Storefront Vehicle Crashes
The Storefront Safety Council reports that roughly 60 storefront crashes occur daily in the United States, which equates to over 20,000 crashes each year. An estimated 500 fatalities and 4,000 injuries are incurred, along with approximately $200 million in medical expenses and property damage.
After a storefront crash, it may be possible to hold both the negligent driver and the business that did not take reasonable steps to protect its customers liable for any injuries that victims suffered.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration referenced a North Carolina study that indicated accidents resulting in injuries and death are more common in areas of lower speeds, such as storefronts, pedestrian-friendly retail areas, and parking lots. Areas that combine foot traffic and motor vehicle traffic are inherently dangerous because a lapse in a driver’s attention can result in catastrophic injuries or death to a pedestrian.
Causes of storefront crashes include a driver pressing the accelerator instead of the brake pedal or failing to control the vehicle. Sometimes the drivers are pulling into parking spots of a pharmacy and might already be on medication that impairs their driving ability.
Due to the number of storefront crashes and injuries and damage resulting from these crashes, businesses and property owners have been installing short vertical steel barriers along the exterior of convenience stores, pharmacies, sporting venues, retail stores and governmental structures. These are known as bollards and they are capable of preventing or lessening the damage that a vehicle can inflict on people and property.
If a retail business or property owner fails to take steps to protect its customers, there may be a claim that the business or property owner ignored this known risk of storefront crashes and negligently placed patrons in harm’s way.
At GRG, our attorneys have helped injury and death victims of vehicle-building crash accidents. We answer questions, explain the laws that apply, and prepare strong cases for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation.
