Should You Move Your Car After an Accident in California?

If you’ve ever been in a fender bender or a more serious collision on a busy street, you may be torn about whether or not you should move your car out of the way of traffic. It’s an understandable concern, as you want to get out of the way without moving too far and creating legal problems when you file your claim.

Between the shock, traffic, and safety worries, knowing what the law expects from you can make all the difference. California law outlines when you must move your vehicle, when it’s safer not to, and how your actions can impact your insurance claim or legal case.

In this guide, the attorneys at Compass Law Group, LLP will break down everything you need to know about safely and legally handling your vehicle after an accident.

What California Law Says

Is it illegal to move your car after an accident? After any crash, understanding what the law requires can help you decide whether to move your vehicle. In California, the answer depends on the type of accident and whether anyone is hurt.

California Vehicle Code §20002

Under California Vehicle Code §20002, drivers involved in a collision that damages property must stop immediately, provide identifying information, and move their vehicle out of traffic when it is safe to do so.

In other words, if the accident is minor and no one is injured, you are generally required to move your car to avoid blocking lanes or creating additional hazards. Failing to do so can lead to traffic citations or even misdemeanor charges.

When moving your vehicle:

Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Move to the nearest safe location, such as the shoulder or a parking lot.
Avoid obstructing emergency vehicles or traffic flow.

What If Someone Is Injured?

If anyone is hurt or killed, the situation changes completely. In that case, do not move your car unless it poses an immediate danger (for example, if there’s a risk of fire or explosion).

Law enforcement and emergency responders need to document the scene accurately. Moving vehicles could interfere with investigations or harm evidence critical to determining fault.

Instead of moving your car:

Turn on your hazard lights.
Stay inside your vehicle if it’s safe to do so.
Call 911 right away and wait for first responders.
Provide aid if you are able and trained to do so.

First responders will manage the scene upon arrival, including deciding when and how vehicles should be moved. This ensures everyone’s safety and preserves key details for your insurance and legal claim.

Other Rules: Unsafe Conditions and Damaged Vehicles

Sometimes, even if the law allows you to move your vehicle, it may not be safe to do so. If your car is leaking fluids, missing headlights or bumpers, or has a compromised tire or frame, it could pose a serious risk to drive further.

In these situations, it’s best to call roadside assistance or law enforcement for guidance. Driving a visibly damaged car can violate California’s safety regulations and endanger others on the road.

When You Should Move Your Car

If you’ve confirmed there are no injuries and your car can safely operate, California law encourages you to move it out of traffic. In fact, keeping your vehicle in the middle of the road can lead to secondary crashes.

You should move your vehicle if:

No one is injured
The vehicle is drivable
The car blocks traffic
Police instruct you to move

If you decide to move your car:

Turn on your hazard lights.
Shift into gear carefully and drive to the nearest safe space.
Avoid standing on active roadways.
Call law enforcement if needed.

Once you’re in a safe location, you can document the scene by taking photos and exchanging information.

When You Should Not Move Your Car

There are times when it’s safer to leave your car exactly where it is. Moving a vehicle too soon can interfere with police reports, insurance investigations, or put someone in danger.

Leave your car where it is if:

There are injuries or fatalities.
Your car is unsafe to drive.
A fire or electrical hazard exists.

If you’re uncertain, err on the side of caution. Stay in your car with hazard lights on if it’s safe, or move to a protected area nearby while waiting for emergency services. Many post-crash injuries occur from secondary accidents that happen when drivers stand too close to traffic or try to move disabled cars.

If you’re ever unsure, call 911 and let professionals manage the situation. Safety and evidence preservation are always the top priorities.

Practical Step-by-Step for Drivers in California

After a car accident, emotions can run high. However, staying calm and following the right steps can protect your safety, your rights, and your claim.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what California drivers should do immediately following a crash:

Check for Injuries

Before anything else, make sure you and everyone involved are safe. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Do not move injured persons unless there’s a clear and immediate danger, such as a fire.

Turn On Your Hazard Lights

Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle is temporarily stopped. This helps prevent additional collisions, especially on busy California highways.

Move to Safety, If You Can

If no one is injured and your car can still be driven, move it to a safe spot, such as the shoulder, a side street, or a nearby parking lot. This reduces the risk of further accidents and keeps traffic flowing.

Call Law Enforcement

A police report provides an official record that can help with insurance or legal claims later. If officers can’t come to the scene, you can still file a report at the nearest station.

Exchange Information

Exchange details with the other driver, including:

Full name and contact info
Driver’s license number
License plate number
Insurance provider and policy number
Vehicle make, model, and color

Document the Scene

Take multiple photos of vehicle positions, license plates, road conditions, and any visible damage. Capture the surrounding area too, as traffic signals, debris, and skid marks may strengthen your insurance claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, some injuries like whiplash or internal bruising can take hours or days to appear. A medical evaluation also helps document your condition if you pursue compensation later.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the crash to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing accurate details and any documentation you collected. Remember: insurance investigations often depend on timely, clear evidence.

How Moving Your Car Affects Your Insurance & Claim

Many California drivers worry that moving their car could hurt their insurance claim, but that’s not necessarily true.

Moving your car won’t automatically hurt your case. If you take photos and adequately document the scene before moving your vehicle, you won’t jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

Insurance companies and attorneys primarily rely on evidence, not the final resting spot of your vehicle. In fact, moving your car when it’s safe to do so shows responsibility and helps prevent additional damage, something adjusters often appreciate.

Problems only arise when:

The scene isn’t documented at all before the cars are moved.
Drivers disagree about who was at fault, and there’s no photographic proof.
Witnesses or officers can’t clearly identify vehicle positions after relocation.

If your crash involves injuries, multiple vehicles, or conflicting stories, it’s best to contact a car accident lawyer right away. An attorney can help preserve evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the claims process.

Why You Should Consult a California Accident Attorney

Even after a minor crash, navigating California’s legal and insurance systems can feel overwhelming. While you’re focused on recovery and repairs, insurance adjusters are already working to minimize payouts, and legal nuances can determine whether your claim succeeds or fails.

An attorney ensures you don’t inadvertently accept less compensation than you deserve. They can also handle investigations, review evidence, and communicate directly with insurers and opposing counsel so you can focus on healing.

You should consult a personal injury attorney if:

Anyone involved was injured or required medical treatment.
The other driver’s fault is disputed or unclear.
There’s property damage exceeding insurance limits.
The crash involved multiple vehicles or commercial trucks.
You’re feeling pressured by an insurer to settle quickly.

At Compass Law Group, LLP, our California car accident lawyers combine compassion with cutting-edge legal strategies to pursue justice on your behalf. We’ll handle the paperwork, gather expert testimony, and build a strong claim to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.

Let Our Attorneys Help

After a car accident, always prioritize safety above all else. For minor accidents with no injuries, California law encourages drivers to move their vehicles out of traffic when it’s safe to do so to prevent further harm.

If anyone is injured, don’t move your vehicle. Instead, call 911 and wait for first responders to secure the scene. Thorough documentation, including photos, videos, and police reports, will support your insurance claim more than the vehicle’s position on the road.

Still have questions about whether you should move your car after an accident? Compass Law Group, LLP is here to help you understand your rights, handle insurance disputes, and fight for the compensation you deserve.