What Are Vehicle Incursions?

You have probably heard of vehicles crashing into stores, houses, offices, restaurants, and other buildings. You may think of them as fairly uncommon, but the truth is that in the United States, they happen every single day. That’s right, these accidents don’t just happen in the movies. Statistics show that 100 of these crashes happen daily.

These crashes are not minor occurrences. They cause 16,000 injuries and 2,600 deaths per year. Vehicle incursions often occur accidentally, but there are situations in which they happen on purpose.

Drivers who collide with a building are likely to be seriously injured or die from the crash. The people inside the building are also at risk. They have no protection from the vehicle and no way of even anticipating the crash so they can get out of the way. Bystanders are likely to suffer catastrophic injuries, especially when vehicles collide with hospitals and gas pumps. Gas pump crashes can be dangerous because the gas involved can lead to fires and explosions.

Vehicle incursions are most likely to happen to convenience stores, restaurants, and other buildings where customers can park close to the entrance. Pedestrians, customers, and the people who work inside the buildings are at risk of being hit by these wayward cars and trucks.

Liability in Vehicle Incursions

Liability in vehicle incursions is pretty clear-cut. Drivers who crash into any type of building are acting negligently. The building is not moving. It’s a stationary object, and there’s no reason why a driver would hit it and not be considered negligent.

One of the most common reasons for vehicle incursions is pedal error. A driver may hit the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the vehicle to crash through the store. A driver may also think they are driving in reverse, when the vehicle is actually in gear going forward.

There are several other reasons why vehicle incursions occur:

• The driver was distracted. The driver may have been talking on a cellphone, eating or drinking while driving, or focusing on a passenger or pet.
• The driver was under the influence. If a driver crashes into a building, it’s possible they consumed too much alcohol or was under the influence of drugs.
• Driver fatigue. Being overly tired is almost as bad as being under the influence of alcohol. Tired drivers often make mistakes like driving into buildings.
• Traffic violations. Other causes of vehicle incursions include speeding and improper turns.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Cars crashing into buildings happen more often than you may think. Whether you are inside the vehicle or the building, you can get seriously injured in such a crash.

The aftermath of a vehicle incursion can be overwhelming. A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can help. Our goal is to make sure that our clients receive the maximum amount of compensation for their injuries. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247.

Source:

storefrontsafety.org/