Accelerator Malfunctions
An accelerator malfunction can be a devastating experience and can cause a horrible accident. Accelerator malfunctions can be caused by a variety of factors. The accelerator itself may be defective, or there could be another problem present in the vehicle that causes that accelerator to cease proper functioning. Regardless of the manner in which the accelerator malfunctions, the results are far too often disastrous.
Recent news of an accelerator getting stuck to the floor while driving has spurred new fears. If you are ever in a situation in which your accelerator becomes stuck, remember to:
- Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
- Check if your accelerator pedal has become stuck under the driver’s side floor mat. If so, remove the mat from the top of the accelerator if possible. At the next opportunity, safely pull over and completely remove the floor mat.
- If the accelerator is stuck for other reasons or if you cannot remove the mat, firmly press the brake and shift your car into neutral. Then, carefully guide your car to a stop.
- Warn other drivers by turning on your emergency lights or honking.
- If you are for some reason not able to shift into neutral, consider turning off your vehicle. However, remember that turning off the engine can lock the steering wheel in some vehicles, or can turn off power steering, sometimes making your situation even more dangerous. To turn off your engine, turn your ignition key to “OFF” or “ACC,” or hold your vehicle’s “Engine Start/Stop” button.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident due to problems with an accelerator, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical and financial losses from the responsible party. Contact the Rhinelander car accelerator malfunction lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. ® at 800-242-2874.
