Small errors can have big consequences when driving.
Passenger Injured in Rollaway Vehicle After Driver Fails to Park
A man was injured after the vehicle he was sitting in rolled downhill and crashed on San Antonio’s North Side, according to a report from KSAT News.¹
Police reported the incident occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, near the intersection of Vance Jackson Road and Huebner Road. A woman had stopped her vehicle in the parking lot of a Panda Express, but mistakenly left the car in neutral instead of park.
With her husband still inside, the vehicle began rolling downhill. As it gained speed—estimated between 20 and 30 miles per hour—the man attempted to steer from the passenger seat. The vehicle ultimately jumped a curb before coming to a stop.
The man was transported to the hospital for treatment. No other vehicles were involved, and no one else was injured.
Did You Know?
In 2024, 197 crashes across Texas were caused by drivers parking and failing to set the brakes, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation.²
Pedal and Gear Errors: A Common but Overlooked Danger
Pedal and gear errors are more common than many drivers realize. These incidents occur when a driver presses the wrong pedal, forgets to shift into park, or fails to set the parking brake. While they often happen at low speeds, the resulting injuries can be serious.
Understanding how these accidents happen—and how to prevent them—can help keep drivers and passengers safe.
What Are Pedal and Gear Errors?
Pedal and gear errors typically involve simple but dangerous mistakes, such as:
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Leaving a vehicle in neutral instead of park
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Forgetting to set the parking brake
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Accidentally pressing the gas instead of the brake
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Allowing a vehicle to roll on a slope or incline
These errors often occur in parking lots, drive-thrus, or residential areas, where drivers may feel less rushed or less alert.
Why These Accidents Are So Dangerous
Even a slow-moving vehicle can cause significant injuries. When a car begins to roll downhill or accelerates unexpectedly, occupants may have little or no time to react.
Injuries in rollaway or gear-error accidents may include:
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Broken bones
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Head and neck injuries
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Back injuries
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Crush injuries to the legs or torso
Passengers are especially vulnerable because they have no control over the vehicle’s movement.
Common Situations Where Gear Errors Happen
Pedal and gear errors frequently occur during everyday activities, including:
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Parking on hills or sloped lots
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Making quick stops at drive-thrus or stores
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Switching drivers or seats while the vehicle is running
In many cases, these incidents are preventable with a few simple precautions.
Tips to Prevent Pedal and Gear Mistakes
Drivers can reduce the risk of rollaway and pedal-related accidents by following these safety tips:
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Always shift fully into park before exiting the vehicle
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Set the parking brake, especially on slopes
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Turn wheels toward the curb when parked on a hill
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Double-check the gear position before stepping away
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Avoid rushing when parking or stopping
Taking a few extra seconds can prevent serious injuries.
When Injuries Happen Within the Family
Accidents involving family members can be emotionally difficult. Even when a mistake is unintentional, injured passengers may still face medical bills, missed work, and long recovery periods.
In some situations, insurance coverage may still apply, even when the driver and injured person are related. Understanding how coverage works can help families manage the financial impact of an accident.
What to Do After a Rollaway or Gear-Error Accident
If you or a loved one is injured in this type of incident:
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Seek medical care immediately
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Report the incident to the police
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Take photos of the scene and vehicle position
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Keep medical records and repair estimates
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Avoid speaking with insurance companies without legal guidance
Injuries from low-speed crashes can still be serious and long-lasting, so make sure to get checked out even if you feel fine.
Injured in a Rollaway or Parking-Related Accident? Call Shaw.
If you were injured due to a pedal or gear error, you could be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical bills and follow-up care
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Pain and Suffering
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Lost wages
- Property Damage
- And More
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to learn more about your legal options from an experienced car accident lawyer in San Antonio. No fees, no obligations. Just expert legal advice.
We look forward to serving you.