Why don't people get off of the road in a simple fender bender and exchange insurance information?

Question

Why do they get out of thier cars in the middle of the road and exchange insurance information causing huge traffic jams.

Answer 1

Most people are afraid of criminal intentions of those who initiated the accident; hence, they use cell phones to notify the police and stay put contrary to the signs posted on the road to remove vehicles from travel lanes.

Answer 2

Most people learn that in an accident, you should not move your car until the police have had a chance to view the scene.  The police need to see the result of the accident in order to accurately complete accident paperwork and cite the faulty driver, if there is one.

Most state laws require that a police report be filed for damage in excess of $500, and I can't tell you the last time I saw a report with the estimated damage under $500.  Doesn't take much to rack up a $500 bodywork bill...

Answer 3

I know in the state of VA you are required to move the vehicles from the main flow of traffic after an accident.  The only time the vehicles have to stay is if there is an injury or the vehicle physically can't be moved.

I cannot tell you how many times I have been in a traffic backup only to discover a small fender bender up ahead.  There was one incident where the cars had NO visible damage, but they continued to leave their cars in the traffic lane until the police showed up.