Checklist: What to do if you get into a car accident

What do you do if the accident is in traffic? According to statistics from Swedish insurance companies, approximately 200,000 vehicle injuries are reported per year. Fortunately, few of these accidents also result in personal injuries. But given that there are approximately 5 million vehicles on the road in Sweden, this means that 4 percent of the vehicle fleet is damaged every year. Here is a checklist of the steps that should be taken if you are involved in a traffic accident.

1. Ensure safety

First things first! Make sure that neither you nor anyone else involved is injured. If possible, move the vehicles to a safe location to avoid further accidents.

2. Warn other road users

Turn on your hazard lights and set out a warning triangle to prevent more accidents. The basic rule is that the warning triangle should be placed 50 meters behind the vehicle, except on motorways where it should be placed 100–200 meters behind the vehicle. Take the opportunity today to check how the hazard lights are activated in your car and where the warning triangle is located.

3. If necessary, call 112

If the accident is serious and someone is injured, call 112 for help from an ambulance and the police. Help as best you can until medical personnel arrive.

4. Document the accident scene

Take pictures of the vehicles, license plates, damage, and road conditions.

5. Write down tasks

Exchange contact information with other parties involved and any witnesses. Write down names, phone numbers, insurance details and vehicle registration numbers. There are special damage forms to ensure that all relevant information is documented. It's a good idea to keep them in your glove compartment! If the other party is not available, for example in the case of parking damage or a door being opened, you should first try to obtain contact information for the owner through the car's registration number and secondly, put a note with your name and phone number and a description of what happened under the damaged car's windshield wiper. Remember that even minor damage that is not reported is considered negligence.

6. Report the accident to the insurance company

As soon as possible, you should report the accident to your insurance company to begin claims processing.

7. Contact the police in certain circumstances

If someone is injured, if the other party escapes, or if there is a disagreement about who is at fault, the police should be contacted.