An Accident Just Happened. Should You Move Your Car?

Car accidents are distressing events that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. One of the first questions that might come to mind is whether you should move your car. This decision can impact your safety and ability to file a successful claim. Understanding the factors involved in deciding whether to move your car is crucial. Seeking legal guidance from experienced attorneys at Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd. can help you make the right choices: discuss your situation at a consultation for case-specific advice.

Immediate Steps After an Accident

Before making any decisions about moving your car, it’s essential to secure the scene and ensure everyone’s safety. Here are the immediate steps you should take:

1. Stop Immediately: Never leave the scene of an accident, no matter how minor. Doing so can result in serious legal consequences.
2. Secure the Scene: Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and prevent further collisions.
3. Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.

Once these initial steps are taken, you can start considering whether to move your vehicle.

Factors to Consider When Deciding to Move Your Car

Impact on Traffic

One of the primary considerations is the potential impact on traffic. If your car is obstructing the flow of traffic and creating a hazard, it may be necessary to move it to a safer location. However, it’s also important to take photos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Documenting the placement of the vehicles, road conditions and any damage will provide crucial evidence for your insurance claim and any potential legal actions.

Safety Risks

Safety is paramount when deciding whether to move your car. If the accident occurred in a location with high-speed traffic or limited visibility, staying in place could increase the risk of further collisions. In such cases, moving your car to the shoulder or a nearby safe area is advisable. On the other hand, if your injuries are severe, it’s best to stay in the car and wait for emergency services to arrive.

Liability Concerns

Moving your car can sometimes affect liability determinations. The position of the vehicles post-accident can provide critical information about the cause and fault of the accident. By moving your car, you might inadvertently alter this evidence. This is why it’s crucial to take comprehensive photos before making any movements, if feasible. These photos can help demonstrate that the other party was at fault and support your injury claim.

Situations Where Moving the Car is Necessary

In some scenarios, moving the car is not just advisable but necessary. Here are a few instances where you might need to move your vehicle:

1. Minor Accidents: If the accident is minor and both parties agree that moving the vehicles will not affect the determination of fault, it’s generally safe to move them to avoid obstructing traffic.
2. Dangerous Locations: If the accident occurs in a tunnel, on a bridge, or where there’s a risk of another collision, moving the car to a safer location is prudent.
3. Instructions from Authorities: Follow the directions of law enforcement officers who arrive at the scene. They will guide you on whether it’s safe to move your car.

Serious Accidents

In more serious accidents, it may be impossible or unsafe to move your car. If your vehicle is severely damaged, attempting to move it could cause further harm or exacerbate injuries. In these situations, prioritize calling 911 and waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Contact an Attorney Right Away

Deciding whether to move your car after an accident involves assessing traffic impact, safety risks and liability concerns. While moving the car may be necessary in some cases, always prioritize safety and follow the guidance of law enforcement.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, the experienced attorneys at Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd., are here to help. We have a long history of fighting for accident victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.