How to clearly describe the sequence of events in the accident report

Why is a clear description of the sequence of events so important?

When you and the other party fill out the accident report form after a traffic accident, it is crucial to describe the sequence of events clearly. This gives the insurance company the best possible understanding of the situation, ensuring that the case is handled correctly and efficiently. An unclear or incomplete description can create misunderstandings, delays – or in the worst case, an increased risk of denial or incorrect decisions.

Before you begin: Cooperation and calm

Participate actively with the other party during the filling out process. Ensure that both parties get to share their version and feel free to go through each other's descriptions. Avoid discussing fault at the scene – it is the insurance company that assesses liability based on the event description and information in the form. Digital solutions such as Skademeldinger.no make the filling process easier by ensuring both parties receive the same, final version and can sign digitally, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings and disputes.

This is how to create a good event description

• Start from the beginning: Mention when and where the accident happened, as well as relevant circumstances such as weather, visibility, and road conditions.
• Describe the timeline: Explain step-by-step the order: Who did what first, how did the vehicles move, and what led to the collision?
• Use exact details: Names of roads, location in intersections, lanes, traffic signals, speed, indicators, braking – such details make the event concrete.
• Avoid speculation and questions of fault: The insurance company assesses liability. Be factual and only recount what actually happened, not what you think.
• If multiple vehicles are involved: Names/numbers of the cars, exact order and actions, to avoid confusion.

Example of imprecise and precise description

• Imprecise: "I drove into the intersection and suddenly the other car came from the right."
• Precise: "I approached the intersection at Lavblomstveien, slowed down to about 30 km/h. Stopped completely before the stop line, looked to the right. The car from Haukåslia was going around 40 km/h and entered the intersection without stopping. I started to drive, but we collided at the intersection."

Important tips for drawing and documentation

• Always draw the situation: A map sketch or simple drawing with arrows and markings provides visual evidence of what happened. Mark vehicles, directions, relevant road signs, pedestrian crossings, or traffic lights.
• Take photos if possible: Use your phone to document damages, positions, and roads. Photo documentation is often helpful for the insurance process.
• Any witnesses: Note names and contact information of any witnesses to the incident, as they can help if the case becomes unclear.

What information must always be included?

• Exact location (address or GPS position)
• Time (date and time of the incident)
• Names, contact information, and insurance companies of the parties
• Registration numbers of involved vehicles
• Unambiguous order of events

Avoid common mistakes in the "sequence of events" field

• Vague time indication (e.g., "in the afternoon" – use exact time if possible)
• No location indication or vague descriptions (e.g., "in the city")
• No description of road conditions, weather, visibility, or how the vehicles actually moved
• Personal opinions or fault assessments
• Lack of consistency between drawing and written description

Benefits of digital filling and signing

Filling out the accident report form digitally, together with the other party, provides several advantages: You get automatic access to the latest valid version, receive guidance along the way, and can sign digitally – ready for submission to the insurance company. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings, loss of paper forms, or different perceptions of facts. In case of disagreement, the comment/additional field can be used to clarify each party's viewpoint before signing, and this is securely stored in the solution.

After filling out – what happens next?

Once the form is signed by both parties – either physically or digitally via, for example, Skademeldinger.no – you can send it directly to the insurance company. Here, the case handler will review both the event description, drawings, any images, and witness information. To avoid unnecessary delays, follow up to ensure that all necessary fields are filled out and that the information is correct.

Insurance and finance: What can the outcome mean for you?

Insurance terms and bonus systems can vary between companies and over time. Bonus is often reduced in cases of liability, but it can also be incurred if the sequence of events is unclear – the tip is therefore always to describe the situation thoroughly. The size of the deductible will also depend on who is deemed at fault and what type of insurance you have. Always check the terms at your own insurance company for updated information as of 2025. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration and the Police emphasize the importance of good documentation for subsequent complaints or legal processes.

Summary – how to succeed with a clear event description

• Write objectively and structured, with concise order and clear details
• Cooperate calmly with the other party and read each other's responses
• Use both pictures, drawings, and complete text – especially important when using digital tools
• Remember that the form will likely be assessed by someone who was not present – make the facts as clear as possible!

If you want to ensure a safe, quick, and professional report to the insurance, Skademeldinger.no can make the entire process both easier and safer for both parties. Remember that documentation and liability requirements vary, so always consult your insurance company with questions about further procedures.