DamageNorway

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225. 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.

Damage
Heavily damaged Nissan car.
Wikimedia.org • FlyByFire • CC BY-SA
What is material damage in a traffic accident?

Material damage is damage to vehicles, road infrastructure, buildings or other property without bodily injury.

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.

Should you take photos of accident damage?

Yes. Photos of the vehicles, damage, road position, signs and surrounding area can help document what happened and support an insurance claim.

Can you continue driving a damaged vehicle?

Only if the vehicle remains safe and roadworthy. Do not continue driving if the damage affects steering, brakes, tyres, lights, visibility or another safety-critical component.

Should damage be reported to the insurer?

Usually, yes. Insurance policies commonly require an accident or claim to be reported as soon as possible. The exact procedure and deadline depend on the country and policy.

What if you damage property and the owner is not present?

You should follow local rules for identifying yourself and reporting the damage. Leaving without providing the required information can lead to legal consequences.

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