See all posts by Diamond and Diamond Lawyers
Toronto welcomed 8.95 million tourists in 2023. Although seven percent short of pre-pandemic levels, it is still enough to make it to Travel + Leisure’s top five most-visited Canadian Cities for 2023.
Ontario’s vibrant capital is undoubtedly a popular destination for tourists worldwide. With its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and numerous attractions, the city serves up a multicultural experience rarely paralleled elsewhere.
However, accidents can happen anywhere, and getting injured during your visit to Toronto is possible. Regardless of the circumstances, maintaining presence of mind is crucial in getting the timely help you need. Here are the most critical steps to take when injured as a tourist in Toronto:
A Step-by-Step Guide
Any injury demands prompt and informed action. From seeking immediate medical attention to understanding insurance coverage, these steps empower you to address your emergency effectively while visiting the fascinating city of Toronto:
Assess your injury
The first step is to assess the severity of your injury. See if it requires immediate medical attention or first aid. If you’re uncertain about the extent of your injury, err on the side of caution and go to the nearest hospital. You can also check the Health Connect Ontario website to connect with a registered nurse.
Call for emergency services
In case of a severe injury or a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Toronto has a well-established emergency response service available in up to 240 languages. Provide your location and a brief description of the situation to the operator. Stay on the line and follow any instructions given until help arrives.
Locate the nearest medical facility
Find the nearest medical facility if your injury is not severe enough to demand emergency care but still requires medical attention. If you find yourself carrying too many personal items, consider dropping them off at a luggage storage location in Toronto. This way, you won’t have to worry about losing them while on your way to seek medical help.
Toronto boasts a network of hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. From big hospitals like St. Michael’s Hospital to specialized clinics like Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the city prioritizes accessible healthcare.
Alternatively, you can explore Toronto Western Hospital’s walk-in clinics or the Mount Sinai Urgent Care Centre. Use your smartphone or ask locals for directions to the closest healthcare facility. It’s advisable to have the address and contact information of the hospital nearest to your accommodation readily available during your stay.
Contact your travel insurance provider
Get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the incident and seek guidance on the next steps. Be prepared to provide details about the injury, the location, and other relevant information. If your insurance won’t cover your bill, you must take care of it yourself. If you were driving a rental vehicle, check the rental agreement for any insurance coverage it may provide.
Note that the government will not pay for the medical costs of tourists. While travel insurance is not a requirement for visiting Toronto, you’ll want that safety net just in case. A policy won’t likely be cheap, but it will give you peace of mind beyond being covered for rental car services.
Remember, an ER visit alone can set you back an average of $1,000 in Canada. The earlier you contact your insurer and the more details you can provide, the easier your claim moves along the process.
Document the incident and, if warranted, file a police report
According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, all collisions where parties are injured, or property damages exceed a value of $2000 should be reported to the police immediately. If your injuries are from a car accident, file a police report but collect evidence related to the injury, especially if it occurred due to someone else’s negligence.
Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any contributing factors. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information. If your injury happened on Toronto’s public transit system, gather incident reports and surveillance footage from the Toronto Transport Commission, or TTC, cameras on top of standard documentation.
With this specialized approach, you can ensure comprehensive evidence gathering, enhancing your ability to seek legal recourse or file an insurance claim.
Seek legal advice
Consulting a local in Toronto is advisable if you’re a tourist involved in a Toronto car accident. While your insurance company may handle some aspects, an attorney can help you with the legal complexities, ensuring you understand your rights and potential compensation.
Local laws, insurance policies, and jurisdictional nuances may differ, and a lawyer can provide guidance specific to Toronto. For example, understanding Ontario’s “no-fault” insurance system is crucial. It means that regardless of fault, your insurance covers medical expenses.
In any case, legal advice tailored to the Toronto context is invaluable in getting the maximum compensation possible under Ontario’s legal framework.
Follow medical advice and attend follow-up appointments
Upon seeking medical assistance during your stay as a tourist, it is imperative to diligently adhere to the recommended treatment regimen and ensure your attendance at scheduled follow-up appointments.
Prioritize compliance with medical advice, as it plays a pivotal role in expediting your recovery process. Safeguard all pertinent documents, including medical records, prescriptions, and receipts incurred due to injury-related expenses. Again, these records may prove essential for potential insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with local healthcare protocols and emergency contact information to swiftly address unforeseen medical needs. The universal emergency number you can call in Toronto is 911, which also connects you to police and fire assistance, besides medical help.
In any case, prioritizing your health and maintaining thorough documentation will contribute to a seamless resolution of any potential post-injury concerns.
Inform your embassy or consulate
There are about 81 embassies or consulates in Toronto, and notifying yours promptly about any incidents is crucial for comprehensive assistance. If unfortunate incidents lead to legal complications or necessitate support exceeding local services, your embassy becomes an invaluable ally. Toronto’s consular offices are strategically located, such as the Consulate General of the United States in University Avenue.
This geographical accessibility ensures prompt communication and swift assistance. From medical emergencies to legal matters, involving your embassy establishes a vital connection to resources and expertise specific to your nationality in the dynamic city of Toronto.
Take steps to prevent future incidents
After recovering from your injury in Toronto, take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents throughout the rest of your visit. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods and bustling cultural districts.
Follow safety guidelines and use local insights to navigate the city’s unique features. Whether exploring the waterfront, iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, or vibrant neighborhoods like Kensington Market, adapt your precautions to each setting.
Leverage safety information provided by Toronto’s tourism resources and prioritize your well-being by choosing well-traveled routes and well-lit areas. This extra step ensures a safe and delightful exploration of Toronto’s distinctive charm.
Inform home
Informing your family back home about an injury sustained as a tourist in Toronto is crucial for many reasons. It makes sure your loved ones are aware of your well-being and can provide emotional support during a challenging time.
Moreover, in case of a severe injury, timely communication allows family members to assist with decision-making processes, such as coordinating medical assistance or arranging travel plans if necessary.
Keeping your family informed fosters a sense of security and lets them stay updated on your situation. It helps facilitate smoother communication with authorities, healthcare providers, or insurance agencies, ultimately contributing to a more efficient resolution of any issues.
Injury Preparedness: A Responsible Way To Visit Toronto
In Toronto, a city full of diverse experiences, getting injured can be a hiccup in your travel plans. This guide has covered some basic steps for tourists dealing with injuries, like going to a doctor ASAP, understanding your insurance, and considering legal help if needed.
Acting quickly after an injury is key to a smoother recovery. It’s wise to know where local healthcare spots are, keep good records, and talk openly to the right people. Toronto is a friendly place; you’ll find support if needed. By staying on top of things, tourists can turn a challenging situation into a chance to bounce back and still enjoy their time in this incredible Canadian city.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
