakes that can negatively impact their insurance claim. Avoid the following to ensure you protect your interests and rights:
If you are injured in a car accident, the collision needs to be reported to the police; it's the law. Failing to report can delay or impact your claim. Additionally, not reporting the collision within the reporting window can also leave you hanging financially.
If you wait too long to seek medical care, insurers may argue your injuries aren't serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Ideally, you'll want to book an appointment to see a doctor the same day or the next day.
Even something as simple as an apology can be misconstrued and used against you later on. Let police officers and your claims adjuster determine fault based on the evidence submitted.
Stick to the facts. Any contradictory information you provide can damage the credibility of your claim and affect your access to fair benefits and compensation.
Skipping appointments and ignoring medical advice can weaken your overall claim.
Early settlement offers from your insurance company may not be the actual cost of the damage to your vehicle or the injuries you suffered. Before accepting the first offer presented to you, you. may want to consult a professional.
Most people don’t know what to do after a car accident, even if they come out unscathed, let alone if they are injured. Whether you are responsible for the accident or not, the steps you should follow are the same. Here's a step-by-step you need to follow:
The moment you realize you’ve hit another car or they’ve hit you, stop your vehicle and take a deep breath. At this moment, emotions and adrenaline will be running high. The best thing you can do is try to remain calm and turn your hazard lights on.
If you are severely injured, the best thing you can do is remain in your vehicle if it’s safe to do so. If the injuries sustained are minor, safely remove yourself from your vehicle to check if others are injured. Call 911 immediately. If anyone else is injured, do not remove them from their vehicle(s) unless it is dangerous for them to remain there.
Reporting the accident to local authorities is crucial after getting into a car accident. In Canada, you are legally required to report a car accident to the police if the damage to your vehicle exceeds $2,000.
Document the scene of the accident. Exchange information with other parties involved, including their driver's licence number, insurance information, licence plate number, and contact information. You'll also want to take photos and videos of the vehicle damage and the surrounding scene.
Next, contact your insurance provider to report your accident. Your insurer will start your claims process and provide you with an Application for Accident Benefits. Generally speaking, you'll have 30 days to file the application, but this may vary based on what province you live in.
If you are injured, you'll want to get a medical examination as soon as possible. Sometimes injuries may not present themselves immediately or seem serious to you, but a doctor or paramedic may know otherwise and determine if you're eligible for benefits.
An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your claim. They will review the information provided and speak with your medical practitioners. Once approved, you may receive income replacement, treatment coverage, and other benefits directly.
Over the course of your claim, your insurer will continue to communicate with you periodically for updates and evaluations. At a later date, they will offer to pay out the remainder of your claim. If you are unable to come to a resolution, you do have the right to take legal action.
Although not every car accident claim requires a lawyer, there are some situations where obtaining legal advice can make a significant difference in the outcome. Here’s what to review and act on:
You may want to hire a lawyer if:
You suffered a long-term or permanent injury that required ongoing rehabilitation and medical treatments.
Your insurer denies part or all of your accident benefits coverage.
You're involved in a multi-vehicle accident or accident where fault is being disputed.
You experienced delays in your claims approval or payout.
A personal injury lawyer can help with:
Navigating the complexities of insurance rules and regulations
Collect expert opinions or medical testimonies to help strengthen your case.
Advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.
Represent you in settlement negotiations or litigation, should your matter be brought to court.
One thing to note is that legal fees are often contingency-based. So, you will only need to pay out your lawyer if and when your case is settled. If you are unsure whether legal advice will help your claim, most lawyers offer free consultations, allowing you to assess your options without any upfront costs or other commitments.
A common concern following injury-related car accidents is whether or not your insurance premiums will go up the next time you need to renew your coverage. The answer depends largely on who was at fault and the type of coverage you have.
For example, if you are not at-fault for the accident, your premiums will generally stay the same. And, if you live in a no-fault insurance province like Ontario, you'll be able to settle your claim through your own insurance company, not the provider or the other vehicle involved.
On the other hand, if you are at-fault for the collision, your premiums will likely increase upon renewal. However, it will depend on your insurer's underwriting process and your claims history. The only way you could possibly avoid a premium increase following an at-fault accident is if you have never been in one previously and you added an accident forgiveness endorsement to your plan.
Car accidents range in severity, but all have the potential to cause injury. In the event of a minor car accident, the injuries sustained may be as minor as a few scrapes and cuts or whiplash, but in the event of a major accident, injuries could be as serious as broken bones or paralysis.
In a worst-case scenario, car accidents can even result in fatalities. Some of the most common types of car accident injuries in Canada are as follows:
Sprained or broken bones.
Soft tissue injuries (e.g. whiplash)
Brain injuries (e.g. concussions)
Burns, lacerations, and scarring.
Back and spinal cord trauma.
Chest injuries.
Shoulder injuries.
Bruising, scrapes, and cuts.
Psychological trauma (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression)
Having an emergency kit in your vehicle can make a world of difference if you are involved in a collision, especially if injuries occur and you're waiting for emergency personnel to arrive. Here's what you should include in your kit:
Emergency essentials to keep in your vehicle:
A first-aid kit: Ensure you have a first-aid kit handy so you can treat minor injuries immediately.
Flashlight with extra batteries: Having a flashlight and batteries will help you navigate the situation if you happen to be in a collision at night, where visibility is limited.
Reflective warning triangles or flares: These items will alert oncoming traffic and prevent further property damage and injuries from occurring.
Blanket and gloves: If you're stranded, a blanket and gloves will help you stay warm until police and emergency services arrive.
Water and non-perishable snacks: In case you need to wait long for emergency services, having water and non-perishable food is essential.
Items to carry with you post-accident:
Pen and accident report form: This can help you record statements and draw diagrams of what happened.
Disposable or digital camera: If your phone happens to be damaged during the collision, having a disposable or digital camera on hand will help you take photos of the damage and injuries, which will help with your insurance claim.
Phone charger or power bank: These devices will help you stay in touch with emergency services and the police in the immediate aftermath.
Remember, being prepared for the unexpected can help you stay safe, collect accurate information, and ensure your claims process moves forward without delays.
Suffering an injury in a car accident is never easy, so being informed about what to do next can make a world of difference. From seeking medical attention to gathering essential evidence, every step you take following the accident can influence your recovery and the result of your claim. While your insurance policy provides monetary support, sometimes, legal aid is required, especially in cases involving serious or long-term injuries.
If you’re unsure about your accident benefits or need help after a crash, the experienced team at BrokerLink is here to help. With years of industry experience, we can walk you through the claims process and answer any questions you may have about how auto collisions impact insurance rates. To get in touch, contact BrokerLink directly over the phone or by email to speak with a broker. You can also get a free car insurance quote using our online quote tool at any time.
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Call emergency services, seek medical attention, and move to a safe location if possible. Then, document the scene of the accident and report the accident to your provider as soon as possible.
Most insurance providers require that you notify them within 7 to 30 days. But you'll want to check with your insurance company directly to confirm.
Yes, your insurance will cover medical bills after your accident up to your coverage limits.
Oftentimes, injuries like whiplash have delayed symptoms. If you notice an injury a couple of days after the accident, seek medical assistance immediately and inform your insurance company.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
