What to Do After a Car Accident in Sweden (Vad du ska göra efter en bilolycka i Sverige)

Even the most careful drivers can find themselves involved in a car accident. Knowing what to do in those critical moments after a collision can make a significant difference in ensuring safety, complying with Swedish law, and facilitating a smooth insurance claims process. This comprehensive guide outlines the steps to take after a car accident in Sweden.

Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene

1. Ensure Safety First

Your immediate priority should be safety:

• Turn off your engine to reduce fire risk
• Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers
• If possible and safe, move vehicles out of traffic
• Check yourself and passengers for injuries
• Check on occupants of other vehicles involved

2. Set Up Warning Triangles

Swedish law requires you to place warning triangles to alert approaching traffic:

• Place the triangle approximately 50-100 meters behind your vehicle on rural roads
• On highways, place it at least 100-150 meters behind
• In urban areas, place it at a distance that gives other drivers adequate warning

Warning triangles are mandatory equipment in all vehicles in Sweden. Failing to use them after an accident can result in fines.

3. Call Emergency Services When Necessary

Call 112 immediately if:

• Anyone is injured or appears to be in shock
• Vehicles are blocking traffic and can't be moved safely
• There is a fire hazard or dangerous materials are involved
• Any driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Significant property damage has occurred

Be prepared to provide the dispatcher with your exact location (road name, direction, kilometer markers, or nearby landmarks) and details about injuries or hazards.

Documentation and Information Exchange

1. Exchange Information

Swedish law requires all parties involved in an accident to exchange contact and insurance information. Collect the following from all drivers involved:

• Full name, address, and phone number
• Driver's license number
• Vehicle registration number (license plate)
• Insurance company name and policy number
• Vehicle owner's information (if different from the driver)

2. Document the Scene

Thorough documentation is crucial for insurance claims:

• Take photographs: Capture damage to all vehicles from multiple angles, the overall accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries
• Note the exact location: Street names, direction of travel, nearby landmarks
• Record environmental factors: Weather conditions, visibility, road conditions
• Sketch the accident: Draw a simple diagram showing positions of vehicles before and after the collision

3. Gather Witness Information

If there were witnesses to the accident:

• Collect names and contact information
• Ask if they would be willing to provide a statement
• Note their location at the time of the accident (where they were standing or which direction they were driving)

4. Complete an Accident Report Form

Most Swedish insurance companies provide accident report forms (skadeanmälan) that you should keep in your vehicle. This form helps record all relevant details while they're fresh in your mind:

• Fill it out at the scene if possible
• Be factual and accurate about what happened
• Don't admit fault or make accusations
• Have all drivers review and sign if possible

SwedishShield customers can access a digital version of this form in our mobile app or download a PDF from our website.

After Leaving the Scene

1. Report to Police When Required

In Sweden, police reporting is mandatory in certain situations:

• If anyone was injured
• If property damage exceeds a certain value
• If there's a dispute about who was at fault
• If you suspect another driver was under the influence
• If a driver lacks insurance or left the scene

Police reports can be filed at the nearest police station or online for minor incidents.

2. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident:

• Report the incident within the timeframe specified in your policy (usually 48 hours)
• Provide all documentation gathered at the scene
• Be honest and accurate in your account of events
• Ask about the next steps in the claims process

SwedishShield customers can report claims 24/7 through our hotline (+46-70-123-4567), mobile app, or online portal. Our Premium package includes priority claims handling with a dedicated claims specialist.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries may not be immediately apparent:

• Visit a doctor or emergency room to be checked
• Document all medical visits and treatments
• Keep records of any symptoms that develop in the days following the accident
• Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments

In Sweden, your personal injury protection (personskadeskydd) through car insurance covers medical expenses related to the accident, regardless of fault.

4. Vehicle Repairs

If your vehicle was damaged:

• Have your insurance company guide you on approved repair shops
• Get an estimate before proceeding with repairs
• Understand your coverage and any applicable deductibles
• Keep all receipts related to repairs or temporary transportation

SwedishShield works with a network of certified repair shops across Sweden that offer express service for our policyholders, with guaranteed workmanship.

Understanding the Swedish Claims Process

Determining Fault

Sweden uses a fault-based system for determining liability in car accidents:

• Insurance companies investigate to determine who was at fault
• Fault can be assigned partially to multiple drivers
• Traffic laws, evidence from the scene, and witness statements all contribute to fault determination
• The Swedish Traffic Accident Commission may investigate serious accidents

No-Fault Personal Injury Coverage

While vehicle damage claims are fault-based, personal injury claims work differently:

• Medical costs are covered by your own insurance regardless of who was at fault
• All vehicles in Sweden must have personal injury protection
• This ensures prompt medical treatment without waiting for fault determination

Timeline and Process

The typical timeline for a Swedish insurance claim includes:

1. Initial report: Within 48 hours of the accident
2. Claim registration: Your insurance company assigns a claim number
3. Damage assessment: An inspector evaluates vehicle damage
4. Investigation: Review of documentation and determination of fault
5. Decision: Approval or denial of the claim
6. Settlement: Payment for repairs or direct payment to repair shop

Simple claims may be resolved within a week, while complex cases can take several weeks or months.

Special Situations

Hit and Run Accidents

If you're involved in an accident where the other driver leaves the scene:

• Try to note the license plate number, vehicle make/model, and driver description
• Look for witnesses who might have seen the vehicle
• File a police report immediately – this is mandatory for hit and run incidents
• Contact your insurance company promptly

With SwedishShield's Premium and Standard packages, uninsured and hit-and-run coverage protects you from having to pay out of pocket for damage caused by unidentified drivers.

Wildlife Collisions

Collisions with wildlife are common in Sweden and require specific procedures:

• By law, you must report collisions with large wildlife (elk, deer, wild boar, etc.)
• Mark the location with a wildlife accident marker (viltolycksremsa) provided in emergency kits
• Call 112 to report the accident location and animal type
• Stay at the scene until authorities arrive if the animal is injured but not dead

SwedishShield's Standard and Premium packages cover damage from wildlife collisions with lower deductibles than regular collision claims.

Accidents Abroad

If you're driving in another country:

• Follow local accident procedures and laws
• Contact your Swedish insurance company's international assistance number
• Get documentation in both the local language and English if possible
• Your Green Card proves you have the minimum required insurance

SwedishShield provides 24/7 international assistance for our policyholders involved in accidents anywhere in Europe.

Conclusion

Being prepared for an accident before it happens can make a stressful situation more manageable. We recommend keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle containing:

• Warning triangles (required by law)
• High-visibility vests
• First aid supplies
• Accident report forms
• A pen and paper
• A charged power bank for your phone

Remember that SwedishShield customers can access our 24/7 accident assistance hotline for guidance through every step of the process. Our claims handlers speak Swedish, English, and several other languages to ensure you get the support you need in a stressful situation.

By following these steps and working closely with your insurance provider, you can ensure a smoother recovery process after an accident on Swedish roads.