Pulling off the road may put you in danger if you’re not very cautious about where you are and what you do says Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne.

If there’s something wrong with your vehicle and you feel it’s about to fail or become unsafe, you should pull over but find the best spot you possibly can. It’s better to damage your car by continuing to drive than stop in a dangerous spot and risk your life. Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne says getting to the side of the road may prevent one problem but cause another if you’re not extremely careful.

1. Anyone on the side of a highway is a potential victim. Sometimes it’s the “good Samaritan” trying to help a stranger who suffers. The Dallas Morning News reports in March Julia Zeman witnessed a vehicle crash in Frisco, Texas, and was struck and killed by another vehicle after pulling over to the side of the road and getting out of her car to help.
2. A Utah Highway Patrol Officer was seriously injured after pulling a car over in the left breakdown lane of an interstate, according to KSL. He was out of his patrol car when a driver, asleep at the wheel in an SUV with three children inside, crossed several lanes and slammed into the back of his car. It hit the car that was pulled over which lurched forward and struck the trooper.
3. Two drivers were seriously injured late last month in Hillsborough County in a three-car crash that started after a truck towing a boat pulled over on southbound I-75, according to the Tampa Bay Reporter. The truck and trailer were not in a safe place as they partially blocked the travel lane. The driver thought there was something wrong with the boat, pulled over, and started inspecting the trailer when a vehicle hit him and the trailer. That vehicle spun out of control and was later struck by a tractor-trailer.

Automotive Fleet has these suggestions if you have to pull over on a highway.

• Get as far out of traffic as possible. Even if you’ve turned on your emergency flashers a driver may not pay attention and rear-end your vehicle.
• Don’t try to repair your vehicle, even if you think it may be quick or easy to fix. Wait for professional help to arrive.
• Exit your vehicle if it’s necessary or safe to do so. If possible raise the hood to alert others passing by that your vehicle is disabled and help is needed.
• Patience is a virtue when you break down, particularly if you’re in a heavily trafficked metropolitan area. Highways are regularly patrolled by police and tow truck operators so help should arrive soon.

In these situations you need to be more concerned about your health and safety than whatever repairs are needed for your vehicle.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a vehicle accident after you pulled your car off the street or highway, contact Boca car accident lawyer Joe Osborne at (561) 293-2600 or fill out this online contact form. You can discuss your case, how the law may apply and your best legal options to protect your rights and obtain compensation for your injuries.