What To Do If Your Car Stalls On The Highway In Michigan?
Michigan news reports about serious — and sometimes deadly — crashes caused by stalled vehicles on busy freeways underscore how dangerous these situations can be and why it’s crucial for every driver to know what to do if their car stops running on the highway.
Some of the most tragic automobile cases our attorneys have handled involved vehicles that were stopped or broken-down on the roadway or even on the shoulder with their hazard lights on. These circumstances can become incredibly dangerous in an instant, which is why our auto accident attorneys have put together practical safety tips to help protect you if this ever happens.
While the video and advice below provide helpful guidance on what to do if your car stalls on a Michigan highway, one rule is worth emphasizing: avoid pulling onto the shoulder whenever possible unless it is a true emergency or you have no other option. If you simply need to stop and it isn’t urgent, always exit the expressway completely to ensure your safety.
Steps To Take If Your Car Stalls On The Highway In Michigan
If your car stalls on a Michigan highway, switch on your hazard lights right away and guide your vehicle to the shoulder if it’s safe to do so. Once stopped, call for assistance and remain inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened and your doors locked. Only exit the vehicle if you’re facing an immediate danger that makes staying inside unsafe. Below, we break down each of these safety steps in more detail so you know exactly what to do in an emergency.
Turn on hazard lights
Turning on your hazard lights is the first and most important step if your car stalls on a Michigan highway. Flashing hazards immediately alert other drivers that your vehicle is slowing down or stopped, giving them crucial time to react and safely move around you—especially on fast-moving freeways where visibility and reaction time are limited. Activating your hazards as soon as you sense a problem can significantly reduce the risk of being struck by approaching traffic and helps create a safer environment while you work to pull over or wait for assistance.
Move to a safe location
If your car stalls on a Michigan highway, moving to a safe location is critical. Whenever possible, steer your vehicle to the shoulder or an emergency lane to get out of the flow of traffic. Staying on the roadway puts you at high risk of being hit by passing vehicles, especially on busy freeways where speeds are high and reaction times are short. If it isn’t safe to reach the shoulder, keep your hazard lights on, stay inside your vehicle, and call for help. Whenever you can, aim to pull completely off the expressway at the next exit to ensure maximum safety.
Apply the emergency brake
If your car stalls on a Michigan highway, applying the emergency brake can help prevent your vehicle from rolling, especially if you’re on a slight incline or uneven surface. Once you’ve safely guided your vehicle toward the shoulder or a safe stopping area, engage the emergency brake to keep the vehicle stationary while you wait for help. This simple step adds an extra layer of safety, reducing the risk of accidental movement that could put you, your passengers, or other drivers in danger.
Stay in your vehicle
If your car stalls on a Michigan highway, staying inside the vehicle is often the safest choice. Expressways and freeways are fast-moving environments, and exiting your vehicle can put you at serious risk of being struck by passing traffic. Keep your seatbelt fastened, doors locked, and hazard lights on while waiting for help. Only leave the vehicle if there is an immediate danger, such as a fire or smoke, that makes staying inside unsafe. Remaining inside your vehicle provides a protected space and significantly reduces the risk of injury until assistance arrives.
Call for help
If your car stalls on a Michigan highway, calling for help as soon as possible is essential. Use your cell phone to contact roadside assistance, your insurance provider, or emergency services if necessary. Providing your exact location, the nature of your problem, and any hazards around your vehicle ensures that help can reach you quickly and safely. Promptly calling for assistance minimizes the time your vehicle remains stranded in traffic, reducing the risk of accidents and keeping you and other drivers safer while you wait.
Don’t exit the vehicle unless necessary
If your car stalls on a Michigan highway, avoid exiting your vehicle unless it is absolutely necessary. Expressways and freeways are high-speed environments, and stepping outside your vehicle can put you at serious risk of being struck by passing traffic. Remain inside with your seatbelt fastened, doors locked, and hazard lights on, only leaving the vehicle if there is an immediate danger, such as fire, smoke, or another life-threatening situation. Staying inside keeps you protected and significantly reduces the risk of injury while you wait for help to arrive.
Secure your pet
If your car stalls on a Michigan highway, securing any pets in the vehicle is an important safety step. Pets can become frightened or agitated in stressful situations, and unrestrained animals may move around the vehicle or attempt to escape, putting themselves and you at risk. Use a pet carrier, seatbelt harness, or keep them safely on your lap while seated to ensure they remain calm and contained. Keeping your pets secure helps protect them and prevents distractions, allowing you to focus on staying safe until help arrives.
Video From MDOT
For more safety tips, here is a Public Service Announcement (PSA) from our state’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) that gives a helpful overview of what to do when you are driving a broken-down vehicle:
In short, if your car stalls while you’re driving on the highway in Michigan, it’s important to keep your eyes on the road and pull as far out of the travel lanes as possible – to the extent that you are able.
Then, turn on your emergency flashers and call the 9-1-1 for help. They can dispatch the police officers who patrol the correct jurisdiction. Often, it will be the State Police if you’re on the expressway.
The safest place you can be is buckled in your vehicle, according to MDOT. This way you’re out of the way of distracted drivers, large commercial motor vehicles and speeding traffic.
If you make the decision to leave your vehicle, look very carefully to make sure traffic is clear, and get as far away from the roadway as possible.
What Does It Feel Like When Your Car Stalls On A Highway In Michigan?
Experiencing a car stall on a Michigan highway can be sudden and frightening. Drivers often feel a mix of shock and panic as the vehicle loses power while surrounded by fast-moving traffic. The inability to steer or accelerate normally can create a sense of vulnerability, especially on busy freeways or in adverse weather conditions. Many people notice an immediate rush of adrenaline, heightened awareness of surrounding vehicles, and concern for their safety and the safety of passengers. Understanding how to respond—such as turning on hazard lights, carefully moving to the shoulder, and staying in the vehicle—can help reduce stress and keep everyone safer until help arrives.
Remember, if the engine quits while you’re under way, the vehicle will lose power steering and eventually, its power brakes. But you can still guide and stop the vehicle, even if it takes longer and requires more effort. The steering will feel increasingly heavier, but it’s still possible to steer.
You should also expect the power boost for the brakes to disappear after one or two applications, so try to stop as soon as you can, using the emergency brake if necessary, according to consumerreports.org.
A vehicle can lose engine power for many reasons, from running out of gas to having a faulty fuel pump, alternator or other failure. There’s also the case of the faulty GM ignition switch, which caused ignitions to slip from “run” to “accessory” or “off” positions while being driven. In turn, vehicles on the recall list risked breaking-down, shutting down power brakes and power steering and preventing airbags from deploying. In all, there were 124 fatalities, 274 injuries and 2.6 million General Motors vehicles recalled, according to caranddriver.com.
Can I Sue If I Was Injured In A Michigan Highway Crash After My Car—Or Someone Else’s—stalled?
Yes, if you were injured in a Michigan highway crash after your car—or someone else’s—stalled, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. Whether you have a case depends on who was at fault. If another driver caused or contributed to the collision—by speeding, failing to maintain a safe distance, or not paying attention—you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Our state follows a No-Fault insurance system, so you generally start by seeking benefits from your own insurance. However, if your injuries are serious enough, you may also be able to take legal action against the at-fault driver. Our state uses comparative fault rules, meaning your potential recovery could be reduced if you were partially responsible for the crash. Roadway conditions, weather, visibility, and vehicle maintenance can also affect liability.
Working with an experienced Michigan car accident attorney after a highway crash involving your vehicle—or someone else’s—stall can help you understand your rights, determine who may be responsible, and guide you through the process of recovering the compensation you deserve.
What Types Of Compensation Are Available?
If you are injured in a Michigan highway crash after your car—or someone else’s—stalled, several types of compensation may be available depending on the circumstances of your accident and the severity of your injuries:
- Medical expenses – This includes past and future medical bills related to the crash, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for income lost during your recovery, as well as lost earning capacity if your ability to work long-term is affected.
- Pain and suffering – State law allows you to seek damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life if your injury meets the serious impairment body of function threshold.
- Property damage – You can be reimbursed for damage to your vehicle and any other personal property harmed in the accident.
- Out-of-pocket expenses – This can include costs such as transportation to medical appointments, childcare, or other expenses directly related to your injury.
- Wrongful death lawsuit – If the crash results in a fatality, surviving family members may be able to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of support, and other damages.
Because our state follows a no-fault insurance system, your own auto insurance typically covers medical expenses and lost wages first. However, if your injuries meet the state’s serious impairment threshold, you may also be able to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit If I’m Injured In A Michigan Highway Crash After My Car—or Someone Else’s—Stalled?
In Michigan, if you are injured in a highway crash after your car—or someone else’s—stalled, the time to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally governed by the state’s statute of limitations. For most personal injury claims, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. (MCL 600.5805(1) and (2))
For wrongful death claims, the deadline is usually 3 years from the date of the deceased person’s death. (MCL 600.5805(1) and (2)) Acting promptly is crucial, because missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering any compensation. Some cases, such as claims against a government entity, may have shorter time limits, so consulting an experienced attorney as soon as possible is essential to protect your rights.
How Long Do I Have To Claim No-Fault Benefits If I’m Injured In A Michigan Highway Crash After My Car—Or Someone Else’s—Stalled?
In Michigan, if you are injured in a highway crash after your car—or someone else’s—stalled, you must file a No-Fault insurance claim promptly to ensure you receive benefits. Generally, you have 1 year from the date of the accident to submit a claim with your own auto insurance company for medical expenses, lost wages, and other No-Fault benefits.
It’s important to report the accident and file your claim as soon as possible, because delays can make it harder to receive full benefits. Factors like disputes over coverage or delays in treatment can also affect timelines. Consulting an experienced attorney early can help protect your rights and ensure your claim is handled correctly.
How Long Does A Settlement Take?
The time it takes to reach a car accident settlement in Michigan after a highway crash caused by a stalled vehicle can vary widely depending on the specifics of the case. On average, most settlements take several months to a year, but more complex cases—such as those involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or extensive medical treatment—can take a year or longer.
Several factors influence the timeline, including:
- Severity of injuries – More serious injuries require additional medical treatment and documentation, which can extend the process.
- Liability disputes – If there is disagreement over who caused the accident, negotiations may take longer.
- Insurance company processes – Some insurers move quickly, while others may delay offers or require extensive documentation.
- Legal proceedings – If a lawsuit is necessary because a fair settlement cannot be reached, the process may take several years.
Working with an experienced auto accident injury lawyer can help streamline the process, ensure your claim is properly documented, and increase the likelihood of obtaining a fair settlement in a timely manner.
Do I Need A Lawyer If My Car—Or Someone Else’s—Stalled On A Michigan Highway And Caused A Crash?
Yes, hiring a lawyer can be crucial if your car—or someone else’s—stalled on a Michigan highway and caused a crash. An experienced auto accident attorney can help determine who was at fault, ensure you receive all the compensation you may be entitled to—including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and wrongful death claims—and handle negotiations with insurance companies. They can also guide you through our state’s legal requirements, helping you meet deadlines and protect your rights. Even if your injuries seem minor, having a knowledgeable lawyer review your case can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Why Should I Choose Michigan Auto Law If I’m Injured After My Car—Or Someone Else’s—Stalls On A Highway?
If you are injured in a crash on a highway after your car—or someone else’s—stalls, choosing Michigan Auto Law ensures you have experienced, dedicated advocates on your side. Our firm stands out for our exclusive focus on auto crash injury cases, clear communication, and a proven record of high-value settlements and verdicts—providing clients with the skilled representation and support they deserve from one of the state’s most awarded auto injury law firms. With decades of experience handling automobile crash cases, we understand the complexities of the state’s no-fault laws and know how to fight for maximum compensation for our clients.
Michigan Auto Law is uniquely qualified to handle serious expressway crash cases. We are the only firm in the state specializing exclusively in motor vehicle crash cases for over 50 years. Our attorneys have repeatedly been recognized among our state’s Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms in America, achieved record-breaking settlements—including multi-million-dollar recoveries for wrongful death, amputation, and burn injuries—and earned the highest ratings for legal ability and ethics from Martindale-Hubbell. Beyond results, we provide personalized guidance, clear communication, and no out-of-pocket fees unless your case is won. Choosing us means partnering with award-winning attorneys committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Injured In A Michigan Highway Car Accident After Your Vehicle—Or Someone Else’s—Stalled? Call Our Attorneys Now For A Free Consultation!
If you were injured in a Michigan highway car accident after your vehicle—or someone else’s—stalled and want to understand the settlement process, call now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.
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