Ontario legal information · Sources appear with each important rule
Collision reporting depends on injury and whether vehicles can be driven
Ottawa Police publishes current directions about when to call 911, when to use the non-emergency number and when a Collision Reporting Centre may be appropriate. Check the current page rather than relying on an old checklist.
Keep the report or occurrence information, photographs, driver and insurance details, witness contacts and any towing or repair record. Seek medical attention based on health needs, not on whether vehicle damage appears minor.
A claim against the City is not the same as an insurance claim
The City of Ottawa directs people to submit claims in writing and recommends doing so within 10 days in all circumstances to avoid missing a possible notice period.2 The City’s page lists the information requested and the available submission methods.
Identify the exact location, date, time, condition, witnesses and any contractor. Preserve photographs and measurements before snow, repairs, traffic or weather change the scene.
The Ottawa courthouse provides civil and accessibility information
Ontario lists the Ottawa courthouse at 161 Elgin Street and publishes current civil, Small Claims Court, counter-service and accessibility contacts.3 Check the official listing before attending because services and hours can change.
A courthouse provides filing and administrative services; it does not give legal advice. The correct court, procedure and limitation analysis depend on the claim.
Use the Law Society directory to check practising status
The Law Society of Ontario directory allows a person to search by name, location, language and area of law, and to check a lawyer’s or paralegal’s practising status.4
The Law Society Referral Service can also connect an Ontario resident with a participating legal professional for an initial consultation of up to 30 minutes.5 Confirm fees and scope directly.
How a personal injury lawyer may use this information.
General information explains the framework. Legal advice should connect that framework to the event, the people and insurers involved, the available records and the deadlines in the individual claim.
- Identify who may be responsible and which policies or benefits may respond.
- Build the medical, functional, financial and event evidence around disputed issues.
- Protect notices and deadlines and explain the available next steps.
Sources and legal references
The numbered footnotes link to the official sources used on this page.
View 5 sources
- Ottawa Police Service — Collision reporting
Current emergency, non-emergency and Collision Reporting Centre directions.
Back to footnote ↑ - City of Ottawa — About filing a claim with the City
Official submission methods, requested information and notice guidance.
Back to footnote ↑ - Ontario — Ottawa Courthouse
Current address, civil contacts, hours and accessibility information.
Back to footnote ↑ - Law Society of Ontario — Lawyer and Paralegal Directory
Verify Ontario licensee status and business information.
Back to footnote ↑ - Law Society of Ontario — Referral Service
Official information about the referral process and initial consultation.
Back to footnote ↑