What to Do After a Car Accident in Edmonton: The Complete 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
🚨 Emergency Quick Reference
Injuries or danger? Call 911 immediately. Property damage only over $5,000? Go to an Edmonton Collision Reporting Centre. Need your car towed from the scene? Call (780) 435-2065 — you have the legal right to choose your own tow company. Do NOT accept an unsolicited tow truck that arrives without being called.
EPS Non-Emergency: 780-423-4567 | Accident Recovery Towing: (780) 435-2065
Being in a car accident is disorienting. Your heart is pounding, you may be in pain, and you are suddenly expected to make a series of important decisions — about safety, about police, about insurance, about your damaged vehicle — while in a state of shock. Most people have never been through it before and do not know the steps.
This guide gives you a clear, numbered sequence of everything to do after a car accident in Edmonton in 2026 — from the first 30 seconds at the scene through filing your accident report in Edmonton, dealing with insurance, getting your car towed safely, and understanding your legal rights under Alberta’s new consumer protection laws. We wrote this from the perspective of what actually happens in practice — including the towing decisions most guides skip over entirely.
Bookmark this page. Save it to your phone. You do not want to be reading it for the first time while standing on the shoulder of the Henday.
The 10 Steps to Follow After a Car Accident in Edmonton
Stop Immediately and Stay at the Scene
It is illegal in Alberta to leave the scene of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Pull over as close to the accident location as safely possible. Turn on your hazard lights. If it is dark, turn on your interior dome light so other drivers can see your vehicle. Leaving the scene can result in criminal charges — even if you caused only minor damage.
Check for Injuries — Call 911 If Anyone Is Hurt
Check yourself, your passengers, and the occupants of any other vehicles. If anyone is injured — even with seemingly minor complaints like neck pain or dizziness — call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move anyone who may have a spinal injury.
Even if you feel fine in the moment, adrenaline can mask symptoms. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries often do not present fully until hours or days later. Make a mental note to see a doctor within 24–48 hours regardless.
Move Vehicles to Safety (If Possible)
If both vehicles are driveable and it is safe to do so, move them to the road shoulder, a parking lot, or another location out of traffic. This prevents secondary collisions — a real danger on the Henday, Whitemud, or Yellowhead at speed. The Government of Alberta advises moving vehicles when safe; failure to do so can result in further damage that your insurer may not cover.
Steps 4–5: Gather Information and Evidence
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Collect the following from every driver involved:
📋 Full name and contact number — 📋 Driver’s licence number — 📋 Insurance company name and policy number — 📋 Vehicle make, model, colour, and year — 📋 Licence plate number — 📋 Vehicle registration
Important: Be polite but do NOT admit fault, apologize, or say “I’m sorry.” Even a casual apology can be used against you in an insurance claim. Stick to exchanging factual information.
Document Everything — Photos and Witnesses
Use your phone to photograph:
📸 All vehicle damage (close-up and wide angle) — 📸 Licence plates of all vehicles involved — 📸 The accident scene showing road conditions, traffic signs, and vehicle positions — 📸 Skid marks, debris, broken glass patterns — 📸 Any visible injuries — 📸 Weather and lighting conditions
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Witness testimony can be critical for disputed insurance claims. Write down what happened immediately while it is fresh — your memory will be less accurate hours later.
Steps 6–7: Report the Accident and Arrange Towing
Determine Where to File Your Accident Report in Edmonton
This is where many Edmonton drivers get confused. Here is the decision framework for accident reporting in Edmonton:
🔴 CALL 911
Any injuries or fatalities • Criminal activity suspected (DUI, stolen vehicle) • Pedestrian or cyclist struck • Dangerous goods spill • Scene is unsafe
🟡 CALL EPS NON-EMERGENCY
780-423-4567 • Hit-and-run • Dangerous goods involved • Large commercial vehicle • Uninsured driver • Unsure what to do
🟢 GO TO CRC
Property damage only • Damage exceeds $5,000 • No injuries • Within Edmonton city limits • All drivers cooperating
Alberta law requires all collisions with combined property damage exceeding $5,000 to be reported. Failing to report a qualifying collision can result in a $405 fine. Edmonton Police Service no longer processes collision reports at their stations — you must go to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) for property-damage-only collisions. You can check current wait times at the ASSI Edmonton CRC page. For complete CRC details — locations, hours, what to bring, and what to expect — see our Collision Reporting Centre Edmonton guide.
Get Your Vehicle Towed Safely — And Choose Your Own Company
If your vehicle cannot be driven, you need a tow. This is where many accident victims get taken advantage of. Here is what you need to know:
✅ You choose who tows your vehicle. No one — not police, not a bystander, not an uninvited tow truck — can force you to use a specific company.
✅ You choose where your vehicle goes. Your preferred body shop, the CRC, your home — you decide the destination.
✅ Refuse any tow truck that arrives without being called. Under Alberta’s 2026 towing laws, operators cannot solicit within 200 metres of a collision scene. If one approaches you uninvited, say “No thank you, I’m calling my own company.”
✅ Demand a written cost estimate before any towing begins — this is now legally required.
✅ Use a flatbed tow truck for accident-damaged vehicles. Wheel-lift towing can cause additional damage to a car with compromised suspension, steering, or body panels.
Accident Recovery Towing — On Your Terms
24/7 • Flatbed towing • Written estimates • Insurance billing • You choose the destination
Steps 8–10: Insurance, Medical, and Documentation
Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer as soon as possible — ideally the same day. Most Alberta policies require notification within 30 days, but sooner is always better for your claim. Have the following ready when you call:
Your policy number — Date, time, and location of the accident — Description of what happened — Other driver’s information — Police report or CRC report number — Photos of damage
Caution: Be factual with your insurer, but do not speculate about fault or provide more detail than asked. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. If the accident involved injuries, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer before giving a recorded statement. We offer insurance billing for towing, so the tow cost may be covered directly by your policy.
See a Doctor Within 48 Hours
Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic within 48 hours. Many accident injuries — whiplash, concussions, internal bruising, herniated discs — have delayed onset. A medical record created shortly after the accident is also critical evidence if you later need to make an injury claim. Alberta’s accident benefits coverage under your auto insurance includes medical expenses, but you must document them properly.
Keep a Record of Everything Going Forward
Create a folder — digital or physical — for all accident-related documents: photos, the CRC or police report, insurance claim numbers, repair estimates, medical bills, rental car receipts, and any correspondence. If the claim becomes disputed or goes to court, this organized documentation is invaluable. Keep it for at least two years — Alberta’s limitation period for personal injury claims.
🚫 What NOT to Do After an Accident
Mistakes made in the minutes after a car accident in Edmonton can cost you thousands in insurance claims or put you at legal risk:
🚫 Do NOT leave the scene — even for a minor fender bender. It is illegal.
🚫 Do NOT admit fault or apologize. Fault is determined by insurers and adjusters, not at the scene.
🚫 Do NOT accept an unsolicited tow truck. You have the legal right to refuse and choose your own company.
🚫 Do NOT sign anything from a tow operator you did not call — especially a blank authorization form.
🚫 Do NOT skip the accident report because the damage “doesn’t look that bad.” Body work and mechanical damage often cost more than $5,000 — the threshold for mandatory accident reporting in Edmonton.
🚫 Do NOT post about the accident on social media. Insurance companies and opposing lawyers monitor social media. Even an innocent post can be used against your claim.
🚫 Do NOT skip the doctor visit. No medical record = no proof of injury = no compensation.
🚗 The Towing Decision: Where Should Your Car Go?
After an accident, you have three common options for your damaged vehicle:
Our accident recovery service handles all three scenarios. We use flatbed trucks exclusively for accident-damaged vehicles, and we offer direct insurance billing so you may not need to pay out of pocket. For tips on selecting a reliable tow company for any situation, see our guide to choosing a towing company.
📅 After the Scene: Insurance and Repair Timeline
Here is a realistic timeline of what happens after the accident scene is cleared:
Same day: File your accident report at the CRC (if property damage only). Call your insurance company. See a doctor if any symptoms.
Day 1–3: Insurance adjuster contacts you. They may send an appraiser to inspect damage or ask you to get repair estimates. Continue documenting any injuries or symptoms.
Day 3–7: Adjuster determines if vehicle is repairable or a total loss. If repairable, you choose your body shop (insurer may suggest one, but you are not required to use it). If total loss, they make a settlement offer.
Week 1–4: Repairs completed (if repairable). If total loss, negotiate fair market value with insurer.
Up to 2 years: If injuries are significant, you may pursue further compensation. Alberta’s limitation period for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident.
For broader roadside assistance beyond accident recovery — including battery boosts, tire changes, lockouts, and fuel delivery — visit our full services page. We serve all of Edmonton plus Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, and Leduc. For a general winter readiness plan, see our winter car help guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Edmonton
Do I have to report every car accident in Edmonton?
You must report any collision where combined property damage exceeds $5,000 or where there are injuries. For property-damage-only collisions over $5,000, you file your accident report in Edmonton at a Collision Reporting Centre. Failing to report can result in a $405 fine.
Where do I file an accident report in Edmonton?
For property-damage-only collisions, go to one of Edmonton’s two Collision Reporting Centres: North (15750 116 Ave NW) or South (5805 87A St NW). Edmonton Police no longer process collision reports at their stations. For collisions involving injuries or criminal activity, call 911 — police will attend the scene.
Can I choose my own tow company after an accident?
Yes — this is your legal right under Alberta law. No one can force you to use a specific tow company. Under the 2026 regulations, tow operators cannot even approach within 200 metres of a collision scene unless invited by authorized personnel. If an uninvited tow truck arrives, you can refuse.
Does my insurance cover accident towing?
Most comprehensive auto insurance policies in Alberta include some form of roadside assistance or towing coverage after an accident. We offer direct insurance billing, so we can bill your insurer directly — you may owe nothing out of pocket for the tow.
Should I admit fault at the accident scene?
No. Never admit fault, apologize, or accept blame at the scene. Fault is determined later by insurance adjusters based on evidence, witness statements, and traffic laws. Anything you say at the scene can be used to attribute fault to you — even a casual “I’m sorry.”
What is the $5,000 damage threshold in Alberta?
Alberta law requires reporting any collision where the combined property damage to all vehicles exceeds $5,000. This threshold was increased from $2,000 in January 2024. Even a moderate fender bender can exceed $5,000 once paint, bumper, sensor, and frame damage are factored in — when in doubt, report it.
How long do I have to file an insurance claim after an accident?
Most Alberta auto insurance policies require notification within 30 days, but check your specific policy. For personal injury claims, Alberta’s limitation period is 2 years from the date of the accident. Report to your insurer as soon as possible — delays can complicate your claim.
What if the accident happened outside Edmonton city limits?
If the collision occurred outside Edmonton — in Sherwood Park, Leduc, Spruce Grove, or rural Strathcona County — you must report it to the RCMP detachment with jurisdiction over that area, not at an Edmonton CRC.
What should I do if the other driver is uninsured?
If you discover the other driver has no insurance, call Edmonton Police non-emergency at 780-423-4567 to report it — driving without insurance is illegal in Alberta. Your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage should cover your damages. Document everything and contact your insurer immediately.
Can I get a copy of my collision report?
Yes. You receive a printed report at the CRC after your visit. You can also obtain a copy through the Government of Alberta’s Online Collision Report System. Keep this report — you will need it for your insurance claim.
In an Accident? We Are 20 Minutes Away.
Flatbed accident recovery. Insurance billing. Written estimates. You choose where your car goes.