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What to Do After a Car Accident in Toronto: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

By VC Lawyers
Two drivers exchanging information after a car accident on a Toronto street

What to Do After a Car Accident in Toronto: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

A car accident can change your day — and sometimes your life — in a matter of seconds. One moment you are driving down the 401, Yonge Street, or a quiet residential road in North York; the next you are sitting in a damaged vehicle, your heart pounding, unsure of what just happened or what to do next. In that moment, the decisions you make can have a real impact on your safety, your insurance claim, and your legal rights.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a car accident in Toronto, step by step. It covers what to do at the scene, who you need to call, how Ontario's no-fault insurance system works, what accident benefits you may be entitled to, the important changes to Ontario's auto insurance rules taking effect in 2026, and when it makes sense to speak with a personal injury lawyer. Whether your collision happened in downtown Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Markham, Vaughan, or Richmond Hill, the principles below apply across the Greater Toronto Area. If you were hurt in a collision, our Toronto car accident lawyers can help you understand your options.

A note before you read on: This article provides general information about Ontario law and is not a substitute for legal advice. Every accident is different. If you have been injured, the safest step is to speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer about your specific situation.

What to do after a car accident in Toronto: the quick checklist

If you only have a minute, here is the short version. We explain each step in detail below.

  1. Stop your vehicle. Leaving the scene of a collision is a criminal offence.
  2. Check for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Do not move injured people unless they are in danger.
  3. Make the scene safe. Turn on your hazard lights, and move vehicles out of traffic only if it is safe and the law allows it.
  4. Call the police if required. In Ontario you must report to police if there are injuries, if total damage appears to exceed $5,000, or if you suspect impairment or a criminal act.
  5. Document everything. Take photos and video, write down what happened, and note the time, location, and conditions.
  6. Exchange information with the other driver(s) — names, licence numbers, plate numbers, and insurance details.
  7. Watch out for tow truck and repair-shop fraud.
  8. Report to a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours if police did not attend.
  9. See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel "fine."
  10. Notify your insurance company — ideally within 24 hours, and within 7 days at the latest.
  11. Keep detailed records of your injuries, treatment, expenses, and time off work.
  12. Speak to a personal injury lawyer if you were injured, before giving any recorded statement about fault or settlement.

Now let's go through each stage so you know not just what to do, but why.

At the scene: the first few minutes matter most

The minutes immediately after a collision are stressful and confusing. Adrenaline is high, you may be in shock, and it can be hard to think clearly. The goal at this stage is simple: keep everyone safe, avoid making the situation worse, and start gathering the information you will need later.

Step 1: Stop your vehicle immediately

This is not optional. Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act and the Criminal Code of Canada, you are legally required to stop after any collision, no matter how minor it seems. Failing to remain at the scene — often called a "hit and run" — can lead to serious criminal charges, including failing to stop at the scene of an accident, which carries heavy penalties and, in cases involving injury or death, possible imprisonment.

Bring your vehicle to a controlled stop as safely as you can. Put it in park, turn off the engine if there is any risk of fire, and take a breath before you do anything else. Even if you believe the other driver is entirely at fault, you still must stop.

Step 2: Check whether anyone is injured

Before you worry about your car, your insurance, or whose fault it was, check on people. Look at yourself first, then your passengers, then the occupants of any other vehicles, and finally any pedestrians or cyclists who may have been involved.

If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. When you speak to the operator, give your exact location — the street, the nearest intersection, the direction of travel, and any landmarks. In Toronto, being precise about your location (for example, "northbound Allen Road just south of Lawrence" rather than just "Allen Road") helps emergency crews reach you faster.

Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger, such as from fire or oncoming traffic. Moving someone with a spinal or neck injury can cause permanent harm. Reassure them, keep them still, and wait for paramedics. The faster emergency services arrive, the better the outcome for everyone involved — so do not hesitate to call, even if you are unsure how serious the injuries are. Serious collisions can cause life-altering harm such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, which is why prompt medical care matters so much.

Step 3: Make the scene safe

Once you have checked for injuries, focus on preventing a second collision. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. If you have emergency road flares, reflective triangles, or cones in your vehicle, set them up to warn approaching drivers — this is especially important at night, in poor weather, or on a fast-moving road or highway.

Whether you should move your vehicle depends on the situation:

  • If the collision is minor, no one is hurt, and the vehicles are drivable, move them to the shoulder or out of the lane of traffic when it is safe to do so. This reduces the risk of a chain-reaction crash and helps traffic flow.
  • If there are injuries, or if you suspect serious damage that needs to be documented, and it is safe to stay put, leave the vehicles where they are until police arrive. Police may want to see the position of the vehicles to help determine how the accident happened.

If you cannot move your vehicle, stay inside it with your seatbelt on (if it is safe) rather than standing in or near traffic. Many secondary injuries happen to people standing on the roadside after a crash. In winter, staying in the car also keeps you warm while you wait — another reason to keep a roadside emergency kit with a blanket in your trunk.

Step 4: Document the scene thoroughly

Once everyone is safe, start gathering evidence. This is one of the most valuable things you can do, and most people have everything they need in their pocket: a smartphone.

Take clear photos and video of:

  • The damage to all vehicles — wide shots and close-ups, from multiple angles.
  • The overall scene — the position of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, road signs, and lane markings.
  • The other vehicle's licence plate and any identifying features.
  • Road and weather conditions — wet pavement, ice, snow, glare, poor lighting, construction, or anything that may have contributed.
  • Any visible injuries.

Then write down — or record a voice memo of — the facts while they are fresh in your mind: the date, time, exact location, your estimated speed, the direction each vehicle was travelling, what you saw, and what happened in the seconds before impact. A simple diagram showing the position of the vehicles can be extremely helpful later. Many drivers keep a printed accident worksheet in the glove compartment for exactly this purpose; Ontario's financial services regulator (FSRA) provides a free accident worksheet you can download and print.

Do all of this before talking at length with the other driver, so your account reflects what you observed rather than what someone else suggested.

Step 5: Exchange information — but do not admit fault

You are required to exchange information with the other driver(s). Collect as much of the following as you can:

  • Full name and address
  • Phone number
  • Driver's licence number
  • Licence plate number
  • Vehicle make, model, year, and colour
  • The name of the vehicle's registered owner (this can differ from the driver)
  • The vehicle identification number (VIN), if accessible
  • Insurance company name and policy number
  • The number of passengers and, if possible, their names and seating positions

If police attend, also note the attending officer's name and badge number, and ask how to obtain the police report.

One of the most important things to understand is what not to do: do not apologize or admit fault at the scene. It is natural to say "I'm so sorry" out of politeness or shock, but in the context of an accident, that can be interpreted as an admission of responsibility. You may not have all the facts — the other driver may have been speeding, distracted, or impaired in ways you cannot see. Stick to exchanging information and describing the facts to police. Let the insurance companies, and if necessary the courts, determine fault based on the evidence.

Step 6: Beware of tow truck and repair-shop fraud

The Toronto area has, unfortunately, seen ongoing problems with predatory tow truck operators, and you should be on your guard. Here is how the scam typically works: a tow truck arrives at the scene — sometimes within minutes, before you even called one — and the driver pressures you to let them tow your vehicle to a particular repair shop or storage yard. That shop may then inflate repair charges, kick back a referral fee to the tow operator, and rack up daily storage fees, leaving you (and ultimately all policyholders) with the bill.

Protect yourself:

  • You choose where your vehicle goes, not the tow operator. You are not obligated to use the first truck that shows up.
  • Do not sign blank or incomplete authorization forms. Read what you are signing, and never sign anything that gives a shop or operator open-ended permission to charge fees.
  • Ask your insurer where to have your car towed and repaired. Many insurers have preferred networks and will arrange a tow to a shop they trust.
  • Get the tow company's name, the driver's name, the truck number, and a written estimate before your car leaves the scene.
  • Be aware that under Ontario's Repair and Storage Liens Act, a shop that holds your vehicle for unpaid charges may eventually be entitled to sell it — so unresolved storage fees can spiral into a much bigger problem.

If something feels off, trust your instincts and call your insurer or the police non-emergency line for guidance.

When you must call the police in Toronto

Not every collision requires police attendance, but many do. In Ontario, you are required to report the accident to police if any of the following apply:

  • Anyone is injured or killed.
  • The total damage to all vehicles and property appears to exceed $5,000.
  • You suspect any driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • A criminal act is involved (for example, a stolen vehicle, an assault, or a deliberate ramming).
  • Public property is damaged (such as a guardrail, light pole, or city infrastructure), or a pedestrian or cyclist is involved.
  • An uninsured or suspended driver is involved.

The $5,000 reporting threshold — what changed

This is an area where a lot of older online advice is now out of date, so it is worth being precise. For decades, Ontario required drivers to report a collision to police whenever total damage exceeded $2,000. As of January 1, 2025, that threshold was raised to $5,000 — the first change in over thirty years, made to reflect how much more expensive modern vehicles are to repair. For the official guidance, see FSRA's page on what to do after an accident.

What this means in practice:

  • If total damage to all vehicles and property appears to be more than $5,000 (and no one is injured), you should contact police, who will typically direct you to attend a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.
  • If total damage appears to be less than $5,000, no one is injured, no public property was damaged, and there is no sign of a criminal act, you are generally not required to file a police report. You should still report the accident to your insurer and keep your own records.

A practical caution: damage that looks minor can be deceptively expensive once you account for sensors, cameras, and bumper electronics in newer cars. If you are unsure whether the damage crosses the $5,000 line, it is safer to report.

Collision Reporting Centres in the Toronto area

If your accident does not require police to attend at the scene but still needs to be reported, you do that at a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC). Toronto and the surrounding regions (including Peel, York, and Durham) have several Collision Reporting Centres operated in partnership with local police. At a CRC, staff will help you complete a report, photograph the damage to your vehicle, and give you documentation you can pass on to your insurance company.

A few key points about CRCs:

  • You generally must report within 24 hours of the collision.
  • Bring your driver's licence, vehicle ownership, and proof of insurance (your "pink slip" — a printed copy or the digital version on your phone).
  • Failing to produce proof of insurance can lead to serious consequences, including fines and even having your vehicle impounded.
  • To find the nearest centre and its hours, search for the Collision Reporting Centre serving your area (Toronto-area centres are listed at accsupport.com), or ask the police non-emergency line.

Reporting at a CRC creates an official record of the collision, which protects you if the other driver later changes their story or if injuries surface days later.

In the hours and days after the accident

The scene is only the beginning. What you do over the following hours and days has a major effect on both your health and any claim you may have.

See a doctor — even if you feel fine

This is the step accident victims most often skip, and it is one of the most important. After a collision, adrenaline and shock can mask pain for hours or even days. Soft-tissue injuries, whiplash, concussions, and back injuries frequently do not show their full effect until later. Some serious conditions, such as internal bleeding or certain brain injuries, may not produce obvious symptoms right away.

Get checked by a doctor or go to a walk-in clinic or hospital as soon as you can after the accident. There are two reasons:

  1. For your health. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to better recovery outcomes. Catching an injury early can prevent a manageable problem from becoming a chronic one.
  2. For your claim. A prompt medical record creates documented evidence linking your injuries to the accident. If you wait weeks to see a doctor, an insurer may argue that your injuries were not serious, or were caused by something else. A clear, contemporaneous medical record is one of the strongest pieces of evidence you can have.

Keep following up. Attend your appointments, follow your treatment plan, and keep a record of every visit, diagnosis, medication, and referral.

Notify your insurance company promptly

You are required to report the accident to your own insurer, and timing matters. The general rule in Ontario is to notify your insurer as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours, and within 7 days at the latest. If you wait too long, your insurer may push back on your claim.

When you call, you will typically be asked for:

  • Your policy number
  • Your vehicle's make, model, year, plate, and registration
  • The date, time, and location of the accident
  • Your description of what happened
  • The names, licence numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved
  • The number of passengers and the extent of any injuries
  • The extent of damage to your vehicle

Report the facts honestly and accurately. At the same time, be careful about giving a detailed recorded statement about who was at fault, or accepting any characterization of the accident, before you fully understand your rights — especially if you were injured. If another driver's insurer contacts you for a statement, you are generally not obligated to give one, and it is wise to speak with a lawyer first.

Understand the accident benefit application forms

If you were injured, your own insurer will send you an accident benefits application package (sometimes referred to by the form name OCF-1). Pay close attention to the deadlines in that package — generally, you must submit the completed application within 30 days of receiving it. Missing these deadlines can delay or jeopardize your benefits. This is another point at which many people benefit from guidance, because the forms can be confusing and the consequences of getting them wrong are real. Our team can help you with your accident benefits (SABS) claim from the start.

Keep meticulous records

From the day of the accident onward, treat record-keeping as part of your recovery. Keep:

  • All medical documents, prescriptions, and receipts
  • A symptom journal noting pain levels, limitations, and how the injuries affect your daily life
  • Records of time missed from work and any lost income
  • Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses (medication, physiotherapy, assistive devices, transportation to appointments, hired help for tasks you can no longer do)
  • All correspondence with insurers
  • The names and contact details of any witnesses

These records become the backbone of any accident benefits claim or lawsuit. The more organized you are, the stronger your position.

How Ontario's no-fault insurance system works

To make good decisions after an accident, it helps to understand the system you are dealing with. Ontario uses what is commonly called a "no-fault" insurance system — a term that causes a lot of confusion, so let's clear it up.

"No-fault" does not mean no one is at fault, and it does not mean fault is irrelevant. It means that, regardless of who caused the accident, you deal with your own insurance company for your accident benefits claim. You do not have to wait for the other driver's insurer to accept responsibility before you can access medical and rehabilitation coverage. Your own insurer pays your accident benefits and then sorts out the financial details with the other insurer behind the scenes.

Fault still matters in two important ways:

  1. It affects your premiums. If you are found at fault, your insurance rates will usually increase (unless you have accident forgiveness on your policy). Ontario uses a set of Fault Determination Rules to assign responsibility, and you can be found anywhere from 0% to 100% at fault. Even a finding of partial fault can affect your costs, and even a not-at-fault accident can sometimes lead to a premium increase.
  2. It affects your right to sue. While accident benefits are available regardless of fault, your ability to sue the other driver for things like pain and suffering depends on their being at fault — and on meeting certain legal tests, discussed below.

This two-track structure — accident benefits on one side, and the right to sue (the "tort" claim) on the other — is the foundation of Ontario's system, and it is why understanding your benefits is so important.

Accident benefits (SABS): what you may be entitled to

If you are injured in a car accident in Ontario, you may be entitled to Statutory Accident Benefits — often shortened to "accident benefits" or "SABS." These benefits are designed to support your recovery regardless of who caused the accident, and they are available to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists injured in a collision (subject to the eligibility rules, which are changing — see the next section).

Accident benefits can include support such as:

  • Medical and rehabilitation benefits — coverage for treatment not covered by OHIP or your other plans, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, psychological treatment, assistive devices, and prescriptions.
  • Attendant care benefits — help paying for someone to assist you with personal care if your injuries require it.
  • Income replacement benefits — partial replacement of income if your injuries prevent you from working. If your injuries lead to a longer-term inability to work, you may also have a separate long-term disability claim.
  • Non-earner benefits — support for people who were not employed (such as students) when an accident keeps them from carrying on a normal life.
  • Caregiver benefits — support if you can no longer care for dependants because of your injuries.
  • Housekeeping and home maintenance benefits — help with tasks you can no longer perform.
  • Death and funeral benefits — support for families in fatal collisions.

The level of coverage depends on the severity of your injuries. Ontario distinguishes between minor injuries, more serious non-catastrophic injuries, and catastrophic injuries, with significantly higher limits available for catastrophic cases. Because the dollar limits and definitions are detailed — and, as explained below, are changing in 2026 — it is worth confirming the current limits that apply to your policy and your situation rather than relying on a figure you read online.

The key takeaway: if you were injured, you likely have access to benefits, and you should not assume you have to pay for treatment out of pocket. Applying correctly and on time is essential.

Important: Ontario's accident benefit changes effective July 1, 2026

This is one of the most significant changes to Ontario auto insurance in years, and it directly affects what you may be able to claim after an accident — so it deserves close attention. (For the official consumer overview, see the Insurance Bureau of Canada's summary of the changes.)

As of July 1, 2026, several accident benefits that used to be automatically included in every Ontario auto insurance policy are becoming optional. Here is what is staying mandatory and what is changing:

Still mandatory in every policy:

  • Medical benefits
  • Rehabilitation benefits
  • Attendant care benefits

These core recovery benefits will continue to be included in all Ontario auto policies, regardless of fault.

Becoming optional (meaning you must specifically choose and pay for them, or you will not have them):

  • Income replacement benefits
  • Non-earner benefits
  • Caregiver benefits
  • Housekeeping and home maintenance benefits
  • Death and funeral benefits
  • Certain other benefits and coverage for personal items

In addition to the benefits themselves changing, who is eligible for the optional benefits is being narrowed. Once purchased, optional benefits will generally apply only to the named insured on the policy, their spouse, and their dependants (and people specified as drivers on the policy). This is a meaningful shift: some people who would previously have been covered — including certain pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers — may no longer be eligible for these optional benefits.

What this means for you:

  • If you already have a policy, it will renew automatically with your existing coverage and limits unless you agree in writing to change or decline benefits. However, the new eligibility rules take effect on July 1, 2026 regardless of when your policy renews.
  • If you are buying or renewing on or after July 1, 2026, you will choose which optional benefits to include. Before deciding, check whether your workplace benefits or private health and disability plans already provide similar coverage — and think carefully about benefits like income replacement, which can be vital if you cannot work after a serious accident.
  • One related change works in your favour: your auto insurer's medical and rehabilitation coverage will generally respond before your workplace or private health plans, which is intended to help you access treatment faster.

The practical risk is that some drivers, focused on lowering their premiums, may decline optional benefits without fully understanding what they are giving up — and only discover the gap after a serious accident. If you are unsure what coverage you have, or what you should add, this is an excellent time to review your policy with your broker, and to understand how these changes could affect a future claim. After an accident, a personal injury lawyer can also help you understand which benefits apply to your specific policy and circumstances.

When can you sue the at-fault driver?

Accident benefits are only one part of the picture. If another driver was at fault and you were seriously injured, you may also have the right to bring a lawsuit — a "tort" claim — against them for damages that go beyond what accident benefits cover, such as pain and suffering, loss of income beyond the benefit limits, and other losses.

However, Ontario places limits on these claims for car accidents. To recover damages for pain and suffering (non-pecuniary damages), your injuries generally must meet a legal "threshold" — broadly, a permanent and serious impairment of an important physical, mental, or psychological function, or permanent serious disfigurement. In addition, Ontario applies a statutory "deductible" to many pain-and-suffering awards: a substantial amount (tens of thousands of dollars, adjusted annually) is subtracted from the award unless the award exceeds a certain level. These rules are technical, and whether your case meets the threshold is often a contested question — which is exactly why legal advice matters before you assume you do or do not have a claim.

The two-year limitation period

There is a critical deadline you cannot afford to miss. In Ontario, the general limitation period to start a lawsuit for a car accident is two years from the date of the accident. If you do not commence your claim within that window, you may lose your right to sue entirely, no matter how strong your case is. (There are limited exceptions — for example, the clock can work differently for minors — but you should never rely on an exception without legal advice.)

Two years can feel like a long time, but it passes quickly when you are focused on recovery, treatment, and dealing with insurers. Building a strong injury case takes time: gathering medical records, obtaining expert opinions, documenting losses, and assessing the full extent of your injuries (some of which may still be evolving). For that reason, it is far better to speak with a car accident lawyer early than to scramble as a deadline approaches.

Common mistakes to avoid after a Toronto car accident

Even careful, well-meaning people make mistakes after a collision — usually because they are stressed and unaware of how the system works. Here are the most common ones, so you can avoid them:

  • Admitting fault or over-apologizing at the scene. As noted, this can be used against you. Describe the facts; leave fault to be determined later.
  • Not calling police or reporting when required. If the situation meets the reporting criteria, failing to report can breach the Highway Traffic Act and complicate your claim.
  • Skipping medical attention because you "feel fine." Many serious injuries are delayed. A gap in treatment is one of the first things insurers seize on.
  • Delaying notice to your insurer. Missing the reporting window can give your insurer grounds to deny or reduce your claim.
  • Giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer without advice. You are usually not required to, and an unguarded statement can hurt you.
  • Accepting the first settlement offer. Early offers are often made before the full extent of your injuries is known, and once you settle, you generally cannot reopen the claim — even if your condition worsens.
  • Posting about the accident on social media. Photos, check-ins, and comments can be taken out of context and used to dispute your injuries.
  • Letting a tow operator dictate where your car goes. This can lead to inflated charges and storage-fee disputes.
  • Throwing away records. Keep everything — receipts, reports, correspondence, and a symptom journal.
  • Waiting too long to get legal advice. Evidence fades, witnesses become harder to find, and the two-year clock keeps ticking.

Special situations to be aware of

Not every accident is a straightforward two-car collision. Collisions involving truck accidents or motorcycle accidents often involve more serious injuries and added complexity. Here are some common scenarios in the Toronto area and what to keep in mind.

Hit and run, or an unidentified driver

If the other driver flees the scene, try to safely note their licence plate, vehicle description, and direction of travel, and look for witnesses or nearby cameras (businesses, doorbells, and dashcams are often invaluable). Report it to police promptly. You may still have coverage available through your own policy for accidents involving an unidentified or uninsured driver, but the procedures and deadlines are strict, so report it and seek advice quickly.

Uninsured driver

If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you are not necessarily without options. Ontario's system includes coverage that may respond when the at-fault party is uninsured. Again, prompt reporting and proper documentation are essential.

You were a pedestrian or cyclist

Pedestrians and cyclists injured by a vehicle can generally access accident benefits — though, as explained above, the eligibility rules for certain optional benefits are narrowing as of July 1, 2026. If you were hit while walking or cycling, get medical attention, report the collision, and get advice about which benefits and claims are available to you.

You were a passenger

Passengers injured in a collision can claim accident benefits and, depending on the circumstances, may have a claim against one or more at-fault drivers. You generally do not have to choose sides between drivers; your focus is on your own injuries and recovery.

Rideshare, delivery, or a company vehicle

If you were driving for work, driving a company vehicle, or were involved in an accident with a rideshare or delivery driver, coverage can be more complex, with multiple policies potentially in play. Note the details carefully and get advice, as the right insurer to claim against may not be obvious.

Winter and weather-related collisions

Toronto winters bring ice, snow, and reduced visibility, and a large share of collisions happen in poor conditions. Bad weather does not automatically excuse a driver — motorists are expected to adjust to conditions. Document the road and weather conditions carefully, as they can be relevant to how fault is assessed.

Do you need a personal injury lawyer?

Not every fender-bender requires a lawyer. If there are no injuries and the claim is a simple property-damage matter, you may be able to handle it directly with your insurer. But if you or a loved one were injured, speaking with a personal injury lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take — and most reputable firms offer a free initial consultation, so there is no cost to find out where you stand.

A personal injury lawyer can help you:

  • Understand your rights and options, including both your accident benefits and any potential lawsuit.
  • Apply for accident benefits correctly and on time, avoiding the deadline traps in the OCF forms.
  • Deal with insurers on your behalf, so you are not pressured into an early or inadequate settlement or an unguarded recorded statement.
  • Gather and preserve evidence, including medical opinions and expert assessments that establish the full extent of your injuries.
  • Value your claim properly, accounting for future losses you might not think of on your own.
  • Protect the two-year limitation deadline and keep your claim on track.
  • Take your case to a hearing or court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you generally do not pay legal fees unless and until your claim succeeds. That structure exists precisely so that injured people can get experienced help without paying out of pocket while they are already dealing with medical bills and lost income.

The single most valuable thing a lawyer provides, though, may be peace of mind. After an accident, your job is to heal. Having someone handle the legal and insurance complexity — and make sure no deadline is missed and no benefit is left unclaimed — lets you focus on recovery.

How VC Lawyers can help

At Vaturi & Cho LLP (VC Lawyers), we help people across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area — including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Markham, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill — navigate the aftermath of a car accident. We understand that an injury affects far more than your body: it affects your income, your family, and your peace of mind. Our role is to take the legal weight off your shoulders so you can concentrate on getting better.

We can help you understand your accident benefits, apply for them correctly, deal with the insurance companies, and, where appropriate, pursue a claim against an at-fault driver — all while keeping you informed at every step. Learn more about how our Toronto car accident lawyers can help. We also serve clients in both English and Korean (한국어), so language is never a barrier to getting the help and clear answers you deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, contact VC Lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation, or call (416) 661-4529. We will review your situation, explain your options in plain language, and help you decide on the best path forward. The sooner you reach out, the more we can do to protect your rights — so do not wait until a deadline is closing in.

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice or create a lawyer-client relationship. Laws and insurance rules change, and how they apply depends on the specific facts of your case. For advice about your situation, please consult a qualified Ontario personal injury lawyer.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the $5,000 reporting threshold in Ontario?
    Since January 1, 2025, you only need to report a collision to police if total damage to all vehicles and property appears to exceed $5,000 (it was previously $2,000). Below that, with no injuries or criminal element, no police report is required, but you should still notify your insurer.
  • Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Toronto?
    Call police if anyone is injured, if total damage appears to exceed $5,000, if you suspect impairment or a criminal act, or if public property, a pedestrian, or a cyclist is involved. For minor property-damage-only collisions under $5,000 with no injuries, report at a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours instead.
  • How long do I have to report a car accident in Ontario?
    Report to police or a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours. Notify your own insurer as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours and no later than 7 days. To start a lawsuit against an at-fault driver, the general limitation period is two years from the date of the accident.
  • Can I claim accident benefits if the accident was my fault?
    Yes. Ontario's accident benefits (SABS) are "no-fault," meaning you claim through your own insurer regardless of who caused the accident. Fault affects your premiums and your right to sue, but not your eligibility for accident benefits.
  • What is changing with Ontario accident benefits on July 1, 2026?
    Medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits stay mandatory, but income replacement, non-earner, caregiver, housekeeping, and death/funeral benefits become optional. Eligibility also narrows, so some pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers may no longer be covered for the optional benefits.
  • Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Toronto?
    If you were injured, it's worth a consultation. A personal injury lawyer can apply for benefits on time, deal with insurers, value your claim, and protect the two-year deadline. Most work on contingency, so you generally pay nothing unless your claim succeeds.

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