Should I Move My Car After an Accident?

Getting involved in a car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next. One common question that arises is whether or not to move your vehicle after the incident. The answer isn’t always straightforward and depends on various factors. Let’s delve into the considerations and guidelines for deciding whether to move your car after an accident.

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When to Move Your Car After a Minor Accident

In instances where your vehicle is obstructing traffic following a minor accident, it’s generally advisable to move it to a safe location. This action helps prevent further accidents caused by the blocked travel lane. If you’re uninjured and your vehicle is not severely damaged, consider shifting it into neutral gear and pushing it to a designated safe zone or the roadside shoulder. Waiting for the authorities to arrive and assist you is also an option.

If your car is not blocking traffic or it is unclear who caused the collision, it may be helpful to leave your vehicle where it came to rest. The investigating police department will conduct an investigation and it will be helpful for them to see the physical evidence before it is moved. The position of cars and debris can assist investigators determine fault and include a diagram in the traffic accident report. Accident reconstruction experts can look at the position of each vehicle to determine points of impact and recreate the crash.

If you sustained a serious or catastrophic injury in Denver as a result of a crash, you should avoid moving yourself or your car unless you are in a position of danger. You can sustain severe injuries in a minor car accident, so don’t assume just because the vehicle damage is minor that your bodily injuries are the same.

Factors to Consider Before Moving Your Vehicle

Before deciding to move your car, there are several important steps to take:

1. Assess Injuries: Prioritize checking for injuries among yourself, passengers, and others involved. If there are injuries, seek medical assistance immediately.

2. Notify Law Enforcement: In accordance with Colorado law, report the accident to the police, especially if it involves injuries, fatalities, or property damage.

3. Document the Scene: Use your phone or camera to capture images of the vehicles involved and the accident site, focusing on the points of impact.

Once you’ve ensured safety and documented the scene, cautiously relocate your disabled vehicle to a secure area, awaiting police arrival.

Instances Where Moving Your Car Isn’t Advisable

However, there are scenarios where moving your vehicle immediately after an accident may not be safe or practical:

1. Safety Risks: If moving the car poses a risk to yourself or others, it’s best to leave it in place until assistance arrives.

2. Traffic Congestion: If the road is heavily congested, moving the vehicle may further disrupt traffic flow or pose additional safety hazards.

3. Crime Scene Involvement: In cases involving criminal activity like drunk driving or vehicular homicide, preserving the scene is crucial for investigation purposes.

4. Severe Damage: If the vehicle sustains significant damage or appears totaled, leaving it untouched is advisable.

5. Risk of Exacerbating Injuries: Moving the car could potentially worsen injuries, especially if someone is trapped inside or suffering from severe trauma.

6. Debris Hazards: If debris on the road makes maneuvering the vehicle unsafe, it’s safer to leave it where it is until the area is cleared.

In such situations, use road flares or warning triangles to alert other drivers and minimize the risk of further accidents. Regardless of whether you move your vehicle, seeking medical attention for injuries is paramount. Additionally, consulting an experienced car accident attorney in Denver can help navigate the claims process effectively.