Keswick, a vibrant community nestled on the shores of Lake Simcoe in the town of Georgina, is known for its scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere. However, even in such idyllic settings, car accidents can occur. Knowing how to respond in the immediate aftermath of a collision is crucial for ensuring your safety and protecting your rights.
What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Keswick
- Ensure Safety: The primary concern after any accident is the well-being of those involved. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Move vehicles off the roadway if possible, turn on hazard lights, and use warning triangles or flares to alert oncoming traffic.
- Contact the Police: For accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage, contact the York Regional Police at their non-emergency number, 1-866-876-5423. They will dispatch officers to the scene to investigate the accident and file a report.
- Exchange Information: Collect essential information from all parties involved, including names, contact details, license plate numbers, insurance information, and vehicle descriptions.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene from various angles, capturing the damage to all vehicles, the position of the vehicles, any skid marks, traffic signs, and any other relevant details. If there were any witnesses, obtain their contact information as well.
- Report to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information you have gathered and cooperate fully with their investigation.
Reporting the Accident in Keswick
Keswick does not have its own collision reporting center. However, if the accident resulted in injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $2,000, it must be reported to the police. The nearest collision reporting centers are located in Newmarket and Richmond Hill.
Seeking Medical Attention in Keswick
If you are injured in a car accident, seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries seem minor. The Keswick Urgent Care Centre, located on The Queensway South, can provide initial assessment and treatment. For more serious injuries, the nearest hospital is the Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, which is approximately a 15-minute drive from Keswick.
Accident Benefits and Lawsuits in Ontario
In Ontario, car insurance operates under a no-fault system. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, you are entitled to certain benefits from your own insurance company. These benefits may include:
- Income Replacement Benefits: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be eligible for income replacement benefits.
- Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits: These benefits cover medical expenses such as prescription drugs, physiotherapy, and other rehabilitation services.
- Attendant Care Benefits: If you require assistance with daily activities due to your injuries, you may be eligible for attendant care benefits.
- Non-Earner Benefits: If you were not employed at the time of the accident, you may be entitled to non-earner benefits.
In addition to accident benefits, if another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you may also be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover damages for pain and suffering, lost income, and other losses.
The Importance of Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer in Keswick
Navigating the legal and insurance processes after a car accident can be complex and overwhelming. A personal injury lawyer in Keswick can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also help you maximize your compensation and ensure that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.