Should I Move My Car After an Accident?

Many motorists feel unsure what to do in the immediate aftermath of a crash in Arizona. They find themselves wondering, “Should I move my car after an accident?” Typically, you should move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic if possible. 

However, you should not leave the scene of the accident completely if you want to avoid a hit-and-run accusation. You can learn more about the steps to take after a crash with a Phoenix car accident lawyer from our team at Zanes Law.

Call or complete our online contact form to learn more.

Should You Move Your Car After an Accident in Arizona?

In many cases, you should move your car after an accident. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) advises drivers not to dally after a minor crash. 

So, if you are involved in an accident and your vehicle is blocking traffic, you should drive it to the shoulder or another out-of-the-way location for your safety and the safety of others on the road. The odds of another crash increase each minute your vehicle remains in traffic.

What Is the Rule for Moving Vehicles Off the Road After a Crash?

Arizona uses quick clearance rules for moving vehicles off the road after fender benders. These laws require drivers to leave travel lanes as quickly as possible after accidents that do not result in injuries. 

So, should you move your car after an accident? Yes, you should get your vehicle off the road if possible. You should not stop in the flow of traffic to take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, as this could result in additional collisions. 

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Where Should You Stop Your Vehicle if You Are Involved in a Crash?

If you are involved in an accident and your vehicle is blocking traffic, you should move and stop your vehicle in a place out of the flow of traffic if at all possible. You may stop on the shoulder if available. 

You may also pull off into a nearby parking lot or along a less busy side street. Do not leave the scene of the accident completely. A car accident attorney can provide more information about where you should stop your vehicle if you are involved in a crash. 

The Legality of Moving Your Car After an Accident

Is it illegal to move your car after an accident in Arizona? No, Arizona doesn’t consider it illegal to move your car out of the flow of traffic after a collision. 

In fact, if you are involved in an accident and your vehicle is blocking traffic, you should move it to a safe location according to the state’s laws. However, you may break the law if you attempt to completely leave the accident scene. Arizona requires all drivers involved in accidents to:

• Stop their vehicle close to the scene of the accident
• Check everyone involved to see if they sustained an injury
• Exchange insurance and contact information with other involved drivers
• Notify the police when applicable 

Typically, you should contact the police after any accident causing property damage, injuries, or a fatality. The police may come out to the accident scene, assess the situation, and generate an official accident report. 

What Happens in a Hit-and-Run?

Drivers who leave the scene of an accident without stopping, notifying the police, or checking on other people involved in the collision may face charges for a hit-and-run in Arizona. The law requires individuals to stop after any crash.

Pulling your car onto the shoulder or into a nearby parking lot does not qualify as leaving the scene of a crash and should not result in hit-and-run accusations. 

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What Else Should You do After an Accident in Arizona?

After a collision, you should take a few other steps, including moving your car out of the flow of traffic and contacting the police. The professionals recommend that you seek immediate treatment for any injuries you sustained. 

Ensure you notify your insurance company of the accident to create official records of the collision. You should also reach out to a car accident lawyer for advice and assistance in securing compensation. 

Your attorney can explain the rule for moving vehicles off the road after a crash and explain your options for potentially securing compensation to cover losses like:

• Current and future medical bills
• The costs of repairing your vehicle
• Your lost wages
• Your pain, emotional anguish, and mental suffering

You can learn more about what to do right after a car accident in Phoenix, AZ, when you contact our team. We can also explain what facts you need to gather after a car accident. 

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Speak to Us About Moving Your Car After an Accident

Should you move your car after an accident in Arizona? If possible, you should get your car out of the flow of traffic after a collision. If your car sustained too much damage to move, make sure you (and any passengers) get away from the vehicle and to a safe place. 

You can discuss your options after a collision in more detail with a car accident lawyer from Zanes Law. Call or fill out our online contact form for prompt advice.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form

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