Stalled on the Road: What Drivers Must Do and Why It Matters!

Your car just broke down in the middle of the road. You can’t pull over, traffic is building up behind you, and you have only seconds to decide what to do.

Should you stay in the car or try to get out? Call for help or wait it out? And if another driver crashes into your vehicle, who’s legally responsible?

A sudden breakdown can create real danger—not just physically, but legally. What you do in those first few moments could impact your safety, insurance coverage, and liability if an accident occurs.

California law requires drivers to maintain safe, roadworthy vehicles. If your stalled car creates a hazard, you could be held partially at fault—even if the breakdown wasn’t your fault.

This guide explains what to do immediately when your vehicle stalls, what California law expects, and how to protect your legal rights if something goes wrong.

What should you do if your car stalls while driving?

A stalled car in the middle of traffic—especially on a highway—is dangerous and stressful. What you do in the first 30 seconds matters. These steps can help you stay safe and avoid making a bad situation worse.

Stay Calm and Focused

Don’t panic. Take a breath, keep your hands steady on the wheel, and quickly assess your surroundings. Panic leads to mistakes—your goal is to stay alert and think clearly.

Steer to Safety (If You Can)

If your car is still rolling, carefully guide it toward the shoulder or a safe turnout. Avoid sudden movements, and try to pull over before the engine dies completely. Once stopped, use your emergency brake.

If your car dies in an active lane and won’t move, stay inside. Getting out in traffic is often more dangerous than staying put.

Turn On Your Hazard Lights Immediately

As soon as you realize something’s wrong, activate your hazard lights. This alerts other drivers to slow down and helps prevent a collision.

Stay Inside Unless There’s Immediate Danger

If you’re on a highway or in a busy lane, your vehicle is your safest shelter. Keep your seatbelt on and stay inside unless there’s smoke, fire, or another urgent danger.

If you must exit, wait until traffic clears and exit through the passenger door, away from the flow of traffic. Move to a safe area like behind a guardrail if possible.

Call for Help Quickly 

Don’t try to fix your vehicle in traffic. Opening the hood or stepping into the road is risky. If your car poses a hazard, call 911 right away. Then contact roadside assistance, a tow truck, or your insurance company if safe to do so. Be prepared to describe your exact location.

Use Road Flares or Safety Triangles (If Safe)

If you have them and it’s safe to exit, place emergency markers 10–15 feet behind your vehicle to give other drivers time to react. Visibility can save lives.

Legal Implications of a Stalled Vehicle

When your car stalls, it’s not just a mechanical issue—it can quickly become a legal one. If your vehicle causes or contributes to a crash, the key question becomes: who’s at fault?

Are you legally responsible for accidents caused by your stalled car?

In California, drivers are legally expected to maintain safe, roadworthy vehicles. If your car stalls because of poor maintenance—like worn brakes, ignored warning lights, or a neglected engine—you could be found partially or fully liable for an accident that follows.

Let’s say your engine cuts out in traffic because of overdue repairs, and a crash happens moments later. You could be held responsible for failing to keep your vehicle in safe working condition.

That said, not every breakdown equals negligence. If your car stalls due to a sudden, unforeseeable issue—like a recalled part or unexpected electrical failure—and you respond reasonably (turning on hazard lights, calling for help, avoiding unnecessary risk), you may not be at fault.

What happens if someone hits your stalled vehicle?

Even when your vehicle is disabled, other drivers still have a duty to drive attentively. If you turn on your hazard lights and remain visible, a driver who crashes into your car because they were distracted or speeding may carry full or majority fault.

But California law uses comparative negligence, which means fault can be shared. If you failed to turn on your hazards, left your vehicle in an active lane unnecessarily, or didn’t make your situation obvious, you could be held partially liable—even if the other driver made a mistake too.

Stalled vehicles can also lead to pedestrian accidents—especially if you’re blocking an intersection or crosswalk. If someone on foot is injured because of your vehicle’s position, the legal consequences can escalate quickly.

Why Documentation Matters

In any incident involving a stalled vehicle, liability often hinges on what can be proven. Crucial evidence may include:

• Photos of the scene
• Dashcam or traffic cam footage
• Statements from witnesses
• Police reports
• Your vehicle’s maintenance records

If an accident leads to injury or damage, this documentation is essential. It protects you not just with insurance—but in any potential personal injury  claim or legal proceeding that follows.

What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident After Stalling

If your vehicle stalls and you’re involved in an accident—whether someone hits you or you’re blamed for causing the crash—it’s critical to act quickly and carefully. What you do in the minutes after can affect your safety, insurance claim, and legal outcome.

Call Emergency Services  

If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. First responders will provide medical help and create an official incident report. This medical and legal documentation can become key evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.

Document the Scene

If it’s safe to do so, take clear photos and videos before moving any vehicles. Focus on:

• Vehicle damage
• The stalled vehicle’s exact position
• Road conditions, skid marks, or debris
• Traffic signs, lights, or intersections
• License plates and driver info

Also, ask witnesses for their names and contact details. Their statements can support your version of events.

Report the Accident  

Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. Stick to the facts and avoid making guesses about what caused the breakdown or crash. Share your photos, the police report number, and all relevant contact information.

Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents involving stalled vehicles can be legally complicated. A car that breaks down in traffic—especially on a busy road—can trigger serious collisions, often involving multiple drivers or large vehicles.

These situations commonly lead to injuries, property damage, lost income, and long-term stress. Victims may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
• Psychological harm and therapy
• Property repairs or vehicle replacement
• Pain and suffering

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we’ve spent over two decades helping Californians navigate injury claims related to car accidents and truck accidents. We focus on high-stakes cases involving serious injury, stalled vehicles, and liability disputes.

You won’t be passed off to a junior associate. Founding attorney Paul Aghabala personally handles each case, offering direct, customized legal support.

If your stalled vehicle contributed to a crash—or if you were hit by one—don’t let the insurance company control the narrative. Contact Prestige Law Firm to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. 

Call (818) 788-0808 or (661) 341-3939 to speak with a live agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Conclusion  

A stalled vehicle can quickly turn from a mechanical problem into a serious safety risk—and a potential legal case. What you do in those first moments matters.

Staying calm, turning on your hazard lights, and calling for help are critical steps that protect both your safety and your legal position. But if an accident follows—whether you’re hit by another vehicle or wrongly blamed—you don’t have to face it alone.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we help clients involved in stalled vehicle incidents navigate complex legal claims. With over two decades of experience, we understand how to prove liability, deal with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for serious injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured after a breakdown or collision, don’t wait to understand your legal options. Prestige Law Firm is here to guide you through the next steps and fight for the compensation you deserve.

FAQs

Is it illegal for your car to stall on the road?

No, it’s not illegal for your vehicle to stall. However, if poor maintenance caused the breakdown and it leads to an accident, you may be held partially liable under California negligence laws.

Who is at fault if you hit a stalled car?

It depends on the circumstances. If the stalled vehicle was clearly visible and properly marked, the moving driver may be at fault. But if the disabled car was left in an unsafe spot without warning signals, liability may be shared.

What causes a car to stall while driving?

Common causes include fuel issues, electrical malfunctions, overheating, or engine failure. Many of these are linked to delayed maintenance or defective parts.

Should I call 911 if my car stalls?

Yes, especially if you’re blocking traffic or stuck in a dangerous location. Calling 911 ensures that emergency services can secure the scene and reduce the risk of further accidents.

Can I sue if I crashed into a broken-down vehicle?

Yes, if the stalled vehicle created a hazard due to the owner’s negligence, you may have grounds for a claim. This often depends on how visible the vehicle was and whether appropriate safety precautions were taken.