The moments following a car accident can be chaotic and confusing. Those involved are bombarded with questions, frantically wondering how to answer them. A key one is knowing whether or not to move the vehicle after the crash. Your decision can have significant implications for safety, legal liability, and your insurance claim.
When Should I Move My Vehicle After an Accident?
Safety is always the primary concern after any collision. If your vehicle is creating a hazardous situation in active traffic, moving it to a safer location is generally advised. Many state laws explicitly direct drivers to relocate vehicles to the shoulder or another safe area if the accident occurs on a busy roadway, especially highways, where stopped vehicles pose substantial dangers.
The decision depends on several factors. If your vehicle is in a dangerous location, such as the middle of a highway or busy intersection, and it can be safely driven, moving it to the shoulder or a nearby parking area is recommended. Additionally, if the accident is minor with no injuries and minimal damage, most police departments prefer that vehicles be relocated to reduce traffic congestion and prevent secondary collisions.
However, if there are serious injuries, significant vehicle damage, or any uncertainty about the safety of moving the vehicle, it is best to leave everything in place until emergency responders arrive. Call 911 and follow their instructions; they might tell you to exit the vehicle and stand in a safe location.
How Does Moving My Car Affect Evidence Collection?
This represents a legitimate concern for many drivers. A vehicle’s position after a collision can provide valuable information about how the accident occurred. Before moving your vehicle (but only if it is safe to do so), consider taking photographs of:
- The position of all vehicles involved.
- The surrounding area, including traffic signals, signs, and road conditions.
- Damage to all vehicles.
- Skid marks or debris on the roadway.
- License plates of all vehicles involved.
Most smartphones can capture high-quality images that may later assist insurance adjusters or legal representatives in determining liability.
Does Insurance Coverage Change If I Move My Vehicle?
Moving your vehicle after an accident does not invalidate your insurance claim, contrary to what some drivers believe. Insurance companies understand the safety implications of leaving damaged vehicles in dangerous locations.
What matters most to insurers is accurate documentation of the accident. This includes photographs taken before moving vehicles (when safely possible), honest reporting about the vehicle positions and movements, and complete information exchange with other involved parties. Insurance adjusters can evaluate claims even when vehicles have been moved from their original positions. Their assessment incorporates various factors beyond just the vehicles’ final resting places.
How Else Should I Document the Accident Scene?
Proper documentation serves as your protection in subsequent insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. In addition to photos, gather contact and insurance information from all involved parties. Note the time, weather conditions, and any relevant road factors; see if there is a traffic camera at the location.
Collect names and contact details of any witnesses and write down your recollection of events while your memory is fresh. You should also request a copy of the police report from a responding law enforcement officer. This documentation provides valuable context, including details that might otherwise be lost once vehicles are moved from the scene.
Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers at Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York Offer Sound Legal Guidance and Free Consultations
Facing the aftermath of a car accident requires careful attention to immediate safety concerns and long-term legal considerations; every decision you make matters. At Pressman, Doyle, Bloom, & York, our Cherry Hill car accident lawyers provide guidance to individuals dealing with the repercussions of traffic collisions. To learn more, call 856-843-8990 or complete our online form. Located in Milmont Park, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we serve clients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.