Not Sure What to Do Right After an Accident?
- Naresh Misir
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
Follow this step-by-step guide to protect your health, claim benefits, and avoid costly mistakes
The moments following a car accident are disorienting—even more so if you're injured. Beyond the shock, you’re expected to assess the damage, gather documents, notify insurers, and figure out how to get medical help. And for most people in Toronto, it’s not always clear what to do first.
At Misir & Company, we regularly hear from clients who wish they’d reached out earlier—before delays cost them treatment, benefits, or compensation. This guide walks you through the key actions you should take after a collision and how our team can help you make sense of it all.
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety and Medical Attention
If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. Even minor collisions can result in soft tissue injuries, whiplash, or concussions that may not present symptoms immediately.
Should I Go to the Hospital?
Even if you feel “okay,” it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. Not only is this important for your health, but also for creating a medical record, which is essential if you file an insurance claim or personal injury case later.
We advise all clients to document their injuries early, whether through an emergency visit, walk-in clinic, or family doctor.
Step 2: Call the Police (If Required by Law)
Under Ontario law, you’re required to report a motor vehicle accident to police if:
There’s injury or fatality
Total damage exceeds $5,000
You suspect the other driver was impaired or broke traffic laws
If police do not attend the scene, report the incident at a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.
Tip: Take photos of the vehicles, scene, and any injuries before moving your vehicle (if safe to do so).
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Provider Promptly
You have 7 days to report the accident to your insurer. This starts the process for:
Filing a Statutory Accident Benefits claim
Setting up repairs or rentals
Beginning your injury treatment plan
Delaying this step can make it harder to claim benefits later—even if you’re not at fault.
At Misir & Company, we assist clients from day one to make sure insurance notices are submitted correctly and within the required timeframes.
Step 4: Start Your Accident Benefits Claim
Once notified, your insurer will send you an OCF-1: Application for Accident Benefits package. This is how you access coverage for:
Medical & rehabilitation expenses
Income replacement benefits
Attendant care
Transportation costs
You typically have 30 days to submit this paperwork from the date it’s issued.
Documents You May Need:
Completed OCF-1 form
Employer confirmation (if claiming lost income)
Medical documentation from your physician or therapist
Need help navigating these forms? We routinely assist clients in preparing complete applications and follow up with insurers to avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 5: Choose the Right After-Accident Care Providers
Not all clinics in Toronto are set up to handle post-accident injuries—or direct bill your insurer. Many injured individuals waste valuable time at general clinics that aren’t familiar with SABS or OCF-18 treatment plans.
Types of Providers You May Need:
Injury Type | Recommended Providers |
Whiplash / Soft Tissue | Physiotherapy, chiropractic care |
Back or Joint Pain | Massage therapy, physical rehab |
Concussion or Dizziness | Neurological or vestibular therapy |
Anxiety or PTSD | Psychotherapist or trauma specialist |
Loss of Mobility | Occupational therapy, assistive devices |
We refer our clients to clinics that specialize in motor vehicle accident injuries, ensuring you receive medically appropriate care and that billing is submitted properly.
Step 6: Know Your Rights if You Need More Than Medical Help
Some accidents involve long-term consequences—lost wages, chronic pain, or inability to return to work. If your injuries were caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
This is where Misir & Company’s legal expertise makes the difference:
We review your accident and injury documentation
Advise on whether you qualify for a personal injury lawsuit
Serve the required Notice of Action and manage legal deadlines
Work with your treatment providers to build a strong case
If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies, we offer free consultations to assess your options early—when it matters most.
Step 7: Avoid Common Mistakes That Delay Recovery and Compensation
Many people don’t reach out for help until it’s too late to reverse critical errors. Here are a few of the most common:
Waiting Too Long to Get Treatment
Delaying your first assessment or skipping follow-up visits weakens your claim and risks long-term damage to your health.
Incomplete or Incorrect Forms
Not Following Prescribed Treatment
If you don’t follow the care plan set by your provider, insurers may argue your injury isn’t serious or that you’ve prolonged recovery.
Relying on Generic Clinics
Some clinics lack experience with the accident benefit system, leading to administrative errors that slow everything down.
We help clients avoid all of the above by offering step-by-step legal and logistical support from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I didn’t go to the hospital right after the crash?
You can still seek medical care and submit your claim—but the sooner, the better. Delays weaken both your recovery and legal case. We help document timelines and treatment progression for late-onset injuries.
Will my treatments be covered by insurance?
If approved under Ontario’s accident benefits system, most medically necessary care (physio, chiropractic, massage, etc.) will be covered. We help ensure the paperwork and provider setup meet SABS criteria.
Can I switch lawyers or treatment providers if I’m not satisfied?
Yes. You’re not locked into your first choice. We accept clients who need help correcting mistakes or restarting stalled claims.
I already submitted my insurance claim—do I still need a lawyer?
If your injuries are severe, long-lasting, or result in lost income or emotional trauma, legal support ensures you get the compensation you deserve beyond basic benefits.
How Misir & Company Lawyers Can Help You Right Now
From the moment an accident occurs, our job is to guide you through what comes next:
We assist with insurance reporting and benefits claims
Help you access trusted, direct-billing clinics
Monitor your treatment plans and legal rights
Step in quickly when insurers delay, deny, or underpay
Whether you’re just starting your post-accident recovery or feel stuck in paperwork, we simplify the path forward—so you focus on healing, not systems.
Contact Misir & Company Today
Misir & Company Lawyers
880 St Clair Ave West
Toronto, ON, Canada
Phone: 416‑865‑6274
Email: info@misirandcompany.ca
Website: www.misirandcompany.ca