Had an Accident?

The first few minutes after a crash can be critical if the consequences are to be minimized. If you have not been seriously injured during the collision, the following steps should be followed as quickly and calmly as possible.

If there has been any gasoline spilled, make sure the ignitions of any damaged vehicles are turned off and any cigars or cigarettes are extinguished.

Warn approaching traffic by setting up flares (well away from the crash scene) or delegating two people to signal at each end of the collision scene. Turn on the hazard lights of all undamaged vehicles at the scene. This is particularly critical during darkness or at times of reduced visibility when the risk of subsequent collisions is very high.

Make an initial survey of damage, checking for hidden victims. Call 9-1-1 and administer first aid to the injured in order of priority. Injured persons should be moved only if they are in danger of drowning, suffocating, burning or being electrocuted.

If you have not had formal training in first aid, follow these tips:

 

• If the person is unconscious, be sure his or her air passages are clear. False teeth, chewing gum, vomit or mucus can block air passages.
• If the person is not breathing and you are familiar with mouth-to-mouth or artificial respiration, begin the procedure immediately.
• Stop bleeding by applying direct pressure over the wound. A clean piece of tissue or handkerchief may be used. If there is a depressed skull fracture, pressure should not be applied.
• If a person is pinned in a car, do not attempt to move him or her, but be sure the head and spine are firmly supported.
• Reassure the injured individual and stay with him or her until an ambulance or other vehicle is available to take him or her to the hospital.
• Give all information on the first aid that you have applied to the ambulance attendant and the police.

All crashes involving injury or death, hit and run, an impaired driver, an out-of-province vehicle or where a vehicle must be towed from the scene must be immediately reported to police.

Be prepared to give an accurate description of the crash location, the number of injured persons, the severity of the injuries and any other support services that may be required, such as ambulance, firefighting, rescuing or towing. Stay on the phone long enough to make certain that all the information has been recorded.

Record the names and contact information of any witnesses to assist the police with their investigation. Keep a copy of the names for your insurance company or lawyer in case any legal action follows.

Take photographs of the collision scene, vehicles involved in the crash and road conditions.

If asked, you are required to provide a statement to police if you were a driver, passenger or witness.

If you are involved in a collision in which there are no injuries or deaths, that does not involve a hit and run or an impaired driver, that does not involve an out-of-province vehicle and where all vehicles can be driven from the scene of the collision, you must provide the vehicle owner with your name, address, driver’s licence number and any relevant insurance information.

If a vehicle involved in the collision is a truck displaying a dangerous goods placard, you must take extra care in case the vehicle is discharging a dangerous substance.

As a driver in Saskatchewan, you are required to provide your name, address, driver’s licence number and vehicle licence plate number to any other persons involved in a collision, regardless of the severity. You should also record the licence plate number of all vehicles involved in the collision. If a non-Saskatchewan vehicle is involved, or if you are involved in a collision outside Saskatchewan, you are also required to provide information on the company that insures your vehicle.

Do not admit fault or any other liability before discussing the details of the collision with your insurance adjuster.

Do not offer to pay for any repairs or accept payment for repairs unless you are prepared to handle the matter without the help of your insurance company.

You can report your claim online using the SGI Auto eClaim registration service, or call Dial-A-Claim at the claims centre closest to your home (see the SGI information pages at the front of every SaskTel phone book).

When you report a claim, we will set up an appointment to have your vehicle appraised and the damage assessed. You can set up an appointment at an SGI Claims Centre or your adjuster may tell you that you can take your vehicle directly to us to complete the assessment. To help you avoid delays, please don’t visit a claims centre for an appraisal without first calling Dial-A-Claim or using eClaim.

If your vehicle is not driveable, call Dial-A-Claim to make arrangements with an adjuster. Your vehicle will be towed to a location where the damage can be appraised.

To speed up the process when you report your claim, have the following information on hand: your driver’s license, the vehicle registration and, if you have one, your auto extension policy number.

Collisions involving injury, death, hit and run, an impaired driver, vehicles that have to be towed from the scene or an out-of-province vehicle must also be reported to the police.