DamageDenmark
230. Damage
Damage after a traffic accident can affect vehicles, road infrastructure or other property. Damage may be minor, such as scratches or dents, or serious enough to make a vehicle unsafe to drive. After an accident involving only material damage, drivers should make the scene safe, exchange the required information, document the circumstances and notify the insurer when necessary. A damaged vehicle should not be driven if faults involving lights, tyres, steering, brakes, windows or other safety-related parts make continued driving unsafe.
Wikimedia.org • FlyByFire • CC BY-SA
What is material damage in a traffic accident?
Material damage means damage to property, such as vehicles, road infrastructure or buildings, as distinct from bodily injury. A collision can involve both property damage and injuries; the term does not by itself mean that nobody was hurt.
🔗 wikifin.be • Belgian FSMA Wikifin, what to do after a collision
🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, CAFE technical support document (2021), multi-vehicle crash usage
What should you do after an accident with only material damage?
Make the scene safe, exchange the required details, record the damage and circumstances and follow the applicable insurance and reporting rules.
🔗 wikifin.be • Belgian FSMA Wikifin, what to do after a collision
🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, CAFE technical support document (2021), multi-vehicle crash usage
Should you take photos of accident damage?
Photographs can help document damage and circumstances if they can be taken safely. Prioritise people, emergency assistance and protection from traffic. Record vehicles, signs and surroundings from a safe position rather than entering live traffic or creating another hazard.
🔗 wikifin.be • Belgian FSMA Wikifin, what to do after a collision
🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, CAFE technical support document (2021), multi-vehicle crash usage

Traffic rules
Denmark