Ten people were injured, one critically, after a vehicle crashed into a Little Caesars pizza restaurant in Pacoima the evening of August 18, 2014.
According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the incident occurred at the 12700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard near the intersection of Glenoaks Boulevard.
A white Toyota Rav4 crashed into the restaurant through the front window.
Three of the injured
victims were children. Seven other adults also suffered injuries. The victim who suffered critical injuries is a 5-year-old girl.
It is not clear how many of the injuries may be due to broken glass. Witnesses reported a “loud bang” and “people scattered everywhere.” The driver, a 60-year-old woman, also had two children inside her car who did not suffer injuries. Police say the driver hit the gas pedal instead of the brake. Officials are still looking into whether the woman was impaired at the time. The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the injured victims of this horrific crash. We represent a number of seriously injured car accident victims as part of our legal practice and we understand first-hand the emotional and financial struggles crash victims and their families face. We wish all the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
Los Angeles Crash Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2011 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 200 fatalities and 24,320 injuries reported as a result of traffic collisions in the city of Los Angeles.
Countywide, 513 people died and 50,476 were injured due to traffic accidents during the same year.
Fault and Liability
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the SUV crashed into the store because she stepped on the gas instead of the brake, accelerating into the store window. However, there are still several unanswered questions here.
Was the driver impaired? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the vehicle, which may have caused or contributed to the incident? Was the driver distracted or inattentive at the time of the incident?
We trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred here and why.
If the driver is determined to have been at fault, she can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation in such cases for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Victims or their families would also be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected.
The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.