This is what you should do in case of traffic accidents

Traffic accidents often happen suddenly – and it can be easy to become uncertain about what actually should be done. The first minutes are all about safety and helping people. Shortly after, it’s about documentation, contacting the right authorities, and an accident report that ensures the insurance process runs smoothly.

In this guide, you will receive a practical checklist for what you should do on-site, what you should document, when to contact the police, and how to fill out an accident report in a verifiable manner. Finally, we will show how Skademeldinger.no can simplify filling out the accident report together with the other party and signing digitally, so that both parties end up with the same version – ready for the insurance company.

First and foremost, secure the scene, alert, provide help

1) Secure the accident site

Your first duty is to prevent the situation from worsening. Do this in the following prioritized order, as long as it is safe:

• Stop and assess dangers: traffic, fire hazards, smoke, leaks, slippery conditions.
• Warning triangle: place the triangle at a safe distance (the greater the distance, the higher the speed and poorer the visibility).
• Identify yourself: wear reflective vests if available, especially in darkness and bad weather.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has general advice on traffic safety and traffic, and their information pages are a good starting point in unwanted incidents: Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

2) Check if anyone is injured and call the right number

• 113: for injury or suspicion of serious injury.
• 112: if immediate police assistance is needed (dangerous situation, threatening behavior, serious traffic hazard).
• 110: for fire or acute fire hazard.

If you are in doubt regarding injuries: call 113 and explain the situation. The operator will assist you further.

3) First aid when you can

Provide basic first aid if you can and it is safe: ensure an open airway, stop visible bleeding, keep the injured warm and still. Avoid moving severely injured individuals unless there is an acute danger (e.g., fire).

When to move the vehicles and when to leave them be?

In many minor accidents, it might be appropriate to move the vehicles off the roadway to avoid further collisions. At the same time, tracks and placement can be important documentation, especially in the event of disagreements regarding fault or personal injury.

• Move the vehicle if it is safe and does hinder traffic or create dangerous situations.
• Leave the vehicle if there is personal injury, or you need to document placement/tracks before moving (take good pictures first).

Regardless: take photos from multiple angles before you move the vehicles, if you have the opportunity.

When is police contact necessary?

Many small material damages can be handled without the police. However, in certain situations, it is important to contact the police and/or ensure the incident is registered.

The police offer advice and information about traffic and incidents: Police – traffic advice.

Typical situations where the police should be contacted

• Personal injury (always consider 113 first).
• Drug influence or suspicion of it.
• Disagreement about the course of events/fault that makes the situation unsafe or locked.
• Dangerous behavior, threats, or aggression.
• Damage to public property (railings, signs, light poles) or large material damage.

Note: Procedures may vary, and the police do not always respond to minor accidents. The important thing is that you do what you can to secure individuals and documentation.

Documentation you should gather before you leave

Good documentation often determines how quickly and smoothly your case will progress with the insurance company. Take an extra 5–10 minutes if the situation allows it.

1) Photos and video

• Overall photos showing where the vehicles were on the roadway, ideally in both directions.
• Close-up photos of damages to both vehicles (and possibly railings, signs, bicycles, etc.).
• Photos of license plates on both vehicles.
• Photos of road markings, signs, visibility conditions, tracks in snow/gravel, and relevant details.

2) Information you should exchange

• Name, phone number, address
• License plate number
• Insurance company and preferably policy number (if available)
• Driver's date of birth or driver's license number (depends on what you would like to share)

Only share necessary personal information and be aware of privacy.

3) Witnesses

If someone saw the incident: ask for their name and phone number. A short sentence about what they observed can be useful, but avoid discussing fault at the scene.

4) Notes while it is fresh

Write down the time, place (preferably GPS/road name), weather and road conditions, speed (approximate), and a brief description of the sequence of events. Small details can become important when the case is processed days or weeks later.

Accident report this is how to fill it out correctly

The accident report is often the most crucial document in an insurance case. The goal is to describe what happened in a verifiable manner – not to win an argument at the scene.

This should always be included

• Date, time, and place (as precisely as possible)
• Sketch of the situation (driving direction, lanes, intersections, positioning at impact)
• Description of the sequence of events in neutral terms
• Damage points on the vehicle (front/rear, right/left)
• Witnesses with contact info (if relevant)
• Photos attached or stored in a way that makes them easy to share

Common mistakes that create trouble later

• Ambiguous formulations that can be interpreted in multiple ways.
• Lack of sketches or sketches without driving direction.
• No photos, especially when it is word against word.
• Signing without agreeing on facts (you should not sign something you believe is incorrect).

What if you disagree?

It is okay to disagree. In that case, it is especially important to:

• Maintain a calm tone and focus on facts.
• Write each of your descriptions clearly.
• Gather extra documentation (photos, witnesses).
• Avoid "making private agreements" on settlements right then and there.

Digital accident report makes it easier to have one common version

A typical challenge after an accident is that the parties have different versions or that signatures are missing. Skademeldinger.no is designed to make this easier: You can fill out the accident report together (on each other's mobile phones), get a common version, and sign digitally. Then the document can be shared further and submitted to the insurance company, clear and tidy.

That is why many prefer a digital solution

• Fewer misunderstandings: both parties see the same content before signing.
• Faster submission: no papers get lost in the glove compartment.
• Easier sharing: you can attach photos and send them to the insurance company.

Insurance what happens after the damage report is submitted?

Once the accident report is submitted, the insurance company assesses liability and coverage based on the information, damages, and possibly other documentation. What you get covered, and whether there will be a deductible/bonus loss, depends on the type of insurance and conditions. This varies between companies and may also depend on fault and extent.

Liability insurance, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive explained simply

• Liability (mandatory): covers damage you cause to others (people/things), but not damage to your own car.
• Third party fire and theft: typically covers fire, theft, glass, and roadside assistance (varies).
• Comprehensive: generally also covers collision damages to your own car, with deductible.

For general explanations about insurance and how the insurance market works, you can read more at the industry organization: Finance Norway. Remember that details are always governed by your insurance terms.

Deductible and bonus what can you expect?

A deductible is the amount you pay yourself in case of damage covered by your own insurance (often comprehensive). Bonus is a discount on the insurance that can be reduced after damages where you receive payment on your comprehensive, but practice varies between companies. Read your terms or ask the company before you approve repairs, especially if the damage is minor and you are considering paying yourself.

Towing, workshop, and rental car practical advice

When do you need a tow?

If the car is not drivable, is in a dangerous position, or there is a risk of follow-up damage, towing is often appropriate. Many have roadside assistance included in third party fire and theft/comprehensive or through memberships/agreements, but conditions vary.

Workshop choice and appraisal

Some insurance companies have agreements with specific workshops to expedite the process. You can often choose your workshop, but it may affect logistics and deadlines. Keep receipts and ensure that the damage is documented by the workshop/appraiser before larger work starts.

Rental car

A rental car may be included in comprehensive or as additional coverage, and in cases of liability damage, the other party's insurer may in some cases cover loss of use/rental car. Ask the insurance company early and clarify whether you need to order through a partner.

Special situations you should be aware of

Accident in a parking lot

In parking lots, it often ends up being word against word. Then, photos of the positioning, wheel alignment, damages, and surroundings are especially important. Note if it was backing, pulling out of a space, right-hand rule on internal roads, etc.

Rear-end collision

Rear-end collisions typically end with responsibility for the one who hit, but there are exceptions (for example, sudden, unnecessary braking or reversing). Documentation of the traffic picture and skid marks can be useful.

Bicycle, electric scooter, and pedestrian

In accidents involving soft road users, it is especially important to prioritize health and safety, as well as documentation. Even small collisions can lead to personal injury. Contact 113 if necessary, and consider contacting the police if the situation is serious or unclear.

A checklist you can save on your mobile

• Secure the scene: warning triangle, reflective gear, away from traffic.
• Alert: 113 for personal injury, 112 for immediate police needs.
• Document: pictures, video, witnesses, notes.
• Exchange info: name, number, company, license plate.
• Accident report: sketch + neutral description + signature.
• Submit: to the insurance company as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always have to fill out an accident report?

If there is damage to a vehicle, property, or third party, it is usually wise to fill out an accident report regardless of how minor the damage seems. It provides documentation if hidden damages or disagreements arise later.

What if the other party does not want to cooperate?

Note the license plate number, take photos, find witnesses, and write down the sequence of events. If the situation becomes threatening or locked, consider contacting the police via 112 if immediate assistance is needed. Report the case to your insurance company as soon as possible with the documentation you have.

Can we resolve it privately?

It is possible, but risky. Damages can turn out to be more expensive than expected, and disagreements can arise afterward. If you choose a private settlement, you should still document thoroughly and have a written agreement.

Summary

In case of traffic accidents, the order is easy to remember: safety first, then notification and documentation, and finally an accident report that both parties can stand by. A clear accident report makes it easier for the insurance company to process the case quickly and correctly.

When you want to make the accident report itself easier in practice, Skademeldinger.no can assist you in filling it out together with the other party and signing digitally – ensuring that both have the same version and can forward it without extra hassle.