Gas gauge not working and car acting up?

My car ran out of gas because my gauge said I had a quarter of a tank when obviously I didn't (grrr!)
Anyways I put about 3 gallons of gas in my tank and when I start my car, it's idling extremely low and when I go under 15 or 10 mph it dies. Once I get going steady (25-45mph) it's fine.
Is this normal for a car that has been run out of gas? What could be wrong? Maybe I picked up the trash thats in the bottom of the tank? Help? Anyone? Suggestions?

(1999 Ford Escort SE)

Running out of gas can damage the in-tank fuel pump. Do a pressure and volume test on the pump and change the fuel filter.

This most definitely sounds like a clogged filter, or a weak pump, or both. New fuel pumps are cooled by fuel. When you run your car under 1/4 tank you can overheat and ruin these pumps. It also makes it easier to plug a filter with crud at the bottom of the tank. I would recommend this be a job for a technician if you are not mechanically inclined. There are fuel pressure tests and voltage drop tests and other tests than can be done by a professional.

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