California Injury Blog
A woman suffered fatal injuries in a violent car accident after a driver lost control of his SUV and plowed into a group of people dining outdoors at the Grand Century Mall in San Jose on Oct. 11. According to a report in the Mercury News, the woman was one of eight people – three women and five men – who were injured in the crash near McLaughlin Avenue and Story Road. At least one of the surviving victims reportedly suffered critical injuries.
Injuries and Fatality
Police say the 69-year-old driver of a white 2000 4Runner accidentally accelerated while trying to park. Police said the driver may have had a medical emergency before the crash, but did not provide any additional information about what type of emergency that might have been. Mall surveillance video shows the SUV jumping two curbs and crossing four lanes of traffic before plowing into outdoor diners at Dynasty Chinese Seafood Restaurant.
The restaurant’s parking lot had been cordoned off with awnings. About two dozen people were seated in the area at the time. The crash was quickly followed by chaos, people screaming and trying to tend to the injured. Some reportedly were on the ground, lying motionless. The restaurant had not registered or applied for a permit to offer outdoor dining in its parking lot, city officials said. However, they said, a permit or registration might not have prevented this type of crash.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of this deceased victim for their tremendous loss. We also wish the other injured victims the very best for a speedy and completely. Please keep everyone who was affected by this horrific crash in your thoughts and prayers.
Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver may have suffered a medical condition and hit the accelerator instead of the brakes. We trust investigators are also looking into whether the restaurant took the necessary precautions to prevent drivers from crashing into the outdoor areas. New York City, where outdoor dining has really taken off during the coronavirus pandemic, has also seen a few such incidents where drivers have struck diners.
A number of these incidents also occur as a result of drivers who are speeding or simply not paying attention. Victims in such cases may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced California car accident lawyer will be able to advise injured victims and families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/10/13/san-jose-victim-dies-from-crash-after-suv-hit-outdoor-dining-area/