Who Can I Sue After a Storefront Crash in Baltimore?

A storefront crash in Baltimore can be a very traumatic incident, and it may be challenging to figure out your next steps after experiencing this firsthand. However, there is one relatively clear factor no matter what happens: Someone else was probably to blame. Although it is easy to label a storefront crash as an “accident,” there is clear, serious negligence involved when someone crashes into the front of a building. One of the first questions you may have after a storefront crash is relatively straightforward: Who can I sue?

Negligent Drivers Are Often to Blame for Storefront Crashes 

A negligent driver is often the primary negligent party in a storefront crash. While various factors may lead to these crashes, it is frequently down to human error. However, basic driving mistakes may only tell part of the story. The crash may also be caused by serious, reckless acts.

One potential explanation is driving while intoxicated. Often, drivers crash into storefronts after becoming heavily intoxicated by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of the two substances. Other acts of extreme recklessness include street racing, fatigue (falling behind at the wheel), or parking lot stunts. Parking lot stunts are becoming increasingly common in the modern era, with teens and young adults regularly performing burnouts, donuts, and other illegal maneuvers just feet away from crowded restaurants and other establishments.

 Property Owners May Also Shoulder Some of the Blame 

While drivers may be primarily to blame for these accidents, property owners could also shoulder some of the fault. This is especially true if the property has previously experienced numerous storefront crashes. After so many accidents of this nature, the property owner may be legally expected to install certain preventative measures.

These might include concrete barriers or bollards, barred windows, and other security improvements designed to keep patrons safe. Certain buildings may be especially at risk for storefront crashes due to their proximity to busy intersections, highway offramps, and other areas of congestion.

 Car Manufacturers Could be Liable As Well 

Finally, a plaintiff may have the ability to sue a car manufacturer if the storefront crash was caused by some kind of mechanical failure or malfunction. The obvious example would be a brake failure, and a driver may have lost control of the vehicle despite constantly slamming on the brakes with no effect.

That said, modern vehicles have many advanced technological features that could also cause storefront crashes – even at low speeds. For example, many newer vehicles (including Teslas) have a feature that supposedly allows a car to “park itself.” This “self-parking” feature often malfunctions – sending vehicles crashing through glass storefronts when their occupants were attempting to park in a no-effort manner.

Find a Qualified, Experienced Storefront Crash Lawyer in Baltimore

 If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced Baltimore car accident lawyer, look no further than Furman Honick Law. We have spent years helping thousands of injured plaintiffs like you – including those who have been harmed by storefront crashes. While many negligent parties may contribute to a storefront crash, a consultation helps determine who was to blame for your unique injuries. Call Furman Honick Law today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.

Sources: 

tesla.com/ownersmanual/2012_2020_models/en_us/GUID-900CE37E-421B-4971-A12A-58E533F339DE.html#:~:text=To%20Use%20Autopark&text=The%20instrument%20panel%20will%20display,detects%20a%20potential%20parking%20spot.&text=The%20parking%20icon%20appears%20only,determine%20an%20appropriate%20driving%20path.

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