I Have Been Hurt in a Car Accident: What Should I Do?

Author: Patrice B. Newman, Lawyer
First Posted: Feb. 9, 2010
Revised:

There are a few basic steps to take:

1. Make sure you get the name, address, driver's license number and plate number from the other driver.
2. Call the police who will attend the site of the accident if it is serious.
3. Try to obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses that actually saw the collision. Do not rely on the police to do this for you.
4. If you are hurt, or think you are hurt, go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
5. Report your claim by telephone to ICBC, 1-800-910-4222 (toll free). You will have to organize a time to have your vehicle examined for its damage.
6. Contact a lawyer before you make a claim for injuries to ICBC. A lawyer will inform you of your rights and obligations regarding your accident and injuries.
7. Remember that your ICBC adjuster also represents the driver that hit you. To have your own exclusive representative, you will need to hire a lawyer to ensure that your rights are properly upheld.