Key Takeaways:
- Pennsylvania law generally supports moving vehicles out of traffic after a minor crash when it is safe to do so.
- Snapping photos before moving a car helps preserve evidence that could matter later for an insurance claim.
- A car left sitting in an active lane raises the risk of a second crash, especially on busy roads.
Pennsylvania law generally encourages drivers to move their cars out of traffic after a minor car accident, as long as it is safe and no one is hurt. Staying parked in a live lane raises the odds of a second crash, since other drivers may not see a stopped car in time to react. Before moving anything, though, try to take quick photos of the vehicles and damage.
Does Pennsylvania Law Require Drivers to Move Their Car After a Crash?
Pennsylvania statute § 3745.1 stipulates that “the driver of any vehicle in an accident that does not result in apparent serious bodily injury or death shall immediately remove the vehicle from the roadway to a safe refuge on the shoulder, emergency lane or median or to a place otherwise removed from the roadway.” That holds as long as the vehicle can be safely moved and does not require towing; another licensed driver or police officer may move it.
Why Does Moving a Car After a Minor Crash Matter?
A car left sitting in a live lane can catch other drivers off guard, especially in heavy traffic or low visibility. Follow-up collisions can happen at the scene of the original crash, creating an even bigger problem. Clearing the roadway lowers that risk and keeps traffic moving safely around the scene.
What Should Be Done Before Moving a Vehicle?
A few quick steps help protect both safety and any later claim before a car gets moved:
- Taking photos of vehicle positions from a few angles
- Photographing visible damage on all vehicles involved
- Capturing skid marks, debris, or broken glass near the scene
- Noting the time, weather, and lighting conditions
When Should a Car Not Be Moved After an Accident?
If anyone involved is injured, or the damage looks bad enough to affect how the vehicle drives, the safest move is to leave the cars where they stopped and wait for police. Moving a vehicle in these situations can complicate the crash investigation and, in rare cases, cause further injury. Calling 911 and staying safely out of traffic while help arrives works better than trying to move a damaged car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can moving my car after an accident hurt my claim?
No, moving a car after documenting the scene with photos does not typically hurt an insurance claim.
What should I do before moving my car after an accident?
If possible, try taking as many photographs of the crash scene to better protect your claim.
Should I call the police for a minor fender bender?
Calling the police is a good idea even for minor crashes, since an official report can support an insurance claim later.
Turn Your Fender Bender Case Over to Our Experienced Media Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks to Get the Compensation You Deserve
Have more legal questions? Contact our Media car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. For an initial consultation, call us today at 610-565-3700 or complete our online form. With office locations in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.