What To Do After a Car Accident in Ottawa (Step-by-Step Guide)
🚨 Step 1: Check for Injuries and Stay Safe
Your safety comes first.
Check yourself, passengers, and others involved
Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured
If safe, move vehicles out of traffic
👉 If there are injuries, Police must attend the scene
👮 Step 2: Who to Call — Ottawa Police vs OPP
Who responds depends on where your accident happens.
🏙️ City Roads (Ottawa Police)
If your accident happens on city streets in Ottawa (Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Stittsville, etc.):
Ottawa Police will attend ONLY if:
There are injuries
There is property damage (house, building, city property)
There is suspected criminal activity
👉 If none of these apply, you will be directed to a Collision Reporting Centre
🛣️ Highways (OPP Jurisdiction)
If your accident happens on highways like:
Highway 417
Highway 416
Highway 7
including on ramps & off ramps
These are handled by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
👉 You should call OPP (*677)
They will:
Tell you if you need to go to the CRC on 1921 Provincial Police Ln
OR an officer will attend the scene
🤝 Step 3: Exchange Information (Mandatory)
Before leaving the scene, all drivers must exchange:
Driver’s licence
Proof of valid insurance
Vehicle ownership
License plate number
Contact information
Also collect:
Witness information (if available)
Passenger details
⚠️ Do not leave without this — it is legally required in Ontario
📍 Step 4: Report to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC)
If there are no injuries or property damage, you must go to a Collision Reporting Centre.
✔ You do NOT have to go to the same location as the other driver
✔ The driver must attend
✔ The vehicle must be brought with you
👉 Go as soon as possible after the accident
🏢 Ottawa Collision Reporting Centre Locations
📍 West Ottawa – Kanata / Stittsville
211 Huntmar Drive, Stittsville, ON
📞 343-545-6999
🕒 Mon–Fri: 8:00 – 18:00
🕒 Sat–Sun: 9:00 – 17:00
📍 Downtown Ottawa
474 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON
📞 613-563-9999
🕒 Mon–Fri: 10:00 – 18:00
📍 East Ottawa – Orleans
3343 St. Joseph Blvd, Orleans, ON
📞 613-590-3999
🕒 Mon–Fri: 9:00 – 17:00
📄 Step 5: What to Bring to the Collision Reporting Centre
Make sure you bring:
Driver’s licence
Vehicle ownership
Proof of insurance
Information exchanged with other driver(s)
Witness information (if applicable)
Passenger information (if applicable)
👉 The driver and vehicle must both be present
🚚 Step 6: If Your Car Needs a Tow
If your vehicle is not drivable after the accident:
A tow truck can transport your vehicle
You can go directly to a Collision Reporting Centre
⚠️ Important Tips Most Drivers Don’t Know
You can report at any CRC location (not the same as the other driver)
Always take photos of the scene and damage
Report the accident as soon as possible
Stay calm and avoid admitting fault at the scene
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