Being injured in an accident while traveling can be overwhelming—especially when it happens outside Canada. For Ontario residents visiting California, the confusion is often compounded by unfamiliar laws, insurance systems, and uncertainty about who to trust. Knowing what steps to take early can make a significant difference in protecting your health and your legal rights.
1. Prioritize Your Safety and Medical Care
Your first concern should always be your health. Call emergency services if needed and seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries take time to appear, and medical records created immediately after the accident are often critical later.
2. Document What Happened
If you’re able, take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicles, hazards, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and keep copies of any incident or police reports. In California, evidence can disappear quickly, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
3. Avoid Giving Detailed Statements Too Soon
Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident. While it’s okay to provide basic information, avoid detailed statements or accepting fault before you understand your legal position. What you say early on can affect your claim later.
4. Understand That California Law Is Different
California operates under a different legal and insurance framework than Ontario. Rules around liability, damages, and timelines vary, and assumptions based on Ontario law may not apply. This is where many travelers unknowingly make costly mistakes.
5. Start With a Lawyer From Home
For many Ontarians, the most reassuring step is speaking first with an Ontario-licensed lawyer. A lawyer based in Ontario understands your concerns, can explain the process clearly, and help determine whether your case needs to be handled by California counsel.
6. Get Connected to the Right Local Representation
If your case requires legal action in California, it must be handled by a licensed California lawyer. A trusted referral ensures your case is managed locally by professionals familiar with California courts, insurers, and procedures—without you having to navigate that search alone.
Accidents abroad are stressful, but you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Taking the right steps early can protect your recovery and give you confidence moving forward.
