Should You Take Photos or Move the Car First After a Highway Accident?
3 Answers
After an accident on the highway, you should first take photos of the scene and then move the vehicle to a location that does not obstruct traffic before calling the police. There are three key points to note on highways: 1. Entering the highway: You should accelerate to over 60 km/h as soon as possible. Vehicles entering from the ramp must increase speed in the acceleration lane and should not hinder vehicles already on the main lane when merging. They should drive in the outer lane; 2. While driving: Vehicles should stay in their designated lanes. Small passenger cars should drive in the middle lane, while large buses and trucks should drive in the right lane; 3. Avoid arbitrary lane changes: When changing lanes or overtaking, you must signal in advance. At night, you should also switch between high and low beams to confirm safety before changing lanes. Overtaking is only allowed using adjacent lanes.
In the event of a highway accident, I always adhere to the principle of moving the vehicle to a safe area before taking photos. Safety must always come first; with high speeds on highways, stopping in the travel lane makes the vehicle highly susceptible to rear-end collisions, which can range from exacerbating damage to causing severe injuries or fatalities. This principle stems from my extensive experience handling accidents—many people endanger themselves by rushing to take photos. After moving to the emergency lane or shoulder, ensure safety before capturing clear photos, including wide-angle shots, vehicle condition, damage details, and road signs. These pieces of evidence are crucial for insurance claims and police liability determination. Simultaneously, turn on hazard lights and place warning triangles to alert approaching vehicles. In short, moving the car may take a few extra seconds, but it protects both your safety and that of others, preventing greater disasters.
I think after a car accident on the highway, you should immediately move the vehicle and then take photos. Don't risk your life by blocking the road just to take pictures—the chance of a secondary accident is too high. Last time, I witnessed a driver who didn't move their car and ended up getting sideswiped by a truck, resulting in injuries. After moving the car to the emergency lane, take clear photos to document the scene for future police reports or insurance claims. Remember to set up warning signs and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. When handling such situations, act quickly but not hastily—safety comes first, and evidence can be gathered later. Highway traffic is heavy, and even a minute's delay could lead to another accident.
