It's rush hour and you're driving to your destination when, suddenly, another vehicle collides with yours. You are shocked and confused. What do you do? Should your car stay put even though it is blocking traffic—or should you move it?
Well, it depends.
For a Minor Car Accident…
The most important thing to do after experiencing an accident is to check if you, your passengers, or people in the other vehicle are injured. If your accident is minor, then there is no law that prohibits you or the other driver from moving to a safer location to exchange information.
Police often advise drivers to exit the highway and find a parking lot or side street to avoid distracting other drivers on the road.
For a Major Car Accident…
However, if you are injured beyond the ability to move, the other driver has been injured, or a passenger has died, it is critical to call 911 as soon as possible and leave your vehicle in place.
The law requires us to notify the police of any injuries and call for medical assistance. If the accident results in injuries, death, or property damage, you should report it to local law enforcement immediately. If you are not injured, you should do your best to provide assistance to other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians that have been injured during the accident.
Moving your car after an accident truly depends on the seriousness of the accident. If it is a major accident, authorities advise us to leave our vehicles in place—even if it is blocking traffic in rush hour. If it is a minor accident, moving to the shoulder or a side street is recommended.
What Does Pennsylvania Law Say About Moving Your Vehicle?
In Pennsylvania, the law encourages drivers to move their vehicles out of traffic after a minor accident if it is safe and possible to do so. This is part of the "Steer It, Clear It" principle, which helps prevent secondary collisions and traffic delays. However, if someone is seriously injured or if moving the vehicle would make the scene less safe, you should wait for law enforcement.
Even if you do move your vehicle, you're still legally required to exchange information with the other driver and report the crash to police if there are injuries or significant property damage. Leaving the scene without doing so could result in criminal charges.
Risks of Leaving or Moving a Crashed Vehicle
There are real safety risks either way—here’s what to consider:
- Leaving the car in place: This can create a dangerous traffic obstruction, especially on highways or busy roads. Other drivers may not see your stopped vehicle in time to avoid it, increasing the risk of a second collision.
- Moving the car: Moving your vehicle too soon after a crash could put you or others at risk. If traffic is still flowing or visibility is low, exiting the vehicle or repositioning it could be dangerous. If you're unsure whether it's safe to move, turn on your hazards and leave the car in place.
When in doubt, use your best judgment. If the accident is minor and no one is hurt, move the vehicles to a safe area. If there’s any doubt about safety or injuries, leave the vehicles where they are and wait for first responders.
Why You Should Document the Scene Before Moving Anything
If you do decide—or are instructed—to move your vehicle, take a few minutes to document the scene first. This can be critical evidence later:
- Take photos of the vehicles’ positions before they’re moved.
- Photograph visible damage to all vehicles involved.
- Snap pictures of skid marks, broken glass, traffic signals, and any debris.
- Capture the surrounding area, including lighting and weather conditions.
Even a few quick photos can help show how the crash occurred and back up your version of events. It’s always better to have more documentation than not enough.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, contact our experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorneys at HHR immediately to help you develop a case against the party responsible.