A calm, step-by-step guide for the moments after a crash — protecting yourself legally, dealing with insurance, and knowing your rights when tow trucks arrive.
Nobody plans for it. One moment you're driving home, the next you're standing beside a crumpled bumper wondering what to do. In the shock of the moment, decisions get made quickly — some good, some regrettable. This guide walks you through the right steps after a collision in Alberta, in the order they matter most. Read it now, and it'll be there in your head when you need it.
Before you worry about the car, the insurance, or the other driver's attitude, check yourself and any passengers. Adrenaline hides pain. Move slowly. If anything hurts — neck, back, head, chest — stay still and call 911. Whiplash and internal injuries often don't show up until hours later, and moving around can make them worse.
If everyone is okay and the vehicles are drivable, move them to the shoulder or a parking lot to avoid becoming a secondary hazard. If they can't be moved safely, turn on your hazard lights and stay clear of traffic.
Call 911 immediately if the collision involves:
Call the Edmonton Police non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 if any of these apply:
The $5,000 rule: If combined vehicle damage is $5,000 or more, you MUST report the collision to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) as soon as possible. Failure to report can result in a $405 fine. If you're unsure about the damage amount, get an estimate from a body shop.
Damage under $5,000 with no other complications? Contact your insurance company to talk about your options — a CRC report may still be helpful for your claim.
Edmonton Police front counters no longer process collisions — you must attend a Collision Reporting Centre. There are two locations, both open Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm and Sunday 10am-6pm (closed statutory holidays):
Pro tip: Wait times can be long. Check current wait times at accsupport.com/Edmonton before you head there. You can also start your report from home at reportacollision.accsupport.com — pre-fill your info online, then attend a CRC within 24 hours to finish the process.
If your vehicle is disabled and needs a tow, the tow company can take you and your vehicle directly from the scene to the CRC.
Don't rely on memory. Take photos of everything you need from the other driver:
Do NOT admit fault, apologize, or discuss who caused it. Even "I'm sorry" can be used against you later. Just exchange information calmly and let the insurance companies determine liability.
Your phone is now your best legal defence. Take photos of:
If there are witnesses, ask for their name and phone number. Independent witnesses are gold when insurance companies dispute what happened.
This is where a lot of people get taken advantage of. Random tow trucks often show up to accident scenes uninvited — they monitor police radio and race to be first. You are NOT obligated to use them.
In Alberta, you have the right to choose which towing company handles your vehicle. Don't let a tow operator pressure you into signing paperwork or hooking up your car just because they arrived first. If they insist, that's your first red flag.
Your rights at the scene: You choose the towing company. You choose the destination. You choose the repair shop. Don't sign a blank tow authorization form. Don't let anyone tow your vehicle without your explicit consent.
Predatory towing — when a tow truck arrives at a collision uninvited — is a real problem in Alberta. Both the Edmonton Police Service and the Alberta Motor Association actively warn drivers about it, and there's an official "Know Before The Tow" campaign to help you protect yourself.
The single most effective protection is simple: have a towing company you trust already saved in your phone. If you already know who you're going to call, no random tow operator can pressure you into signing their paperwork. Save Bora Towing's dispatch number now — (780) 340-3434 — so it's there when you need it.
Some tow operators use aggressive tactics because they profit from storage fees, inflated recovery charges, and referring vehicles to shops that pay them kickbacks. Watch for these red flags:
If any of this happens: politely refuse, call a towing company you trust yourself, and ask police to help enforce your choice if needed. A legitimate operator will respect your decision without argument.
Report the accident as soon as safely possible — most Alberta insurance policies require prompt notification. Have ready:
Stick to facts. Don't speculate about fault. Your insurance company will guide you on next steps — repair shops, rental cars, medical care, and any deductibles.
Your insurance company may recommend a shop, but in Alberta you have the right to choose any licensed shop. Consider:
Save this list on your phone right now so it's ready if you ever need it:
Bora Towing has been handling accident recovery in Edmonton and surrounding area since 2013. When you call us to an accident scene, we:
We accept cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and e-transfer. And we treat you like a person, not a payday.
Save this number now so you have it if you need it. Real person answers.