Storefront crashes can lead to devastating injuries and fatalities, leaving victims and their families grappling with physical, emotional, and financial hardships. If you or a loved one has been affected by a storefront crash, it’s crucial to understand your legal options and pursue rightful compensation.
As an experienced storefront crash injury and wrongful death attorney, we are here to provide the legal support you need during these challenging times. Facing the aftermath of a storefront crash can be overwhelming. Call (410) 625-4878 now for compassionate and knowledgeable legal support from Steven H. Heisler.
How Do Storefront Crashes Happen?
Storefront crashes occur when a vehicle unexpectedly collides with a business or retail establishment, often causing significant damage, injuries, and even fatalities. These vehicle collisions can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which involve negligence or unforeseen mechanical failures. Here are the most common causes of storefront crashes:
- Parking Lot Design Flaws: Poorly designed parking lots can contribute to storefront crashes. Common design issues include:
- Lack of Barriers: In some cases, there are no physical barriers (like bollards) to protect storefronts from incoming vehicles.
- Narrow Spaces: Small or cramped parking lots may make it difficult for drivers to safely navigate, leading to accidents.
- Poor Signage: Insufficient signs or unclear markings can cause confusion, leading to vehicles’ driving into storefronts instead of intended lanes or spaces.
- Driver Error or Negligence: The majority of storefront crashes are caused by human error, including:
- Distracted Driving: Using a phone, adjusting the radio, or any activity that takes the driver’s focus off the road can lead to losing control and crashing into a building.
- Pedal Confusion: Drivers may accidentally press the accelerator instead of the brake, particularly in parking lots or near storefronts.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction time and impairs judgment, increasing the risk of a vehicle’s veering into a building.
- Speeding: Excessive speed, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic or in parking lots, increases the risk of losing control and crashing into a storefront.
- Mechanical Failures: Vehicles can experience sudden mechanical problems, including:
- Brake Failure: A malfunction in the braking system can prevent a vehicle from stopping in time, causing it to crash into a storefront.
- Steering Issues: Problems with steering, such as misalignment or a power steering failure, may result in a driver’s losing control of the vehicle.
- Tire Blowouts: A sudden blowout may cause a vehicle to swerve off course and collide with a building.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions can make storefront crashes more likely:
- Slippery Roads: Rain, snow, or ice can reduce traction, causing vehicles to skid and crash into storefronts.
- Reduced Visibility: Fog, heavy rain, or snowstorms can impair visibility, making it harder for drivers to see where they are going, especially near storefronts.
- Medical Emergencies: In rare cases, a driver may suffer a medical emergency, such as a heart attack, stroke, or seizure, causing them to lose control of their vehicle and crash into a storefront. While these situations are not due to negligence, they still lead to severe consequences for anyone involved.
Victims of storefront crashes often face severe injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. In the most tragic cases, these accidents result in wrongful death, leaving families devastated.
Why You Need an Experienced Maryland Storefront Crash Attorney
Navigating the legal process after a storefront crash can be overwhelming. From dealing with insurance companies to determining liability, you need an attorney who understands the complexities of these cases. As a seasoned Maryland storefront crash injury and wrongful death lawyer, we have a proven track record of securing compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Covering hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing care
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed at work or loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional trauma experienced by victims
- Funeral expenses: For families dealing with the wrongful death of a loved one, we seek compensation for burial costs and emotional grief.
Steven H. Heisler, your dedicated storefront crash injury and wrongful death attorney in Maryland, is here to help you through this difficult time. Contact us at (410) 625-4878 for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Where Do Storefront Crashes Typically Occur?
Storefront crashes can happen in a variety of locations, especially in areas where vehicles and pedestrian traffic are in close proximity. These accidents often occur without warning, and certain types of businesses and public spaces are more vulnerable to these incidents. According to the Storefront Safety Council, listed below are some of the most common locations where storefront crashes typically occur:
- Retail Stores: 23.5% of all storefront crashes happen at or outside retail stores.
- Restaurants: 19.4% of all storefront crashes occur at or outside restaurants.
- Commercial Buildings: 11.2% of all storefront crashes happen at or outside commercial buildings.
- Offices: 8.2% of all storefront crashes happen at or outside office buildings.
The remaining 37.7% of all storefront crashes occur at or outside convenience stores, government facilities, and other locations.
Wrongful Death Claims in Storefront Crashes
Losing a loved one in a storefront crash is a heartbreaking and traumatic experience, made even more painful by the sudden and preventable nature of the accident. When a fatality occurs due to the negligence or recklessness of a driver or another responsible party, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims aim to hold the negligent parties accountable and seek compensation for the profound emotional and financial toll on the surviving family.
What Constitutes Wrongful Death in Storefront Crashes?
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies due to the negligence or intentional act of another party. In the context of a storefront crash, wrongful death could occur for several reasons, including:
- Inadequate Property Safety Measures: The property owner or business may be liable if the storefront lacked appropriate safety barriers, such as bollards, that could have prevented the crash from causing death to patrons or pedestrians.
- Driver Negligence: If the driver was distracted, speeding, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, they could be held liable for the wrongful death of a person killed in the crash.
- Faulty Vehicle Design or Maintenance: If a fatal accident was caused by mechanical failure due to a manufacturer’s defect or improper maintenance, the vehicle manufacturer or service provider could be held responsible.
While no amount of money can replace the loss of a loved one, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burden left by such a tragedy. Compensation in storefront crash wrongful death cases may include:
- Medical Expenses: If the deceased received medical treatment before passing, compensation may cover hospital bills, surgeries, and emergency care costs related to the injuries sustained in the crash.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: The family can seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, helping to alleviate the financial strain during an already difficult time.
- Loss of Financial Support: Families can recover compensation for the loss of future income, especially if the deceased was the primary earner. This includes lost wages, benefits, and other financial contributions the deceased would have provided.
- Loss of Companionship and Emotional Support: Surviving spouses, children, and parents often suffer emotional distress and the loss of companionship. Compensation for emotional suffering and the loss of guidance, care, and comfort can be included in a wrongful death claim.
- Pain and Suffering: If the deceased experienced significant pain and suffering before their passing, the family may be able to pursue compensation for the emotional and physical suffering endured prior to death.
Contact Steven H. Heisler Today
Pursuing a wrongful death claim after a storefront crash is an emotionally challenging process, and navigating the legal complexities can be overwhelming while you are grieving. Our experienced Maryland storefront crash wrongful death attorneys understand the sensitive nature of these cases and are committed to helping families seek justice for their loved ones. We will work tirelessly to investigate the crash, gather crucial evidence, and build a compelling case to hold the responsible parties accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured or they were killed in a storefront crash, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The aftermath of such accidents can be complex, and acting quickly is essential to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Contact Steven H. Heisler today at (410) 625-4878 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you find some measure of peace and financial security after such a devastating loss.
Attorney Steve Heisler
Steve Heisler decided in 1996 that he was going to focus his law practice exclusively on injury cases. Since then, he has been representing injured people against insurance companies, disreputable medical practitioners and Big Pharma, and doing it with compassion, honesty and level-headed rationality. [ Attorney Bio ]
