Have you collided? Here's what you need to do

A collision often happens suddenly – and in 2026, traffic typically moves quickly on with stress and ringing phones. Nevertheless, it is the first minutes and the initial documentation that often determine how smooth the settlement will be later. Below you will find a practical checklist of what you should do at the scene, what information you should gather, and how to avoid the most common mistakes in a damage case.

1) First minutes: safety and calm

Stop, secure and alert. In case of a traffic accident, the main priority is to safeguard life and health. Make sure to get an overview: Is anyone injured? Is first aid needed? Then, it is about reducing the risk of follow-up collisions.

• Turn on hazard lights and put on a reflective vest if you have one.
• Place the warning triangle (adjust the distance according to speed and visibility).
• Call 113 in case of injury or suspicion of injury.
• Contact the police when necessary (see the point below).

The police have a specific guideline on what to do in the event of a traffic accident, including when to call and what information to provide: Police – traffic accident.

When should the police be contacted?

This can vary depending on the situation, but typical cases include personal injury, suspicion of intoxication, unresolved liability questions, if someone leaves the scene, or if the traffic conditions make the event particularly dangerous. If in doubt, use the police's advice above as support, or call for clarification.

2) Move the cars or leave them standing?

Many stay in the middle of the road to "preserve evidence." In practice, it is often safer to get the cars out of the lane when everyone is unharmed and the cars can be moved. Before you move the cars, do a quick documentation: take pictures of the position, damages, and traffic situation.

Tip: First take 3–5 quick overview pictures (both cars, lane, signs/markings), and then move to a safe place to complete the rest.

3) Documentation that actually helps in the damage case

Insurance companies often assess the case based on damage report, pictures, and explanations. Good documentation reduces the risk of disagreement and saves time.

This is what you should gather at the scene

• Pictures/video of damages on both cars (close and far), license plates, road conditions, signs, intersections, skid marks, and any obstacles.
• Sketch of the incident: driving direction, lane, position before/after, priority conditions.
• Witnesses: names and phone numbers (ask them kindly to send a short SMS with what they saw).
• Information about the other party: name, address, phone number, license plate number, insurance company (if known), and driver's license information if needed.

Important: Avoid "negotiating blame" in a heated moment. Stick to the facts: what happened, where, when, and what conditions applied.

4) Fill out the damage report – preferably together, there and then

The classic mistake after a collision is that both parties go home and "will fill it out later." This leads to misunderstandings, gaps in information, and two different versions. The goal should be to agree on one common description of the sequence of events, even if you do not agree on who is at fault.

On Skademeldinger.no, you can fill out the damage report together with the other party on mobile, so that both see the same text, same sketch, and same attachments. When everything is correct, you can sign digitally, and the damage report is ready to be forwarded to the insurance company. This also makes it easier to avoid one of the parties "forgetting" to send in their part.

What if you disagree?

You can still fill it out together: write objectively what each party believes happened, and attach pictures that support it. The damage report is about documentation – not about "winning the argument" at the scene.

5) What does the insurance cover – and what should you be aware of?

Coverage depends on what insurance you have (liability, partial coverage/comprehensive), liability questions, and terms. Generally:

• Liability insurance covers damage you cause to others (and their car/property), but not damage to your own car.
• Comprehensive typically covers damage to your own car in a collision, but with d deductible and often the possibility of bonus impact (varies between companies).
• Rental car, roadside assistance, and glass are typical additional coverages that vary according to the agreement.

Financial Norway has general consumer information about insurance and the industry, as well as overviews that can be useful when you need to understand terms and processes: Financial Norway. Note: specific terms, deductible and bonus rules vary between insurance companies and agreements (always check your policy).

Bonus loss and deductible – here's how to avoid surprises

Bonus impact and deductible depend on factors including liability, type of damage, and whether there is comprehensive damage to your own car. Ask the insurance company early about:

• what d deductible applies for this particular damage
• whether the damage results in bonus loss, and if so, how much and for how long
• whether you have agreements such as "bonus loss once" or similar (names and content vary)

6) Towing, workshop, and further progress

If the car is not drivable, you must consider salvage and where the car will be placed. Many insurance companies have 24-hour claims/assistance telephone and partners. Take pictures before towing if possible, and note where the car is delivered.

Choose the right repair path

• Agree on a workshop in consultation with the insurance company if required in the terms.
• Request a price estimate and ask if they handle claims directly with the company.
• Ask about rental cars early, especially if you rely on a car in daily life.

7) Common mistakes after a collision (and how to avoid them)

• Too little documentation: Take more pictures than you think you need – it's free right there and then, but expensive to lack later.
• Different versions: Fill out together, and ensure that both have identical damage reports.
• "We'll settle privately" without considering the total cost: Small dents can hide larger damages (sensors, radar, lights, structural parts).
• Forgetting witnesses: A short witness statement can be crucial in case of disagreement.

8) How Skademeldinger.no makes it easier

When you want to move the case forward quickly and neatly, it comes down to one thing: a complete damage report with common content. Skademeldinger.no is made for precisely this – you fill it out together with the other party, attach pictures, and sign digitally. Then sharing/re-forwarding the damage report can be done easily, and everything is in a form ready for dialogue with the insurance company.

Summary

After a collision, it is easy to become stressed, but a calm and structured approach almost always results in a better settlement: secure the scene, document thoroughly, fill out the damage report together, and get it signed and sent. This reduces both the risk of disagreement and the time the car remains stationary before repair.

Sources: Police – traffic accident, Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Financial Norway.