According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, over 190,000 car accidents happened in 2020. Traffic accidents are often chaotic and stressful. Amidst the confusion, a question that frequently arises is whether or not you should move your car after someone hits you.
Knowing what to do after a car accident, particularly in regard to moving your vehicle, can help bring order to the chaos.
Safety first
Your safety and the safety of others should always come first after an accident. If your car is causing a safety hazard and it is safe to do so, you should try to move it. Moving to the side of the road or into a parking lot can prevent other accidents from occurring. However, if moving your car might cause more harm, such as if there is serious damage or injuries, it is better to leave it where it is until help arrives.
Gather evidence
Preserving the scene of the accident is essential for any future claims or legal actions. You might need to show the position of the vehicles after the collision to provide evidence of what happened. If it is safe, you can leave your car where it is until you have documented the scene. This might include taking pictures or video footage. However, you should never compromise safety for the sake of evidence. If you do need to move your car, make sure you document the scene as thoroughly as possible before doing so.
Understand the legal requirements
In New Jersey, state law requires drivers involved in an accident to immediately stop at the scene. However, there are no specific laws that prohibit moving your car after an accident. The law emphasizes safety, so if moving your car can prevent further accidents, you should do so.
The aftermath of an accident can be a whirlwind of events. However, regardless of whether you move your car or not, always make sure to report the accident to the police and to your insurance company as soon as possible.