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Writer's pictureAdam Funk

The Unexpected Danger: Storefront Crashes and Your Rights

The Unexpected Danger: Storefront Crashes and Your Rights

We all know the importance of safe driving. Yet, a hidden danger lurks on many a seemingly ordinary shopping trip:storefront crashes. These incidents, where a vehicle collides with a building, are far more common than you might think,and the consequences can be devastating.

This blog post dives into the world of storefront crashes, exploring the causes, potential injuries, and your legal rights if you're unfortunate enough to be involved in one.

A Startling Reality: The Prevalence of Storefront Crashes

According to the Storefront Safety Council, vehicles crash into commercial buildings and related structures at an alarming rate – over 100 incidents every day in the United States alone. These crashes not only cause significant property damage,but also put pedestrians, customers, and employees at tremendous risk.

The human cost is staggering. An estimated 42% of storefront crashes result in injuries, with over 16,000 people suffering each year. Tragically, as many as 8% of these incidents are fatal, claiming the lives of more than 2,600 individuals annually.

Understanding the Causes: Why Do Storefront Crashes Happen?

While the specific circumstances can vary, several common factors contribute to storefront crashes:

  • Driver Error: This can encompass a wide range of mistakes, including distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, using a GPS), speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or simply losing control of the vehicle.

  • Pedal Misapplication: Accidentally hitting the accelerator instead of the brake is a surprisingly frequent cause of storefront crashes, particularly with older drivers or those unfamiliar with a vehicle.

  • Medical Emergencies: A driver experiencing a sudden medical episode, such as a heart attack or seizure, can lose control and crash into a storefront.

  • Poor Road Design: Inadequate signage, unclear traffic markings, or poorly designed intersections can increase the risk of accidents, including those involving storefronts.

  • Intentional Acts: In rare instances, storefront crashes can be the result of deliberate acts of violence, such as ram-raids for robbery purposes.

The Potential Injuries: The Human Cost of Storefront Crashes

The force of a vehicle colliding with a building can inflict severe injuries on anyone in the vicinity. Common injuries associated with storefront crashes include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can range from mild concussions to life-altering conditions.

  • Spinal Cord Injuries: These devastating injuries can cause paralysis and permanent loss of function.

  • Broken Bones: The impact of the crash or flying debris can cause fractures in various parts of the body.

  • Internal Injuries: Damage to organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys can be life-threatening.

  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, scrapes, and muscle strains are also common in storefront crashes.

The emotional and psychological trauma of such an event should not be underestimated either. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all potential consequences of a storefront crash.

Protecting Yourself and Knowing Your Rights

While we cannot entirely eliminate the risk of storefront crashes, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:

  • Be aware of your surroundings: When walking near storefronts, particularly in parking lots, pay attention to traffic and avoid distractions.

  • Choose well-lit areas: If possible, walk in areas with good lighting, especially at night.

  • Report safety hazards: If you notice unclear signage, damaged sidewalks, or other potential hazards near a storefront, bring it to the attention of the property owner or manager.

What to Do After a Storefront Crash

If you are unfortunately involved in a storefront crash, here are some essential steps to take:

  • Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you feel okay initially, some injuries may not manifest immediately.Getting a medical evaluation is crucial for your health and well-being.

  • Report the accident: File a police report to document the incident. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.

  • Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the damage to the storefront and the surrounding area. If possible,note the weather conditions and any traffic signals or signage that may have contributed to the accident.

  • Do not discuss the accident with anyone except medical professionals and law enforcement.

  • Contact a personal injury lawyer: An experienced personal injury attorney can assess your case, determine the liable party, and fight for the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.


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