A storefront crash is one of the most shocking things a patron can experience. These incidents may be particularly alarming because they are completely unexpected. You might be enjoying a nice meal at a seafood restaurant when a vehicle smashes through the nearest wall. These types of incidents are more common than many people in Georgia realize, and they are not “freak accidents.” They are often caused by negligent drivers, and they can change – or end – lives. A recent storefront crash in Georgia shows how common and serious these incidents have become.
Two Victims Airlifted From Restaurant After Vehicle Crashes Into the Premises
In December of 2024, various sources reported that a vehicle had crashed into a popular seafood restaurant in Georgia. Two victims suffered injuries that required immediate evacuation via air ambulance, and a helicopter transported them to the nearest hospital. Although these injuries were serious, first responders described them as “non-life-threatening.”
The incident occurred after two vehicles collided outside the restaurant. This initial crash caused one of the vehicles to careen into the restaurant. It appears that the restaurant is right on the edge of US 1, and it is not clear whether the restaurant has seen similar accidents of this nature in the past. Whatever the case may be, the crash was clearly intense enough to injure two people – and it likely occurred at high speeds.
Images from the scene show a pickup truck sitting inside the restaurant, having clearly barreled straight through one of its walls. Chairs and tables are piled up at the opposite wall, suggesting that this pickup truck may have caused serious injuries to anyone sitting down for their meals.
Although this might seem like a freak accident, storefront collisions are actually quite common in Georgia. Exactly one month prior, a vehicle crashed into an Italian restaurant in Gwinnett County. The driver later claimed that both her gas pedal and brake had simultaneously stopped working.
How Can a Restaurant Protect Against Storefront Collisions in Georgia?
After experiencing one of these storefront collisions in Georgia, restaurant owners may become legally obligated to prevent similar incidents in the future. They may be expected to make certain improvements in this regard, especially if the restaurant is located near a busy intersection or highway.
An obvious step is to install barriers or bollards outside the restaurant. Bollards are small, sturdy columns, and property owners often install them around glass storefronts to prevent damage from vehicles. Bollards are a common sight in parking lots, as drivers today frequently lose control of their vehicles when parking. Many now rely on questionable self-parking software that can easily malfunction. Drivers also tend to hit the accelerator pedal by accident, confusing it with the brake.
If a restaurant owner fails to make even a cursory effort to prevent future storefront collisions, they could theoretically become liable for injuries. This could potentially allow injured victims to hold not only the negligent driver accountable but also the property owner.