1996 ford escort died when i was driving right after i went over a small pot hole and will not start. It was low on gas..could iy be the fuel filter

Ford vehicles are equipped with a fuel pump cut off switch that will shut power to the fuel pump in the event of a collision. By hitting the pothole, there was probably enough "force" making the switch mistakenly shut off the fuel pump. The switch should be located in the trunk either on the left or right side. Locate the switch and press the reset button. If it clicks when pressed, then the switch was activated. Try starting the car. If it starts, then that was the problem. I own a 1997 Ford Escort and the same thing happened to me...the pothole caused enough "force" thereby the switch took it as an impact. I hope this helps you out.