When and When Not to Move Your Car After a Crash

Deciding whether or not to move my car after an accident is a critical decision. When a car crash occurs, factors such as blocking traffic, crash debris, and the safety of everyone involved, including first responders, can influence your decision. The law requires you to assess the situation carefully—especially if there is property damage or someone has suffered injuries.

In cases where there is great bodily injury or someone is severely injured, it is important to wait until the police arrive to document the scene properly. Moving your car after an accident could affect your personal injury lawsuit if crucial evidence is disturbed. Additionally, if the at fault driver tries to shift blame, having accurate records can strengthen your claim.

If you’re unsure of the best steps to take, reviewing car accidents blog posts and consulting a car accident attorney in Indiana can provide clarity. An experienced lawyer can help you handle the insurance company and ensure your rights are protected after an accident. Knowing the proper protocol can make a significant difference in receiving fair compensation for medical bills, repairs, and other losses.

The Standard Rule: Move Your Car When Possible

When involved in a motor vehicle crash, the standard rule is to move your car off the road if it’s safe and possible to do so. This directive is aimed at reducing the risk of additional collisions from oncoming motorists.

Leaving your vehicle in the middle of the road or in active traffic lanes after an accident increases the chances of it being hit a second time. This could worsen your damages, cause further injuries, and create a more chaotic accident scene.

According to Indiana code 9-26-1-1.2, if you’re a driver involved in a crash that causes traffic congestion, it’s important to move your vehicle out of any active traffic lanes while staying as close to the accident scene as possible and do so promptly.

Moving your car to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road, a nearby parking lot, or a side street, helps maintain smoother traffic flow and reduces the risk of secondary accidents. This is particularly crucial on highways and busy streets where high-speed vehicles might not have adequate time to react to a sudden obstacle such as a stopped vehicle or debris from your crash.

When to Move Your Car

You should move your car to a safe location under the following circumstances:

• If your car is obstructing traffic and can be moved safely, move it to the side of the road or a designated area.
• If there are no injuries, minimal damage and both parties agree, you can move your cars to a safer location to exchange information and wait for authorities, if necessary.
• If you’re in a hazardous location, such as on a busy highway or in the middle of a blind curve, moving your car to a more secure area is safer.

Always use your hazard lights or other indicators to signal to other drivers when you move my car after an accident. This step is especially critical if the car accident happens at night or in poor visibility conditions. Making your actions predictable can prevent further mishaps and additional property damage.

Whether or not you should move your car after an accident depends on the situation. If there are injuries, permanent disfigurement, or fatalities, it’s best to wait until the police arrive to secure the scene and collect insurance information. However, in minor accidents where there is no serious harm, moving the vehicle out of traffic can help avoid further collisions.

In some cases, accident sites may also be treated as crime scenes, requiring drivers to remain in place until law enforcement completes their assessment. Always keep your driver’s license handy and cooperate fully with the authorities. If you have concerns about an insurance claim or the details surrounding your accident, seeking a free consultation with a car accident attorney can help clarify your legal options and protect your rights.

When You Should Not Move Your Car After a Crash

While the standard rule encourages moving your car to a safer location after a crash, there are certain scenarios where it’s best not to move your vehicle. You should leave your car where it is if the following circumstances apply:

• Serious injuries: If you or anyone else involved in the accident is seriously injured, do not move the car. Movement may cause further harm, especially in cases of neck, back, or spinal injuries. Wait for emergency medical services and let the professionals handle the situation.
• Severe damage: If your vehicle has sustained severe damage, moving it may be unsafe or even impossible. Attempting to drive a severely damaged car could lead to further mechanical issues or accidents.
• Someone is trapped inside the vehicle: If an occupant of any vehicle involved in the crash is trapped inside, do not attempt to move the car. Trying to move a vehicle could result in further injury to the trapped person. Instead, alert emergency services immediately and wait for professional help to arrive.
• Accidents resulting in the death of a passenger or driver: If a fatality has resulted from the accident, it’s critical not to move the vehicles involved. In these cases, the crash scene is a potential crime scene and requires investigation. Moving the car could disrupt evidence and interfere with the investigation process.
• The car poses a fire or explosion risk: In cases where there’s noticeable smoke, fire, or a significant fuel leak, do not attempt to move the vehicle. These are all indications of a potential fire or explosion risk. Everyone should evacuate the vehicle’s immediate vicinity and wait for the fire department or other emergency services to arrive.

Call an Attorney Today

Getting a lawyer on your side immediately after a crash protects your rights, especially if you moved your vehicle from the accident scene to a nearby location or the shoulder.

Our Indiana car crash lawyers at Wagner Reese can help gather evidence to prove who was at fault for your injuries and hold them accountable. We have the resources and know how to determine fault even after the vehicles have been moved, using intersection camera or surveillance footage, crash scene debris, dashcam footage, tire skid marks, impact zones, witness statements, and accident reconstructionists.

Contact Wagner Reese for a free case review, and let us put our decades of experience to work for you.