Traffic Accident Checklist You Follow Before You Drive On

A minor collision at an intersection or a bump in a parking lot may feel uneventful—until you find yourself wondering what actually needs to be done before you drive on. A good checklist helps you make the right choices in the correct order: secure people, secure the scene, gather documentation, and get the damage report right from the start. This saves time, reduces conflicts, and makes the insurance process much more predictable.

Before You Do Anything: Securing and Initial Assessment

Always start with what’s most important: the people. Material damages can be fixed—injuries can worsen quickly if the wrong action is taken or if you wait too long.

1 Check if Anyone is Injured

• Stop and breathe: get an overview before moving into traffic.
• Check yourself and passengers for pain, dizziness, head injuries, or bleeding.
• Check the other party if it's safe to approach.

If there is a suspicion of injury, call 113 (medical assistance). The police can be reached at 112 in case of urgent need. See official information at The Police.

2 Secure the Accident Scene

• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Put on a reflective vest before exiting the vehicle (especially on highways and in darkness).
• Place the warning triangle at a safe distance, suitable for the speed and visibility conditions.
• Keep yourself and others away from the roadway if it's dangerous.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has advice on traffic safety and what to do in various situations; see The Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

3 Assess Fire and Leaks

The smell of fuel, visible leaks, smoke, or unusual sounds may indicate that you should not start the vehicle or drive on. In such cases: get everyone to safety, keep your distance, and call 112/110 if there is a fire risk.

The Checklist Before You Move the Vehicles

In many minor accidents, it is appropriate to move the vehicles to prevent another collision and traffic jams. At the same time, you should secure documentation first to avoid losing important details.

4 Take Quick Overview Photos First

Before the vehicles are moved (when it is safe):

• Take pictures of the vehicles as they are, from multiple angles.
• Take pictures of road markings, signs, traffic lights, intersections, and any obstacles.
• Take close-ups of damages, including scratches, broken parts, and wheel positioning.
• Take pictures of license plates on both vehicles.

Tip: A short video where you walk around and comment on time, place, and what happened can be useful documentation later.

5 Move the Vehicles if They Create Danger or Obstruct Traffic

If there are only material damages and the vehicles can be moved safely, you should normally clear the road as soon as you have taken overview pictures. On busy roads, it can be more dangerous to remain than to move the vehicles.

6 Note the Time, Place, and Conditions

• Time and exact location (preferably GPS address).
• Weather and road conditions (rain, ice, low sun, darkness).
• Speed (approx.), direction, and which lanes you were in.

Information You Must Exchange with the Other Party

It’s easy to forget something in the stress. This list covers what insurance companies typically need to process the case effectively (assessments and terms may vary between companies).

7 Exchange Personal and Vehicle Information

• Name, phone number, and address.
• License plate number.
• Insurance company and (if possible) policy number.
• Driver’s license class (relevant for questions about valid driving rights).

8 Find Witnesses

If someone saw the accident, ask for:

• Name and phone number.
• A brief description of what they observed.

Witnesses can be crucial if the parties perceive the situation differently.

Documentation That Often Decides the Case

What practically decides many disputes are details that are not remembered the day after. Documentation is therefore your "insurance" before the insurance case starts.

9 Create a Simple Sketch

The sketch should show:

• The road, directions, and lanes.
• Signs/light signals and any stop lines.
• Car A and car B before the collision and at the collision point.

A sketch makes it easier for the insurance company to understand the situation, especially at intersections and roundabouts.

10 Do Not "Admit Fault" at the Moment

You can certainly apologize and be cooperative, but avoid definite statements like "it was entirely my fault" when you are uncertain about the facts. Stick to observable facts: where you came from, what was green/red, who changed lanes, and where the damages are. The question of fault is often assessed by insurance companies based on rules, damage patterns, and documentation.

When to Contact the Police

The police should be contacted in cases such as:

• Injury or suspicion of it.
• Disagreement about the sequence of events, or if the situation feels threatening.
• Influence of substances (suspicion of alcohol or other drugs).
• Significant traffic danger or if the road needs to be closed.

Updated guidance can be found at The Police. If it's not urgent, the police can also be contacted at 02800.

Check the Vehicle Before You Drive On

Even with minor damages, the vehicle may be unsafe to drive. Do a quick but thorough check before you decide.

11 Safety Check on Site

• Wheels and Tires: is the wheel seated correctly, are there damages to the rim/tire, rubbing or air loss?
• Lights: brake lights, turn signals, and headlights.
• Steering and Brakes: does the steering feel right, and does the car brake normally at low speed?
• Fluids: look for drips under the vehicle (oil, coolant, washer fluid).
• Airbag: has the airbag deployed, the car should normally not be driven further until checked.

If in doubt: take no chances. Call for roadside assistance or have the vehicle towed to a workshop. The Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) has useful advice on vehicle recovery and roadside assistance; see NAF.

12 If You Must Drive On, Do It Safely

• Drive to a safe place (parking lot/side road) to complete documentation.
• Avoid highways if you suspect damage to steering or suspension.
• Stop immediately if the vehicle starts pulling, vibrating, or if warning lights come on.

Damage Report: What You Should Get in Place Before You Leave

The damage report is often the most important document in the entire process. The more precisely and jointly you fill it out, the lower the risk of subsequent misunderstandings.

13 Fill Out the Damage Report Together with the Other Party

The safest option is to fill out one joint version while both are present when details are still fresh. At DamageReports.no you can:

• fill out the damage report together (same version, same facts)
• sign digitally both
• share documentation and get everything ready for the insurance company

This makes it easier to avoid "two stories" afterward, especially in minor parking damages and low-speed situations where damage patterns can be interpreted differently.

14 How to Avoid Classic Mistakes in the Damage Report

• Be specific: "I was in the right lane and going straight" is better than "I came as usual".
• Use pictures that support the sketch (signs, stop lines, damages).
• Agreement on facts: if you disagree, note the disagreement factually in the text.
• Do not skip witnesses: include them right away.

What Happens Next: Insurance, Workshop, and Finances

Once you have driven on (or had the vehicle towed), the practical part begins: damage settlement, repairs, and any costs. It's wise to have realistic expectations here.

15 Report the Damage Quickly and Send the Documentation

Most insurance companies recommend reporting damage as soon as possible. Finance Norway has general consumer information about insurance and damage settlement; see Finance Norway. Remember that:

• Terms vary between companies (deductible, rental car, workshop choice, bonus rules).
• Good documentation can lead to quicker processing and fewer questions.

16 Deductible and Bonus, Briefly Explained

For comprehensive/partial comprehensive damage, you usually pay a deductible as stated in the insurance agreement. The bonus may be affected if your insurance covers a damage where you (fully or partially) are held responsible. At the same time, certain damages (such as certain types of parking damages, glass damages, or natural damages) may be handled under separate rules. Always check your terms or ask the insurance company – practices and rates may vary in 2025.

17 Workshop, Rental Car, and Towing

• Workshop: many companies have partner workshops; this can affect price, guarantees, and processing time.
• Rental Car: may be included in comprehensive insurance or as additional coverage, but often with limitations.
• Towing: may be covered by insurance, roadside assistance, or membership, depending on the agreement.

Mini-Checklist You Can Save on Your Mobile

• Secure People: check injuries, call 113 if necessary.
• Secure the Scene: hazard lights, reflective gear, triangle.
• Document: photos before moving, witnesses, sketch.
• Exchange Info: name, number, insurance company.
• Fill Out Damage Report: preferably together, while you are on-site.
• Check the Vehicle: wheels, lights, fluids, steering.
• Report Damage: send everything to the insurance company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Just Take Photos and Leave?

You can drive on if the vehicle is safe, but it’s wise to have exchanged information and obtained a damage report (or at least an agreement on contact info and sequence of events) before you part ways. Missing information is a common reason for delays and disputes.

Do I Always Have to Call the Police for Minor Damages?

No, not for purely material damages where the parties agree and the situation is safe. Contact the police in case of injury, disagreement, suspicion of substances, or if the accident poses significant danger. See The Police.

What If the Other Party Does Not Want to Fill Out the Damage Report?

Calmly ask to exchange personal and insurance information, take pictures of the vehicles and damages, note time/location, and find witnesses. If the situation escalates or you suspect information is being withheld, it may be appropriate to contact the police.

In conclusion: The best "before you drive on" routine involves being systematic. Safety and health come first, documentation second, and a damage report that both can endorse. If you use DamageReports.no, you can fill it out together, sign digitally, and submit a tidy case—often leading to an easier start to the damage settlement process.