Keep in mind you MUST report to the nearest Collision Reporting Centre in the jurisdiction where the collision actually took place, and not the location closest to your home address.
Motor Vehicle Collisions
The collision must have taken place in the city of Hamilton. Vehicle MUST be present for a report to be completed.
Steps to be taken by all drivers before arriving at the Collision Reporting Centre:
- Check the Exceptions list that follow to determine if police presence is required.
- If it is safe to do so, remove vehicle from the roadway.
- Exchange information with the other involved drivers/parties, including independent witnesses. Obtain names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance and vehicle information, including driver’s licence and plate number.
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As soon as possible, go to the Collision Reporting Centre with your vehicle.
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If your vehicle is drivable you have 48 hours to report your collision. If your vehicle is disabled and needs a tow, the tow company will transport you and your vehicle to the Collision Reporting Centre directly from the scene.
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During business hours, vehicles requiring a tow from the scene MUST BE towed directly to the Collision Reporting Centre.
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During non-business hours, vehicles can be towed to the location of your choice (i.e. your home). You have 48 hours to attend the Collision Reporting Centre with your vehicle. Your tow company shall return your vehicle to the CRC the next business day at their earliest convenience for photographs
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Bring your documentation with you to the Collision Reporting Centre (driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance). The driver must report to the Collision Reporting Centre with the vehicle.
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Pedestrians and cyclist with injuries minor in nature can attend the Collision Centre to report with valid photo identification within 48 hours of the incident.
Exceptions
Motor vehicle collisions occurring in the City of Hamilton ONLY, may be referred to the CRC EXCEPT in the following circumstances;
- Collisions resulting in death, serious bodily harm/bodily harm and ANY case where an involved party is transported to the hospital by EMS;
- Collisions involving government, municipal or services vehicles; (Police, Fire, EMS,); City buses and slow plows can attend the CRC;
- Collisions involving vehicles carrying hazardous/dangerous goods;
- Collisions involving criminal activity, suspended drivers, no insurance or when alcohol or drug use is a factor;
- Collisions causing traffic blockages (Where no other exception exists, once cleared, drivers may be directed to CRC);
- Damage to property that creates a safety concern. (Damage to private or public property (i.e. fence, utility pole) may be referred to CRC after an officer attends to determine ownership, and any safety concerns, if no safety concerns exist, the rightful owner is identified and CRC criteria is met, driver(s) may be directed to CRC.)
- Fail to remain collisions can attend the CRC to report, if valid suspect information is available the file will be escalated to an officer for assistance in obtaining the information for the party that failed to remain
