Is It Okay to Move My Car After an Accident?

The sound of the collision has just faded, and traffic is already starting to back up behind you on a busy Tacoma street. Horns are blaring. Other drivers are impatiently trying to maneuver around your disabled vehicles. In this high-stress moment, you’re faced with a critical decision: should you move your car, or should you leave it exactly where it is?

It’s a dilemma. You know that the position of the vehicles can be important evidence, but you also feel an intense pressure to clear the road and avoid causing a bigger traffic jam or, even worse, a second accident. What is the right thing to do? What does the law in Washington State say?

Making the wrong choice can not only be dangerous but could also potentially harm your future insurance claim. This guide will provide clear answers, helping you make a safe and legally sound decision in a chaotic situation.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• Safety First, Always: If your car is in a dangerous position (like an active lane of I-5) and can be moved, your top priority is to move it to a safe location like the shoulder to prevent another crash.
• When NOT to Move: If there is a serious injury or fatality, or if the car cannot be driven safely (leaking fluids, damaged wheels), do NOT move the vehicle. It is now part of a major investigation.
• Document BEFORE You Move: If you must move your car for safety, take photos first! Capture the positions of the cars, damage, and any skid marks before you alter the scene.
• Washington Law Supports Safety: Washington State law generally requires drivers to move their vehicles out of the roadway after a minor, non-injury accident to avoid obstructing traffic.

The Golden Rule: Safety Over Evidence

Let’s make this simple: Your safety, and the safety of other drivers, is more important than preserving the accident scene.

If you are in the middle of an active roadway, especially a highway like SR 16 or I-5, your disabled vehicle is a serious hazard. It can easily cause a secondary, and often more severe, pile-up. If the accident was a minor one (often called a “fender bender”), no one appears to be seriously injured, and your car is drivable, the correct and legally supported action is to move it to a safe location.

A safe location could be:

• The shoulder of the road or highway.
• A nearby parking lot.
• A side street with less traffic.

Once you are in a safe place, you can then turn on your hazard lights, exit the vehicle cautiously, and proceed with exchanging information and calling the police.

The Critical Exception: When You MUST Leave Your Car in Place

While moving your car is often the right choice, there are critical situations where you absolutely must NOT move your vehicles unless directed by law enforcement.

Do NOT move your car if:

1. There is a Serious Injury or Fatality: If anyone involved in the crash is complaining of significant pain (especially neck or back pain), is unconscious, or has passed away, the scene is now a major investigation site. The exact position of the vehicles is critical evidence for accident reconstruction. Do not touch or move anything. Call 911 immediately and focus on rendering aid if you are trained to do so.
2. Your Vehicle is Not Drivable: If your car is leaking fluids, smoking, has a flat tire, a damaged wheel, or is otherwise unsafe to drive, do not attempt to move it. Trying to drive a severely damaged car can cause more damage and be dangerous.
3. You Suspect a DUI or Other Crime: If you strongly suspect the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, leaving the vehicles in place can help the police better assess the situation when they arrive.

The “Photo First” Tactic: How to Move Your Car the Right Way

So, you’ve determined the accident is minor and you need to move your car for safety. What’s the first thing you should do? Grab your smartphone.

Before you get back in the driver’s seat, take 30 seconds to snap a few crucial photos. This preserves the evidence before you alter the scene.

• Quickly photograph the positions of both cars relative to each other and the lane lines.
• Get a shot of the other car’s license plate.
• If there are skid marks, take a quick picture.

This quick action allows you to clear the road safely while still preserving the most critical evidence of how the accident occurred.

What Washington Law Says

It’s helpful to know that the law is on your side when you move your car for safety. Washington State law (specifically RCW 46.52.020) requires drivers in an accident involving only property damage to move their vehicle from the roadway to a safe, nearby location so as not to obstruct traffic. Failing to do so when it is safe can even result in a citation. This law was created specifically to prevent secondary accidents and keep traffic flowing.

Making the decision to move your car can be stressful, but by following these guidelines, you can act with confidence. Prioritize safety, document the scene quickly if you can, and know that clearing the road after a minor accident is both the smart and legally correct thing to do.

Once you are safely off the road, the process of dealing with insurance and potential claims begins. If you have questions about how the details of your Tacoma-area accident could affect your claim, the next step is to seek professional guidance. To find a local expert, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. You can compare profiles and read real client reviews to find a trusted attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of your case.

References

• Revised Code of Washington (RCW 46.52.020) – Duty in case of personal injury or death or damage to attended vehicle or other property: The official state law that includes the requirement for drivers to move their vehicles from the roadway after a property-damage-only collision. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.52.020
• Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) – What to do if you’re in a collision: Official guidance from WSDOT, which often includes advice on when and how to safely move your vehicle. https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/vehicle-safety/in-a-collision

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