After a car accident, it’s natural to feel disoriented. As such, you may be unsure – at least, in the moment – as to whether or not you should move your car. This is understandable, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach that applies to every situation.
In some cases, moving your car may be necessary to avoid further accidents or traffic disruptions, while in others, staying put could help you to preserve evidence that could impact any legal case or insurance claim that you might file down the road.
When to move your car
In general, you should move your car after a minor accident if it is safe to do so and no one has sustained major injuries. Many states, including Florida, have laws requiring drivers to move their vehicles after a crash if they are obstructing traffic. When possible, moving your car can help you avoid causing additional accidents and can ease traffic congestion. Leaving a car on a busy roadway increases the risk of a secondary accident, which can be especially dangerous on highways.
When appropriate, if you and the other drivers involved can find a safe spot away from traffic flow to exchange information, that is generally a good idea. Be sure to turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. And keep in mind that if you can move your car and you don’t, you may be fined in some jurisdictions. Ultimately, if you are unsure of your state’s rules, try to assess the risk; if your car is blocking traffic but can be safely moved (and none of the concerns detailed below apply), it’s usually best to move it, after snapping a few pictures of the accident scene in case you need to use them as evidence later.
When to stay put
In some cases, it’s best to leave your car where it is until law enforcement arrives. Situations that involve injuries, serious property damage or any suspicion of wrongdoing may require you to stay put for your safety and to protect your rights.
For example, when someone is seriously injured, moving a vehicle could alter the accident scene in a way that may affect emergency response. In these cases, keep your car where it is, call 911 immediately and provide first aid if you can do so safely. Moving a vehicle in such instances can also be legally problematic, as it may interfere with investigations.
Somewhat similarly, if you suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it’s usually safer to keep your car in place and wait for law enforcement. Moving your vehicle may not be safe, and staying in place preserves the scene for the police to evaluate.
Finally, if there is significant damage to either vehicle or if the fault is unclear or disputed, keep your car where it is. This can help you to preserve evidence like skid marks, vehicle positions and other details that may support your account of the accident.
It isn’t always easy for drivers to know when they should move a vehicle. A good rule of thumb is that if a crash is minor and you’re blocking traffic, move your car. Oherwise, stay put.