Getting involved in an accident and surviving one is a rollercoaster of emotions, and there are many guidelines to follow in the aftermath. I often get the "should I move my car after the accident" question. Unfortunately, the answer is not as straightforward as the question. Because the answer can depend on many variables like the location or condition of the driver, but as you read on, I will address all the variables so that you are better prepared when faced with similar challenges.

In some locations like South Carolina, the driver is the one that is mandated to remain at the crash site until they have given statements and fulfilled some requirements. In other locations like Indiana, the reverse is the case. The driver is mandated to move their vehicle after a crash to free up traffic for oncoming cars. So we will deal with both scenarios so you can react appropriately as the case may be.

Moving an accidental car can only be dangerous if:

• Someone has been seriously hurt or killed
• The road is unsteady, insufficiently wide, or incapable of safely supporting cars in any other situation.
• The smell of fuel is overpowering. This may provide a risk of fire or explosion. Remove yourself from the car.
• If a vehicle has defects that make it hazardous or difficult to drive, you are not obliged to move it.

Why Are You Mandated to Move Your Car?

The law mandates you to move your car after an accident because it lowers the possibility of other accidents. Compromised vehicles in the center of the highway increase the chance that passing cars will hit them again. This poses a substantial danger of additional harm to injured people, innocent motorists, and emergency personnel. Survivors can sit tight for authorities and emergency services to come much more securely if they relocate their cars to a side roadway.

It makes room for traffic; traffic jams caused by automobile accidents aggravate time wasters; they may also pose a serious risk of death to those who need to be transferred to a medical facility or are critically ill. All automobiles, especially ambulances and fire engines, have a free route when cars are moved out of the way.

There are some exemptions that you need to look out for:

Usually, moving your cars for space on the highway for oncoming traffic is fine, but sometimes it is either not feasible or becomes a crime.

Moving cars or victims after major wrecks is not advised if the crash results in significant injury or fatality. This is because, in the process, things can get worse for the victims. So the rescue team should meet the victims as they are.

When an automobile carrying dangerous goods is involved in an accident, people around the collision area may be in danger. When cars are left in their damaged state after collisions, emergency responders are better equipped to reduce such threats. The risk of a fire, explosion, or leak is increased if these vehicles are moved while damaged.

Will Moving Your Car Tamper with The Evidence

The myth that moving your car after an accident is illegal was methodically spread by insurance companies so that it would be difficult to ascertain who was at fault. But we can discover which driver is at fault through CCTV footage, witnesses, and many more.

Although moving your car can risk your chances of receiving compensation, whatever recompense you might get cannot compare to the safety of those in your vehicle. Moving your car is mandated by law regardless of whether doing so will significantly impede the post-crash assessment, especially if no one was critically hurt, killed, or trapped as a consequence of the collision.

Conclusion

Another strategy to protect oneself after a collision is to immediately retain legal counsel, particularly if you drove your car away from the crash scene and into a nearby, secure area. Do not accept blame for the accident. Offer your help, or stay silent.

If you think your life might be in danger from moving the car, please leave it where it is. When the authorities show up, you will be given directions on what to do.