Car/Building Collisions
A Baltimore building literally crumbled, killing an innocent pedestrian, after the driver of a stolen vehicle smashed into it. In an unrelated incident, a bus that was avoiding a collision with another vehicle smashed into a building, leading to injuries for no less than sixteen people in Baltimore.
How Common is This Sort of Thing?
These incidents, dramatic as they were, were relatively uncommon. More frequently, pedal misapplication can prove to be the error that leads to collisions with buildings, and this accounts for about 25 percent of accidents of this nature. And while you may think collisions with buildings and walls should be a one-in-a-million-year event, the fact is that vehicles smash through buildings 60 times a day in the United States, resulting in 4,000 injuries & as many as 500 fatalities annually. In about a third of these incidents, operator error is to blame.
Mediating Disaster
These accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. Most of the time office buildings, convenience stores, and restaurants are the victims of errant vehicles, though even homes have been invaded by motor vehicles at times. In most cases, drivers pull up to the curb to park or drop someone off, sometimes after having had too much alcohol, then accidentally push on the wrong pedal, leading to a collision with a nearby building. But there are interventions that could help, such as better parking lot design and the implementation of security barriers could minimize the frequency of such accidents. A variety of bollards are available that can protect locations with nose-in parking stalls. They provide both a visible reminder to stop, and a physical barrier that can prevent disaster.
After an Accident
After the initial shock of an incident like this, what should you do? As with any accident, use common sense and follow these critical steps:
- First, make sure you haven’t sustained any injuries, or address any you may have.
- If you check out ok, investigate to see if anyone else needs help.
- As quickly as possible, move yourself and others to a safe location.
- Dial 911 and evenly describe the location and situation.
Exchange information with people at the scene, who have witnessed the accident and whose testimony may be vital going forward. - Document the accident with notes, photos, and so forth.
Civil Action
If you or a loved one suffers from serious injuries or death due to this type of incident, you may be entitled to damages to address your medical costs, lost present and future wages, pain and suffering, and more. That’s why it’s important to have the knowledgeable Baltimore personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes on your team from the get-go. Schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.
Source:
wmar2news.com/local/video-of-shocking-chase-shows-stolen-car-running-over-man-plowing-into-building
