Do I Have to Wait Until the Police Arrive to Move My Car?
When you have a minor accident with no injuries to anyone involved, you should move your vehicle off to the shoulder or anywhere off to the side of the road. In fact, you may be legally obligated to do so in Arizona.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) advises drivers to move out of the way of road traffic quickly. You must not wait for the police before driving your car from a minor accident scene.
You should not block traffic since you could cause another accident. The law requires you to move your vehicle to a safe spot or remove yourself and any passengers from the road to safety if your car is not drivable.
What Is the Law on Removing Vehicles From a Crash Site?
On its website, ADOT reminds drivers of the Quick Clearance rule in Arizona. As the name suggests, drivers must remove vehicles from highway or roadway lanes after a non-injury minor crash. Clearing the roadway reduces the likelihood of another accident by removing a road hazard and creating a safer space for first responders.
Though you may want to exchange information and take pictures immediately after confirming no one is hurt, Arizona requires you to move your car first. Endangering yourself by stepping into traffic to take photos is an accident waiting to happen.
Where Do I Move My Vehicle After a Collision?
When your vehicle blocks traffic, you want to move it to the emergency shoulder, median, or off the road into a nearby parking lot or side street with less traffic. However, only drive off after checking on all drivers and passengers and exchanging information. Otherwise, you may be charged with a hit-and-run.
The law requires you to stop your vehicle near the accident scene, check for injuries to those involved, exchange insurance and other information with the other drivers, and notify the police if necessary. Notify the police when the accident results in property damage, injuries, or death. In those circumstances, the police will write an official report.
What Should I Do When an Accident Causes Injuries?
The first order of business after an accident is to see if anyone is hurt. If it is an injury accident, call 911 for immediate assistance. As long as the injured individual is not in immediate danger of getting further injured on the road, do not move them. Wait for the paramedics to arrive. Moving someone can cause further injury.
A Car Accident Attorney Can Help After a Crash A Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Fortunately, some accidents are minor, with no resulting property damage or injuries. In those cases, people exchange information just in case but do nothing further. Some do not exchange information, drive off, and are thankful that the accident was not worse.
However, when a crash causes vehicle damage and injuries, you should speak to a car accident lawyer.
Many experienced personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and case evaluations. They can advise you on how to pursue your claim and educate you about who is at fault when drivers violate Arizona accident rules and regulations.
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
3200 N Central Ave Suite 1100, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 825-3502
