Should I Move My Vehicle Following an Accident?

Having a car accident is not usually a pleasant experience. Everyone is at risk of getting into a fender bender, including the best drivers. However, to prevent any legal troubles it is important to know what to do if you get into a car accident in the Detroit area or anywhere in Michigan. It is best to understand the process when getting into a car accident.

One question to ask is what to do with the car after the accident occurs? This is key with any accident, but it is best to follow state law, to avoid any legal issues. To prevent any issues, let us explore some basic steps that you should take following an accident.

Should I Move My Car After an Accident?

When the accident first happens, stop the vehicle. Move it to a spot with the least amount of endangerment to others and oncoming traffic. Reflectors and flashers can be used to warn traffic of the accident. This includes a small fender bender as well.

Criminal charges can be brought against you for leaving the site of a car accident. If you leave the site of an accident, you can be charged with a crime and pay fines in the thousands of dollars.

Give The Necessary Basic Information

Once the car and injured persons are secure, the driver must provide basic information to the person of the damaged vehicle. This includes name, address, car owner’s name, license plate number and driver’s license. Also, if the car has hit an unattended property, the owner must be located and contacted. If the property owner cannot be reached, leave the contact information securely in a conspicuous place on the property.

During this time, you still want to avoid moving the car immediately following the accident. That is because of the importance of the next step.

Contact The Police

It is best to have the police handle the situation when they come, so they can further investigate the incident. This can take the stress off the drivers and injured persons involved with the accident.

The police will collect the necessary information to move forward with the accident report. The police report can be beneficial later if there is any legal action taken.

If the accident takes place within city limits, contact the local police. However, if the incident takes place in the open highway, contact the state police or county sheriff.

Law enforcement will investigate so leaving the car where it came to rest after the accident is important from a legal perspective, as well as for personal safety.

Be Sure to Collect Information from All Involved Parties

The driver who may have allegedly caused the accident can still collect information from the alleged injured parties. Get names, addresses and phone numbers of all involved parties. Take pictures and take necessary notes and observations of the incident. This information can also be helpful for any legal action taken.

Connect With Car Insurance Company

Michigan requires all cars to have No-Fault auto insurance. Most, if not all, insurance companies require car owners to report car accidents. Failure to report the accident to the insurance company could result in not having the cost of damages covered. If the accident is not your fault, the company could have challenges in reimbursing for any injuries or damages incurred.

Find The Right Attorney

If someone was injured or died in a car accident, it is important to find the right attorney that understands the process and how best to help you. Bashore Green is an experienced law firm that guides people involved in a car accident. They help Michigan residents gain their lives back after accidents, by managing medical bills and financial setbacks. Call us at 248-838-0635. Remember we only get paid if we help you win!