South Carolina does not have a rule in place that legally requires you to move your car after an accident. Regardless, it may be best to do so to ensure you are safe. After your crash, you may also want to consult with a North Charleston car accident lawyer who may help you pursue damages from anyone who caused your collision.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers a no-win, no-fee guarantee in personal injury cases. If you hire our attorney but do not receive any damages from the party responsible for your auto accident, you do not have to pay us anything. To learn more, reach out to us.
Should You Move Your Car After an Accident?
If you are involved in an accident and your vehicle is blocking traffic, you should do so only if it is safe. You should not put yourself or anyone else in any further danger. If moving your car is dangerous, call 911 and stay where you are until police officers and medical personnel arrive.
Police officers can gather information about you and your accident and find out exactly what happened. They may help you move your car or contact a tow truck to transport your car to another location. Also, they may put together a collision report that can be used as evidence in an auto accident case.
Medical personnel will treat you and anyone else who may have gotten hurt during the collision. They may bring you to a hospital. This ensures you can receive the care and support you need to recover from your injuries.
When Should You Stop Your Vehicle if You Are Involved in a Crash?
You should stop your vehicle immediately. As soon as you realize you were involved in a crash, bring your vehicle to the side of the road or to a safe spot away from traffic. If you cannot move your car or it is unsafe to do so, park your vehicle and call 911 for help.
After you stop your vehicle, it may be helpful to make sure all parties involved in the crash are OK. You may feel frustrated and annoyed that another driver caused your collision. Rather than let your emotions get the best of you, you may want to take a deep breath, try to remain calm, and help anyone who may be hurt.
You should get the contact information of the other driver involved in your crash. At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we can explain how long it takes to settle a car accident claim and how you can hold an at-fault driver accountable for your crash. For more information, get in touch with us.
Is It Illegal to Move Your Car After an Accident?
It is legal to move your vehicle after an accident. However, there are South Carolina hit-and-run laws. If you leave the accident scene, you may incur penalties.
A hit-and-run happens when a driver knowingly flees an accident scene or does not provide their full information to the other motorist. If a driver chooses not to speak with law enforcement or offer assistance to anyone who got hurt, they may be charged with a hit and run. In any of these situations, the consequences may be severe.
If someone is convicted of fleeing the scene of a car accident, they may receive a prison sentence and fines. In a situation where the other driver leaves the scene of your accident, you should not try to chase them down. Instead, call 911, and police officers and medical professionals can come to the scene to assist you.
What Is the Rule for Moving Vehicles Off the Road After a Crash?
South Carolina has laws in place relating to motor vehicles. Generally, a motorist must make every “reasonable effort” to move their vehicle off of a roadway after a crash. It is unreasonable to expect a driver to move their car if it puts this individual or anyone else in danger.
If you can safely move your vehicle to ensure it is not blocking traffic, you should do so. In this situation, you can relocate your vehicle to a spot not far from the crash scene. You and your vehicle will be in a safe location, and you can reach out to 911 to help you deal with the aftermath of your crash.
Comparatively, if you cannot safely relocate your vehicle, do not move it. Your safety is a top priority, and you should not do anything to put yourself or others in harm’s way. At this time, call 911, and police officers and medical personnel will come to the crash scene right away to assist you.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Car Accident
In an auto accident, you should stop your vehicle and move it to a safe spot off the main road as long as it is safe to do so. You should also remain at the scene and call 911 for help. In addition, you can get the other driver’s contact information and connect with any witnesses who saw your crash happen.
You should not accept responsibility for your auto crash. In the days after your crash, you can notify your car insurance company about your collision. It is mandatory for drivers in South Carolina to carry automobile insurance coverage, and you may be able to pursue damages through the at-fault motorist’s insurer.
Along with these things, it may be beneficial to meet with a South Carolina car accident attorney. From here, a lawyer can evaluate your case and help you decide how to move forward. If you need help negotiating with an at-fault motorist’s insurance company or filing a personal injury lawsuit, your attorney can assist you.
Request Legal Help from a Car Accident Lawyer in South Carolina
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has an outstanding track record in personal injury cases. Our car accident attorney in South Carolina can learn about you and your case and go over your legal options with you. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today.
