Should You Move Your Vehicle After an Accident in Florida?
Being involved in a car accident can be a scary and confusing experience. One of the most confusing things after a car accident is whether or not you should move your vehicle. After a car accident, many drivers sit in their vehicles in the middle of the road waiting for the police. So, should you move your car after a crash in Florida, or does the law prohibit you from doing so? Below is what you need to know about moving your vehicle after an accident in Florida.
Can You Move Your Vehicle After a Crash in Florida?
Florida has a specific statute that addresses the actions drivers must take if their vehicle is involved in an accident. According to Florida Statutes Section 316.061, if you are involved in an accident that results in property damage only, you are legally mandated to move your vehicle to avoid obstructing traffic. Specifically, the following are the steps to take after being involved in an accident that results only in property damage;
- Stop immediately at the scene or as close to it as possible
- Stay there and fulfill the requirements under section 316.062 (exchanging information and rendering help)
- Make every reasonable effort to move your damaged car so as not to block traffic
When moving your damaged car, there are two safe and practical options: a parking lot or the nearest road shoulder.
Tip: If your accident involves only property damage, ensure you first take photos of your vehicle before moving it. These pictures can prove invaluable when establishing liability (who caused your accident).
When Should You Not Move Your Vehicle?
The following are some instances when you should not move your car after a crash in Florida;
- You or someone else is seriously injured or unconscious
- Your vehicle is seriously damaged and cannot be driven or moved
- The accident involves a fatality
In such cases, you should wait for law enforcement and emergency personnel to arrive. The police will secure the scene, document the accident, and determine the next steps. On the other hand, emergency medical personnel will assess any injuries and provide treatment or transport to the hospital if needed.
If you move your car in such circumstances, you could;
- Put yourself or others at risk
- Compromise vital evidence
- Be accused of tampering with a serious accident scene
If unsure whether someone is injured or dead, it is best to be cautious and wait for emergency responders.
What if You’re Uncertain About Whether To Move?
If you are not sure whether it is safe to move your vehicle, for example, if you suspect leaking fluids, you can take the following steps;
- Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers
- Call 911 and ask for guidance
- Call roadside assistance or a tow truck
Why Is It Important To Move Responsibly?
After a Florida car accident, moving your car responsibly is important for several reasons;
- Preventing additional accidents and traffic backups
- Demonstrating compliance with the law
- May help your legal claim by showing you acted responsibly and within the law
Insurers and courts often consider what a driver did after an accident when handling claims.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Are you unsure about how to proceed after an accident? Contact our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm today at 844-200-0000 for trusted guidance.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Naples, Melbourne, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.061.html