What Should I Do If My Car Stalls on the Highway?

Unfortunately, we often find deadly 18-wheeler crashes involving a car or pickup truck stalled on the highway.  Incidents like these highlight the importance of drivers knowing what to do if their car stalls. Be prepared now.

What to Do If Your Car Stalls on the Highway

Knowing what to do if your car or truck stalls while you are driving on a highway is crucial. It can help you avoid suffering a catastrophic injury or losing your life in a car wreck or truck accident. Here are a few steps you should take if your vehicle stalls on a freeway:

• If possible, pull over to the side of the road before the vehicle shuts down. If you are able, then try to pull over to the right. Then, once you come to a stop, turn on your hazard lights.
• If you are not able to pull over to the side of the road before the vehicle stalls, do not exit the car. Instead, turn on your hazard lights. Then, call for a tow truck, roadside assistance or some other type of help.
• But, what if you are stuck in a stalled vehicle in the middle of the highway? Until help arrives, keep an eye on your rearview mirror for approaching vehicles. This is in case a car or truck approaches that does not recognize your stalled vehicle in time to avoid a collision.
• If you need to exit the vehicle for some reason, try to exit through the passenger door.
• While in the vehicle, keep your seatbelt on.
• If you have a pet in the car with you, then do not allow the pet to exit the vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
• Even if you have the ability to repair your car, do not get out of the vehicle to attempt to repair the vehicle unless absolutely necessary.

The personal injury attorneys at Stevenson & Murray have been successfully protecting the rights of injury victims and their families in Houston and its surrounding areas since 1987. To set up a free initial consultation to speak with us about your situation, call our office today.