What to Do After a Car Accident in Regina: Step by Step
⚠️ EMERGENCY QUICK REFERENCE
After any car accident in Regina: 1) Check for injuries — call 911 if anyone is hurt. 2) Move to safety if possible. 3) Turn on hazard lights. 4) Call police if required. 5) Exchange information with the other driver. 6) Document everything with photos. 7) Call for emergency road service if the vehicle is not drivable. 8) Report to SGI within 24 hours. Do not admit fault, do not leave the scene, and do not skip documentation — even for minor fender benders.
🚨 Vehicle not drivable? Call (639) 477-9924 for an accident tow truck immediately.
Why Most Drivers Handle Accidents Wrong — And How to Get It Right
A car accident scrambles your brain. Adrenaline floods your system, your hands shake, sounds seem louder, and your ability to think clearly drops dramatically. In that state, most people either freeze and do nothing, panic and do the wrong things, or rush through the process and miss critical steps that cost them later during the insurance claim.
In Saskatchewan, where SGI is the sole auto insurer, the post-accident process follows specific rules. Knowing these rules before an accident happens is the difference between a smooth claim and months of frustration.
At Regina Towing, we respond to accident scenes every day. We see what people do right and — more often — what they forget. This guide walks you through every step from the moment of impact to the moment your vehicle is safely at a repair facility, written from the driver’s perspective. For what happens on the towing side, see our accident towing guide.
10 Steps to Follow After a Car Accident in Regina
Follow these steps in order. Bookmark this page on your phone — you may need it at the worst possible moment.
1
STOP — Do Not Leave the Scene
Pull over immediately and stop your vehicle. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence in Canada — even for minor collisions. If the accident happened in a traffic lane, move to the nearest safe shoulder or parking lot if both vehicles are drivable. Turn off your engine.
2
Check for Injuries
Check yourself, your passengers, and the occupants of the other vehicle. If anyone is injured — or might be injured — call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger (fire, traffic). Adrenaline can mask pain, so even if you feel fine, be aware that symptoms like neck pain, headache, or dizziness may appear hours later.
3
Turn On Hazard Lights and Secure the Scene
Activate your four-way flashers immediately. If you have road flares, reflective triangles, or a high-visibility vest, use them — especially at night, on Ring Road, or in poor weather. A secondary collision caused by other drivers not seeing the accident scene is a real and common danger in Regina, particularly on high-speed roads.
4
Call the Police (When Required)
In Saskatchewan, you must report an accident to police if: anyone is injured, combined vehicle damage appears to exceed $2,000, a driver may be impaired, a driver flees the scene, or a government vehicle is involved. For minor fender benders with no injuries and damage under $2,000, you may not need police at the scene — but you still must report to SGI. When in doubt, call the Regina Police non-emergency line and let them decide whether to attend.
5
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Collect the following from every other driver involved: full name, phone number, driver’s licence number, vehicle licence plate number, vehicle make/model/year/colour, and insurance information (in Saskatchewan, everyone has SGI — but note their policy number if available). Be polite, factual, and brief. Do not discuss who caused the accident at this stage.
6
Document Everything With Photos
This is the step most people skip — and it is the step that matters most for your SGI claim. Use your phone to photograph: all damage on every vehicle from multiple angles, licence plates, the position of vehicles on the road, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs and signals, weather conditions, and any debris. Take a wide shot showing the full scene and close-ups of specific damage. More photos is always better — you cannot go back and retake them later.
7
Get Witness Information
If any bystanders, pedestrians, or other drivers saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number. Witness statements can be critical in disputed-fault claims. Once witnesses leave the scene, they are nearly impossible to locate later. A simple “Did you see what happened? Could I get your name and number for insurance?” takes 30 seconds and can save your claim.
8
Call for Emergency Towing if Needed
If your vehicle is not safe to drive — fluids leaking, wheels damaged, airbags deployed, steering compromised, or significant structural damage — call for an accident tow truck at (639) 477-9924. Tell the dispatcher you are at an accident scene and need emergency towing service. Do not accept towing from an uninvited tow truck — call your own. We can bill SGI directly in most collision situations.
9
Report to SGI Within 24 Hours
File your claim with SGI online, by phone at 1-844-855-2744, or at any SGI claims centre. Provide the police file number (if applicable), the other driver’s information, your photos, and the towing receipt or invoice number. The sooner you file, the faster the process moves. Delayed reporting can complicate coverage.
10
See a Doctor — Even if You Feel Fine
Whiplash, soft-tissue injuries, and concussions often do not produce symptoms for 24 to 72 hours after impact. Visit a doctor or walk-in clinic within a day or two — even if you feel completely fine at the scene. A medical record created shortly after the accident protects you if symptoms develop later and supports any injury claim through SGI.
7 Things You Should Never Do After a Car Accident
What you do not do is just as important as what you do. These mistakes can hurt your claim, your legal position, and your recovery:
- Do not admit fault. Even a casual “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you” can be used as an admission of liability. Stick to facts: “Are you okay?” and “Let’s exchange information.” Let SGI determine fault based on evidence.
- Do not leave the scene. Leaving — even if you think the damage is minor — is a criminal offence in Canada. Stay until you have exchanged information and, if required, waited for police.
- Do not skip photos because it is cold or dark. Saskatchewan winters make it tempting to rush through documentation. Force yourself to take those photos — they are the single most valuable piece of evidence in your claim. Use your phone’s flash.
- Do not agree to “settle without insurance.” The other driver might offer to pay cash to avoid an SGI claim. This leaves you with no protection if hidden damage surfaces later, if their cheque bounces, or if you develop injury symptoms days afterward.
- Do not accept a tow from an uninvited truck. Tow truck chasers at accident scenes charge inflated rates and may take your car to a shop that serves their interests, not yours. Read our guide on choosing a towing company to understand why this matters.
- Do not post about the accident on social media. Anything you post — photos, comments, frustrations — can be used by the other party’s insurance or legal team. Keep all accident information private until the claim is resolved.
- Do not drive a damaged vehicle. If there is visible structural damage, fluid leaking, a deployed airbag, or any steering or braking issue, the vehicle is unsafe. Call for an emergency towing service — the tow cost is a fraction of what a secondary accident caused by a compromised vehicle would cost. Our accident towing service gets you and the vehicle off the road safely.
The Accident Documentation Checklist Every Regina Driver Needs
Screenshot this checklist and keep it on your phone. In the chaos of an accident, a checklist keeps you from forgetting critical steps:
📸 PHOTOS TO TAKE:
☐ Wide shot of entire scene showing vehicle positions and road
☐ Close-up of damage on your vehicle — all angles
☐ Close-up of damage on the other vehicle — all angles
☐ Licence plates of all vehicles involved
☐ Skid marks, road debris, or broken glass patterns
☐ Traffic signs, signals, and road markings
☐ Weather and road conditions (ice, wet, construction)
📋 INFORMATION TO COLLECT:
☐ Other driver’s full name and phone number
☐ Other driver’s licence number
☐ Other vehicle’s licence plate, make, model, year, colour
☐ Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
☐ Police file number (if police attended)
☐ Exact location — intersection name or GPS coordinates
When You Must Call Police After an Accident in Saskatchewan
According to SGI guidelines, you must contact police if:
- Anyone is injured or killed
- Combined property damage appears to exceed $2,000
- A driver appears to be impaired by alcohol or drugs
- A driver leaves the scene (hit and run)
- A government-owned vehicle is involved
- You suspect fraud or staged accident behaviour
For collisions that do not meet these criteria — minor parking lot scrapes, low-speed bumper contact with no injuries — you can exchange information and report directly to SGI without police attendance. However, having a police report strengthens your claim in any disputed-fault situation, so calling police is generally the safer choice even when not strictly required.
When You Need Emergency Towing After an Accident
Not every accident requires a tow. Here is how to determine whether you need emergency road service or can drive away:
🚛 YOU NEED A TOW IF…
✘ Airbags deployed
✘ Fluids leaking under the vehicle
✘ Wheels are bent, flat, or not pointing straight
✘ Steering pulls hard or feels loose
✘ Bumper, fender, or hood is blocking a wheel or light
✘ Engine will not start or stalls immediately
🚗 YOU MAY BE ABLE TO DRIVE IF…
✔ Cosmetic damage only (scratches, small dents)
✔ All lights function normally
✔ Steering feels normal and tracks straight
✔ No fluid leaks visible
✔ Tires are intact and properly inflated
✔ No warning lights on dashboard
When in doubt, err on the side of towing. Hidden damage — especially to alignment, suspension, and the subframe — can make a vehicle dangerous at highway speed even when it appears drivable. A flatbed tow to a mechanic costs far less than a second accident caused by unseen structural damage. For guidance on flatbed vs wheel-lift towing, see our comparison guide.
The Most Common Accident Locations in Regina
Based on our accident response patterns, these are the areas where we are called most frequently for emergency roadside accident towing:
- Ring Road — High speed, heavy traffic, limited shoulders. Single-vehicle ditching and rear-end collisions in winter are extremely common here.
- Victoria Avenue (Highway 1 East) — One of the busiest corridors in the city with multiple lane-change and turning-movement collisions.
- Downtown intersections — Pedestrian-involved incidents, left-turn collisions, and parking lot scrapes.
- Harbour Landing and Chuka Boulevard — Growing traffic volume in a newer subdivision with unfamiliar intersection patterns.
- Albert Street South — High commercial traffic, frequent red-light violations, and multi-lane confusion.
- Highway 1 West and Lewvan Drive interchange — Merging conflicts and speed differential between city traffic and highway speed.
What Happens After the Accident Scene Is Cleared
Once you have left the scene and your vehicle is either at a shop, in storage, or at home, the next phase begins:
File with SGI immediately. As mentioned, report within 24 hours. Online at sgi.sk.ca/claims is the fastest method.
SGI assigns an adjuster. An adjuster reviews your claim, assesses fault, and arranges for a vehicle damage appraisal. This typically happens within a few business days.
Vehicle is appraised. An SGI appraiser inspects the damage and determines whether the vehicle is repairable or a total loss. Your comprehensive photos from the scene support this process.
Repairs are authorized or settlement is offered. If repairable, SGI authorizes the repair shop to proceed. If totalled, SGI offers fair market value minus your deductible. During this entire process, our insurance-approved accident towing documentation ensures the towing costs are properly included in your claim.
Emergency Road Service Across All of Regina
We respond to accident calls across every neighbourhood — Albert Park, Normanview, University Park, Arcola East, Lakeview, Ring Road, and all surrounding highways. Our full roadside assistance and 24-hour towing service means we are available when accidents happen — day, night, weekends, and holidays. View our complete service area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Regina
Should I call 911 or the non-emergency line after an accident?
Call 911 if anyone is injured, if the road is blocked and creating a dangerous situation, or if a driver appears impaired. For minor collisions with no injuries on side streets or parking lots, the Regina Police non-emergency line (306-777-6500) is appropriate. When in doubt, call 911 — they will redirect you if the situation does not warrant emergency response.
Do I have to report every accident to SGI?
Yes, if you want insurance coverage for any damage. Even minor incidents should be reported to protect yourself in case the other driver later claims injuries or additional damage. There is no penalty for reporting a minor accident, but there can be significant consequences for not reporting one.
How long do I have to file an SGI claim after an accident?
File as soon as possible — ideally within 24 hours. While SGI does not impose a strict short-term deadline for property damage claims, delays complicate the process, may raise questions about the validity of the claim, and can affect coverage for storage fees. Injury claims have longer filing windows but should also be initiated promptly.
Who pays for the tow truck after an accident?
In most collision situations, SGI covers the towing cost as part of your claim. If you use a towing company that works with SGI — like us — we can often bill SGI directly so you pay nothing at the scene. If you pay upfront, keep the receipt and submit it with your claim for reimbursement. See our SGI towing claims guide for full details.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
In Saskatchewan, all registered vehicles are insured through SGI — so uninsured drivers are rare on legally registered vehicles. However, if you are hit by an unregistered vehicle, a stolen vehicle, or a hit-and-run driver, SGI has provisions to cover your claim. Report the incident to police and file with SGI as normal.
Can I choose which mechanic repairs my car after an accident?
Yes. SGI allows you to choose your repair shop. The shop must follow SGI’s repair standards and pricing guidelines, but the choice is yours. Do not let anyone — the towing company, the other driver, or a random recommendation — pressure you into using a specific shop you do not trust.
What if I am in an accident in a parking lot?
Parking lot accidents follow the same rules: stop, check for injuries, exchange information, take photos, and report to SGI. Police attendance is generally not required for minor parking lot incidents. If the other driver is not present (they hit your parked car and left), document the damage and file a hit-and-run report with SGI and police.
Should I move my car after an accident or leave it where it is?
If both vehicles are drivable and the accident is in a traffic lane creating a hazard, move to the nearest safe location — a shoulder, parking lot, or side street. Take photos of the original positions first if you can do so safely. If the vehicles are not drivable or moving them is unsafe, leave them and wait for emergency services.
What if the accident happens at night on an empty road?
Follow the same steps — safety, hazard lights, documentation, police if required, and emergency road service for towing. Nighttime accidents require extra visibility precautions: keep hazard lights on, stay in your vehicle with seatbelt on, and call (639) 477-9924 for an accident tow truck. Our 24-hour towing service is fully operational overnight.
Will my SGI rates go up after an accident?
It depends on fault. If you are not at fault, your safety rating and premiums typically remain unaffected. If you are at fault, the collision affects your SGI safety rating, which may increase your premiums. However, not reporting an accident does not protect your rates — it just leaves you without coverage. Always report and let SGI make the determination.
Accident? We Handle the Tow. You Handle the Claim.
Accident towing with direct SGI billing. Available 24/7 across all of Regina.
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DISCLAIMER
Disclaimer: All prices mentioned in this article are provided for general reference and informational purposes only. These prices are not fixed and may vary depending on facts, market conditions, location, time, availability, or other relevant factors. Actual prices may change without prior notice. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Saskatchewan traffic laws and SGI policies may change — always confirm current requirements directly with SGI or legal counsel. Readers are advised to verify details independently before making any decisions.
