Woman Critically Injured by Malfunctioning Car Part at Sunrise Food and Liquor in Harvard

Personal Injury - July 1, 2026

Female Victim Airlifted to Hospital After Being Hit by Gas Strut or Spring Loaded Component at Sunrise Food and Liquor Along 100 Admiral Drive in Harvard

HARVARD, ILLINOIS (July 1, 2026) – A woman was seriously injured after being hit by a vehicle component in the parking lot of Sunrise Food and Liquor in Harvard.

McHenry County officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:21 PM on Friday. Police initially received reports that there may have been a shooting in the Sunrise Food and Liquor parking lot.

It was later determined that some type of car part may have malfunctioned and ejected at a high rate of speed. The unidentified projectile hit a woman in the leg, leaving her bleeding and critically injured.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the injured woman. She was airlifted to Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center – Harvard to receive treatment.

Liability for Accidents Involving Defective Car Parts

Vehicle manufacturers have the obligation to ensure that their products are reasonably safe. This necessitates that they routinely test their products in the ways that they would likely be used in the real world. Creating safe products requires that companies abide by all safety regulations. It also requires that they conduct occasional recalls if they become aware of latent dangers associated with their product. There are many factors that could contribute to an accident where people are hit by ejecting car parts.

• Defective Hatchback Gas Strut: The cylinder or seal on a hatchback strut may have been degraded, thereby allowing components to be released with force.
• Corrosion: Vehicles in Illinois are put under an enormous amount of wear and tear through water and salt in the roadway. This can lead to corrosion that may allow parts on the vehicle to break or malfunction.
• Improper Repair: A vehicle component may have been improperly installed. It is also possible that the wrong component was installed, which can lead to major issues.

If there is some type of design defect with a vehicle that causes parts to become ejected, this could form the basis of a product liability claim. Under strict liability, a manufacturer is liable if their product is defective, even if they exercise a great deal of care to avoid harm. Liability could also extend to third-party maintenance providers that were responsible for the upkeep of the vehicle.

Steps to Take After Being Injured By Defective Car Parts

Vehicle malfunctions account for a significant portion of the total number of motor vehicle accidents and injuries. These accidents have led to a number of recalls. According to the NHTSA, “There were 1,073 vehicle and equipment safety recalls in 2024 – a near record number. More than 29.3 million vehicles were recalled, along with more than 600,000 car seats and 1.3 million tires.” Certain measures should be taken after any person is injured by a defective car part.

• It should be determined if the vehicle involved in the accident was on any recall list.
• All medical records related to a person’s treatment should be collected and preserved.
• Records that indicate the presence of lost wages after a car accident should also be collected.
• Physical evidence associated with the malfunction should be closely examined.
• Victims should consider their legal options with a team experienced in product liability claims.

Product liability claims can be very difficult to pursue. They require the use of expert witnesses. On top of this, companies will do everything in their power to deny responsibility if their product causes serious injury or death. This is why it is so important for accident victims to consider their legal options early on. Any person who is injured by a defective vehicle component may be able to seek damages through a personal injury claim.

Getting Legal Help After Being Injured By Defective Vehicle Components

Horwitz Horwitz & Associates was very concerned to learn about this horrific incident at the Sunrise Food and Liquor parking lot. It is our sincere hope that the victim will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Car parts are never supposed to eject with this much force.

Have you or a loved one been harmed by a defective vehicle component in Illinois? Are you contending with high medical bills and lost wages? You may have legal recourse. Our team of product liability attorneys remains committed to helping the public understand their legal rights. We have successfully resolved thousands of claims and recovered millions of dollars for our deserving clients. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.