Curb Override Injury Attorney

A recent lawsuit has shed light on the inherent dangers of curb override crashes. In this article, we will delve into what curb override crashes entail, where they commonly occur, and the various preventive measures that can be implemented to stop such incidents.

Understanding Curb Override Crashes

A curb override crash occurs when a driver intentionally or unintentionally drives their vehicle over a curb and onto the adjacent sidewalk or walkway. Such accidents often transpire when drivers misjudge the distance to the curb or mistakenly press the gas pedal instead of the brake. It doesn’t matter if the act is intentional or unintentional, if you are injured by this kind of driver you deserve compensation.

Occurrence of Curb Override Crashes

Curb override crashes can happen in any location where vehicles travel near sidewalks and walkways. However, they are more prevalent in areas where parking spaces adjoin pedestrian walkways. Convenience stores and fast food restaurants, in particular, frequently witness these incidents.

Hazards Outside Convenience Stores

Whenever they happen, curb override crashes pose a serious threat to pedestrians, potentially resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. Places, like convenience stores and fast food restaurants, have higher rates of curb override crashes. In locations prone to such crashes, preventive measures like bollards can effectively mitigate the dangers.

Bollards Save Lives

Bollards, physical barriers installed along sidewalks and walkways, are instrumental in averting curb override crashes. These sturdy, short vertical posts effectively stop vehicles from driving over the curb into pedestrian space. Bollards are constructed using various materials, including concrete, steel, and aluminum.

The Effectiveness of Bollards in Reducing Crashes

Installation of bollards is a cost-effective and straightforward approach to enhancing pedestrian safety. Solid bollards can stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 50 MPH. But, bollards are also effective at preventing crimes like smash-and-grab thefts.

A Lawsuit Exposing Negligence

The severity of the issue surrounding curb overrides and pedestrian safety was exemplified through a lawsuit filed against a convenience store. The victim, a customer at a 7-Eleven, suffered grave injuries when a driver careened over the curb and pinned him against the storefront, leading to the loss of both his legs. During the investigation of the injury claim, the victim’s attorney uncovered evidence suggesting that the curb override crash could have been prevented.

convenience store curb override injury lawyer

Multiple incidents of vehicles crashing into the storefront had previously occurred at the same 7-Eleven location. This indicates that the store management was aware of the risk and the availability of preventive measures such as bollards. Yet, the store chose to do nothing. Negligence came into play because 7-Eleven knew or should have known that curb overrides were both possible and avoidable.

The resulting lawsuit concluded with a verdict in favor of the injured individual, awarding him $91 million. While no amount of money will replace his lost limbs, it can provide him with the resources to lead a more comfortable life. This legal case serves as a stark reminder to other businesses about the consequences of negligence in ensuring public safety.