When Cars Meet Storefronts: Catastrophic Injuries and Liability

Picture this: you’re going about your daily routine, visiting a store, when suddenly a car crashes into the building. It might sound like a scene from a movie, but the truth is, these incidents occur far more frequently than we might imagine. In this post, we will delve into the disconcerting reality of storefront accidents in Los Angeles, exploring common causes and discussing who may be held accountable for the aftermath.

The Tragic Incident at 7-Eleven

According to ABC Eyewitness News, in July 2023, a deeply unfortunate event unfolded in Los Angeles. A motorist crashed into several parked vehicles outside a 7-Eleven store. The collision, aside from causing substantial damage to the store’s front, tragically claimed the life of a pedestrian. As of now, critical details regarding the driver and the precise cause of the accident remain elusive, leaving us with more questions than answers.

Alarming Statistics on Storefront Crashes

The Storefront Safety Council diligently compiles data concerning these incidents, and the numbers are nothing short of unsettling:

• In the United States, more than 100 storefront accidents occur each day.
• Alarmingly, nearly half of these accidents result in injuries.
• Tragically, close to 10% of them lead to fatalities.
• Annually, over 2,600 lives are lost, and 16,000 individuals suffer injuries as a result of these accidents.

These statistics serve as a stark reminder that even mundane trips to the store can carry unforeseen risks.

Frequent Storefront Accidents at 7-Eleven

The recent incident may have come as a shock, but here’s a startling revelation: collisions involving cars and 7-Eleven stores are, regrettably, not uncommon. In a report by Business Insider, it was revealed that “cars crash into 7-Eleven stores every day.” This revelation came to light when a man had both of his legs amputated in 2017 after a motorist accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake when parking at a 7-Eleven.

An attorney representing the victim conducted an investigation and found that between 2003 and 2017, more than 6,200 storefront crashes occurred at various 7-Eleven locations throughout the United States. On average, this popular convenience store chain experiences approximately one storefront crash per day.

Common causes of storefront crashes

These accidents transpire for a multitude of reasons, including:

• Incidents involving drunk or distracted driving
• Driver errors and miscalculations
• Impaired visibility
• Defective vehicle components
• Driver medical emergencies
• Acts of robbery or theft
• Inadequate illumination
• Navigational errors

Storefront crashes can occur at shopping malls, grocery stores, and even homes across Los Angeles and the rest of the country. These causes underscore the importance of remaining vigilant while navigating the vicinity of storefronts.

Serious Injuries Resulting from Storefront Accidents

When pedestrians are struck or run over by motor vehicles, the consequences are typically traumatic and life-altering. The vast difference in size and weight between an average car (4,100 pounds) and a human (approximately 200 pounds) means that collisions result in severe injuries. Pedestrians involved in storefront accidents often suffer:

• Crush injuries
• Organ damage
• Multiple fractures and broken bones
• Permanent nerve damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Skull fractures
• Internal bleeding
• Amputations or limb loss
• Paralysis
• Back or spinal cord injuries
• Abdominal injuries
• Neck fractures and whiplash
• Coma
• Shoulder injuries
• Chest injuries
• Burn injuries
• Eye, dental, and facial injuries
• Disfigurement
• Scarring
• Disability
• Death

Liability in Storefront Accidents

While many assume that motor vehicle drivers bear sole responsibility for storefront accidents, liability may extend to store owners, building owners, property managers, and business operators. It is their duty to protect customers and visitors from potential storefront accidents. Implementing safety measures like bollards, lighting, signs, and speed bumps can help prevent such incidents.

Seeking Legal Assistance

The Los Angeles car accident lawyers at McNicholas & McNicholas are here to help you obtain justice after being involved in a storefront accident. We will thoroughly investigate your accident, determine how much compensation is fair and accurate for your injuries and losses, gather evidence to support your claim, and build a strong and compelling case against the defendant. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule your virtual case review to learn more about your legal rights and options today.

This blog is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is very fact specific. Please consult with a lawyer from our firm to get the proper legal advice regarding your case.