Have you been injured in a stalled vehicle on the highway? Give our experienced injury lawyers a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation!
Imagine you’re driving through a busy St. Louis highway, and out of nowhere, your car starts acting up. Before you know it, your engine goes off, and you find yourself stuck in the middle of the highway. What should you do next?
Being in a stalled car in the middle of a highway with fast-moving cars can be frightening. It can even be more dangerous if you don’t know what to do. Here are some general tips to help you manage the situation and stay safe.
Pull-Over Before It’s Too Late
Once the engine stops, the power steering and brakes will eventually die. If possible and safe to do so, try to pull over to the right side of the road as soon as you suspect your car is about to stall and turn on your car’s hazard lights.
Exit Your Vehicle Safely
If you have to exit your car, never do it through the driver’s door. You could be run over by a speeding vehicle—instead, exit through the passenger door.
Avoid DIY Repairs
You might be tempted to open the hood of your stalled car and fix the problem. This is generally a bad idea. Being under a car or a hood next to fast-moving traffic can be extremely dangerous. It is generally good to do so when you are safely off the road if you must check.
What Should I Do if Injured in a Stalled Car?
Generally, when your car stalls, you need to turn on the vehicle’s hazard warning lights and set up safety triangles. Doing so alerts other motorists of your road emergency and distress. It also allows them to keep a safe distance and avoid colliding with your stalled vehicle.
However, what happens if you do all this but still get hit by a distracted driver? If you were in the car, chances are, you could suffer injuries on your neck, head, back, wrist, or legs, depending on your position at the time of the collision. If this is the case, seek emergency medical care. Immediate medical attention will treat your injuries before they turn into life-threatening injuries.
It is also likely that you’ll miss work and have to deal with a damaged car. All this will cost you money. Fortunately, you can file an accident claim against the negligent driver insurance company for damages. However, filing an accident claim is not as easy as it sounds. The insurance company will likely try to disapprove your claim—so don’t face them alone. Instead, it is recommended that you speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer.
Speak With an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Attorney
Were you injured in a stalled vehicle on the highway? Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation. Our car accident attorneys have 25 years of experience and can help you understand how best to protect your rights after an accident.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!