Bridget Potter Injured In Centralia Car Accident By Davis Street
Pedestrian Accident - June 9, 2023
Bridget Potter Seriously Injured In Centralia Collision In Front of Walgreens Front Entrance
CENTRALIA, ILLINOIS (June 9, 2023) – A woman identified as Bridget Potter was injured in a Centralia car accident in front of a Walgreens store on Davis Street.
Marion County officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:24 p.m. on Thursday. Bridget Potter was hit by a vehicle that crashed through the front door and wall of the Walgreens.
The driver of the vehicle was apparently pulling into a handicapped parking spot when the collision took place. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Bridget Potter was taken to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia before being airlifted to St. Louis Hospital in an air ambulance. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Centralia Car Accidents
Car accidents involving vehicles that drive into store fronts are actually much more common than many people realize. According to the Storefront Safety Council, there are around 100 incidents every day where vehicles drive into storefronts. These accidents result in around 16,000 injuries annually. Elderly people are much more likely to be involved in storefront collisions. There are a number of factors that could contribute to a storefront collision.
- The driver of a vehicle may experience “pedal confusion” and mistake the accelerator for the brakes.
- Drivers may be fatigued or ill prior to a storefront collision.
- Drivers may have been distracted before losing control of their vehicle.
Drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care and due everything in their power to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-601), all drivers must not operate their vehicle at a speed greater than what would be reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, the owner of a store could be liable if someone is injured by an errant driver. Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This includes taking steps to protect drivers from errant vehicles. Storefront collisions can be prevented when property owners install bollard posts. Bollard posts are rigid metal or concrete structures that prevent drivers from entering certain locations. Victims of pedestrian accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations
- Organ damage
When a property owner has actual or constructive notice that pedestrians are likely to be hit by errant drivers, they must take action. When they fail to take action, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Any person that is injured in a storefront collision may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It is extremely important that all evidence is preserved after any collision.
Investigating Centralia Car Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to Bridget Potter as she continues to recover. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to authorities. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other collisions like this at Walgreens.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured by a driver that went into a storefront? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
