--- title: "Should You Move Your Car After an Accident in Detroit?" url: https://callsam.com/blog/move-car-after-accident-detroit/ description: "Michigan often requires you to move a drivable car off the lane after a crash, unless someone is seriously hurt or killed. Stay at the scene." lastModified: 2026-10-11 --- # Should You Move Your Car After an Accident in Detroit? Published: March 15, 2022 After a crash, even a minor one, it is easy to freeze. Many drivers are not sure whether to roll the car out of the lane or wait for police. Michigan has a specific rule. Doing the opposite of what [MCL 257.618a](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-257-618a) requires can mean a civil infraction or, if you drive away entirely, a [hit-and-run](https://callsam.com/blog/hit-and-run-accident-in-michigan/) charge. A [skilled Michigan car accident attorney](https://callsam.com/case-types/car-accidents/) can sort out what happened at the scene. ## IS IT LEGAL TO MOVE A VEHICLE AFTER A DETROIT CAR ACCIDENT? ### When you must move the vehicle Unless the driver knows or reasonably should know that the crash caused **serious impairment of a body function** or **death**, the driver (or another licensed occupant) must move the vehicle off the main traveled part of the roadway to a safe refuge (shoulder, emergency lane, median or other spot off the road) when **both** of these are true: - The vehicle can be operated under its own power in the usual way without further damage or hazard to traffic or the roadway - Moving it can be done safely (including without worsening an occupant’s injuries) Failing to move the car when the statute requires it is a **civil infraction**, not proof of who caused the crash. Moving it also does not, by itself, admit fault. ### When you should not move the vehicle Do **not** move the car if you know or reasonably should know someone was killed or suffered a serious impairment. Also leave it in place if: - It cannot be driven safely under its own power - Moving it would create a traffic hazard or damage the road - Moving it would harm an injured occupant - Traffic or road conditions make a move unsafe Then wait for police. They can have the vehicle towed. ## CAN I LEAVE THE SCENE OF A CAR ACCIDENT IN DETROIT BEFORE POLICE ARRIVE? **Moving** the car out of the lane is not the same as **leaving** the scene. You still must stop, exchange information and help the injured ([MCL 257.618](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-257-618) and [619](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-257-619)). Leaving without meeting those duties is a crime: - Property damage only: misdemeanor, up to 90 days and/or $100 - Injury (not serious impairment or death): misdemeanor, up to one year and/or $1,000 - Serious impairment: felony, up to five years and/or $5,000 - Death: felony, up to 15 years and/or $10,000 If staying would put you in further danger, you may leave to report at the nearest police agency, then still fulfill the information and aid duties. ## PUT OUR EXPERIENCED DETROIT CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TO WORK FOR YOU TODAY If you or a loved one is injured in an auto accident, we can help. Our legal team has the experience to pursue the compensation you deserve. Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right [Detroit car accident lawyer](https://callsam.com/case-types/car-accidents/) is simple. Get your case started today by filling out the brief form below or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. ## Related Posts ### [How Are Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Fees Determined?](https://callsam.com/blog/car-accident-lawyer-fees/) ### [Taking a Memorial Day Road Trip? How to Avoid a Car Accident on This Dangerous Driving Weekend](https://callsam.com/blog/memorial-day-car-accident/) ### [Michigan Car Seat Laws: What Every Parent Should Know](https://callsam.com/blog/michigan-car-seat-laws-what-every-parent-should-know/) ### [Michigan Has a New Flex Route Aimed at Lowering Car Accidents and Injuries](https://callsam.com/blog/flex-lane-reduces-michigan-car-accidents/) ### [Be Ghoulish… Not Foolish: Safety Tips for a Hazard-Free Halloween](https://callsam.com/blog/halloween-safety/) ### [Labor Day Safety Tips: How to Survive One of the Year's Most Dangerous Weekends](https://callsam.com/blog/labor-day-safety-tips/) ### [Are Golf Carts “Street Legal” on Michigan Roads?](https://callsam.com/blog/golf-carts-legal-michigan/) ### [Does Michigan No-Fault Insurance Cover Non-Resident Drivers Involved in a Car Accident?](https://callsam.com/blog/michigan-no-fault-cover-non-resident-car-accidents/) ### [The Darker Side of Daylight Saving Time: What Every Driver Should Know](https://callsam.com/blog/daylight-saving-time-car-accident/) ### [Michigan Supreme Court Allows Full Medical Benefits for Victims Injured Before No-Fault Reforms](https://callsam.com/blog/michigan-supreme-court-full-medical-benefits/)