This field in the accident report is misunderstood by many

Many believe that the accident report is primarily a place where one "explains why the other party was wrong." In practice, there is one field that creates the most misunderstandings – and often determines how much extra work (and waiting) follows afterward: the field for cause of damage / event sequence.

The insurance company uses this text along with the sketch, the crosses you make (e.g. "reversed", "changed lanes", "was parked") and photo documentation to understand what actually happened. When the field is filled with assumptions, irritation, or legal conclusions, the result is often more questions, longer processing times – and in the worst case, disagreements that could have been avoided.

Why this field gets filled out incorrectly

There are three classic reasons why the event sequence becomes difficult to use:

• One mixes facts and fault: "The other party drove irresponsibly" says little about positions, direction, and time.
• One writes too long: Long explanations with many details mean that the most important (the order) gets lost.
• One writes too short: "Collision at intersection" without direction, lane, and speed gives too little to understand the situation.

How to write an event sequence that the insurance company can actually use

Imagine you are explaining the incident to a person who was not there and who should be able to draw the situation correctly based on your text.

1) Start with facts: time, place, and direction

Example: "10.01.2026 around 16:20 in the roundabout at X, I (car A) came from Y and was going to Z. Car B came in from the opposite entrance."

2) Describe the order in short sentences

• Who was where (lane/position)?
• What did the cars do just before the collision (braking, changing lanes, reversing)?
• Where did you hit each other (corner, door, bumper)?

Example: "Car A was in the right lane and maintained a steady speed. Car B changed from the left to the right lane in the roundabout. Contact occurred between Car A's right front and Car B's left rear door."

3) Avoid "judge words"

Words like "reckless", "negligent", "100% at fault", "illegal" often create more conflict than clarity. Stick to observable conditions: turn signals/no turn signal, lane change, yield situation, stop/reverse.

4) Let the sketch support the text

The sketch and the event sequence must be in the same "story". A simple sketch with arrows, lanes, and a clear point of collision is often worth more than a long text.

Common misunderstandings in the field (and what you should write instead)

• "The other party admitted fault" → Rather write: "The other party stated at the scene that ..." and document with photos/witnesses if applicable.
• "I had the right of way" → Write: "I was on the main road, the other party came from a side road marked with a yield sign".
• "We agreed" → Describe what you agreed on: position, direction, maneuver, contact point.

Remember: The accident report is not the place for everything – but it must be verifiable

A good event sequence is verifiable: It ties to damage on the cars, photos, and any witnesses. Therefore, always take:

• Pictures of both cars, license plates, damages (close up and a bit farther away) and the situation (road, signs, markings).
• Names and numbers of witnesses (if someone saw the incident).
• Date and exact location (feel free to include the address or nearest intersection).

In the case of personal injury, suspicion of intoxication, or if someone refuses to provide information, the police should be contacted. The police describe themselves when it may be relevant to contact them and what to do after an incident on their website: Police. (Assessments may vary with the severity of the incident.)

Therefore, processing is faster when both sign the same version

A classic situation is that the parties submit their own "versions," with small differences in the event sequence and sketch. Then the insurance company has to spend time clarifying what is correct, and the case can stall.

With Skademeldinger.no, you can fill out the accident report together right there and then, get one common version, and sign digitally. This makes it easier to share the documentation further and provide a complete basis ready for the insurance company.

What about yield obligations, bonus loss, and deductible?

The event sequence affects not only "who is right," but also how the case is assessed against traffic rules and insurance terms. Generally, liability assessment will be based on a whole of information, including the accident report and documentation.

Rules about signs, yield obligations, and safe travel can be found at The Norwegian Public Roads Administration, while industry information about insurance and claims settlement can be found at Finance Norway. For practical advice to drivers (including about incidents and documentation) NAF is a useful resource. Note: Deductibles, bonus loss, rental car, and any exceptions vary between insurance companies and the agreement you have.

Checklist: Write this – not this

• Write: "Car B reversed out from a parking spot" not "Car B was completely stupid".
• Write: "I was stationary, the car behind hit me" not "Rear-end collision = always fault".
• Write: "Contact between my left side and the other party’s right front" not "It was his fault".

Summary

If you only do one thing better next time you fill out an accident report, let it be this: Write a short, neutral, and chronological event sequence that matches the sketch and the damages. This makes it easier for the insurance company to understand the situation, and reduces the chance of the case stalling in unnecessary clarifications.

When you also fill out together and sign digitally, you stand stronger with one clear, common version – and an accident report that is ready for submission.