A 74 year old El Cajon resident plowed through the Carl’s Jr. restaurant recently, killing a 66 year old many who sat in a front booth of the restaurant eating his breakfast, as was his daily routine. According to Signs of San Diego, the Honda CRV crashed through the building, hitting the victim with full force which threw him sailing to the other side. The SUV plowed through the corner of the restaurant without stopping after hitting the victim. When it eventually did stop, the driver, who left a trail of smashed glass and wood in his wake, was taken to a hospital for moderate injuries.
It is believed that the driver had just used a Union Bank ATM that was located in the same shopping center as the restaurant. He drove approximately 150 yards across the lot before crashing into the restaurant, and there is no information as to the speed of the vehicle at the time of the crash. Police and investigators are also unsure as to whether the man attempted to slam on the brakes before crashing in to the building. There are also concerns about the structural integrity of the building, which received substantial damage in the crash.
Investigations will focus on whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash, and determining the speed of the SUV. At the time of the accident, there were no indications that drugs or alcohol were involved. Another victim at the scene stated that he was behind the SUV at the ATM, and that the driver of the SUV seemed to have trouble with the ATM machine, which resulted in him leaving in anger. He forgot to take his ATM card which the witness says was left in the slot. Additionally, the witness states that the SUV driver almost backed up into the witness’s car before tearing through the parking lot and slamming through the restaurant.
Details are still sketchy, and the driver may be able to provide information as to what caused the crash. It could have been a medical emergency while he was at the wheel, but everything to this point is simply speculation. Investigators will work to determine exactly what did cause the fatal crash.
The question as to whether the roads are safe when senior citizens get behind the wheel is one that raises many issues. California personal injury lawyers know that the issue is a sticky one that causes much debate, but seniors will argue that they are safer and involved in fewer accidents than teens.
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, California wrongful death cases & including victims of SUV accidents. Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.