A frightening incident at a bagel store near Fresno State has raised important questions about premises liability and public safety. Here’s what those affected need to know about their legal rights and the implications of this accident.
Details of the Incident
On Friday morning around 11 AM, an elderly driver’s vehicle crashed through a bagel shop located at Shaw and Cedar avenues in northeast Fresno. The establishment was crowded with approximately 25 customers when the vehicle penetrated deep into the store, reaching the back counter. Remarkably, employees avoided direct impact as they were positioned just far enough apart for the vehicle to pass between them.
Injuries and Immediate Response
Five individuals sustained minor injuries in the incident, with two requiring hospital transportation. While the injuries were fortunately not life-threatening, victims may still be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
The incident at the bagel store demonstrates how quickly a routine day can turn dangerous, even in seemingly safe environments like retail establishments. Of the approximately 25 people present during the crash, five individuals sustained minor injuries, with two requiring immediate hospital transportation. The rapid response from the Fresno Fire Department and emergency medical services was crucial in assessing and treating the victims.
In cases involving vehicle-into-building crashes, injuries can range from obvious physical trauma to less apparent injuries that may manifest days later. Common injuries in such incidents include soft tissue damage, whiplash, bruising, cuts from broken glass, and potential orthopaedic injuries from falling or attempting to avoid the vehicle.
For legal and medical reasons, all individuals present during such incidents must seek immediate medical evaluation, even if they initially feel unharmed. Delayed symptoms could indicate more serious underlying injuries and proper medical documentation is crucial for any future legal claims.
Furthermore, the emotional trauma of such a frightening experience should not be underestimated, as post-traumatic stress and anxiety are common psychological effects that may require professional intervention and should be considered in any injury claim.
Cause and Liability Considerations
According to Fresno Police, the accident occurred when the elderly driver’s sandal became entangled with the brake pedal while attempting to park in a handicapped space. While investigators found no signs of impairment or driver disabilities, this raises several liability questions:
- Driver responsibility and negligence
- Property owner maintenance of parking facilities
- Potential vehicle maintenance or mechanical issues
- Adequacy of storefront barriers and safety measures
Business Impact and Property Damage
The crash into the bagel’s store caused substantial business disruption and property damage that extended beyond the immediate structural impact. The Fresno County Health Department mandated the disposal of all food products in the vicinity of the damage, resulting in significant inventory loss.
Neighbouring businesses faced unplanned closures due to necessary power and gas shutoffs, leading to lost revenue during peak business hours. The physical damage to the storefront, interior counter area, and building structure will require extensive repairs before normal operations can resume.
Business interruption losses may include not only direct property damage but also ongoing losses from closure during repairs, potential customer base erosion, and employee wage considerations. The owner faces multiple challenges including coordinating with insurance adjusters, managing health department compliance, organizing repairs, and maintaining employee morale after this traumatic incident.
Property owners and affected businesses should carefully document all damages, losses, and expenses related to the crash, including photos, repair estimates, disposal of inventory, and lost revenue calculations, as these details will be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
Legal Implications for Business Owners
This incident highlights several important considerations for commercial property owners:
- Importance of adequate insurance coverage
- Need for proper safety barriers and parking lot design
- Regular safety inspections and maintenance
- Emergency response protocols
- Employee safety training
Steps for Those Affected
If you were present during this incident:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even for minor injuries
- Document all expenses related to the incident
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney
- Keep records of any lost work time or wages
Preventing Future Incidents
This accident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures in commercial areas:
- Installation of protective barriers
- Regular review of parking lot design and safety features
- Clear signage and parking space markings
- Employee training for emergencies
- Regular safety audits and updates
Legal Considerations
In the aftermath of the bagels store crash, several legal considerations come into play. Property owners have a duty of care to protect customers and employees from reasonably foreseeable hazards, which may include vehicle intrusion into storefronts. The elderly driver’s insurance may be primarily liable for damages, but multiple parties could share responsibility.
For instance, if the parking lot design or lack of protective barriers contributed to the incident, the property owner or management company could face liability claims. Victims who sustained injuries, even minor ones, may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Business interruption losses and property damage claims will likely involve complex insurance negotiations.
Additionally, neighbouring businesses affected by utility shutoffs might have claims for lost revenue. Employees who experienced emotional trauma may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Given the complexity of potential claims involving multiple parties and insurance companies, affected individuals should consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect their legal rights and ensure fair compensation.
Catastrophic injury settlement calculators serve as crucial tools in determining fair compensation values for severe injury cases. These specialized calculators factor in multiple variables that impact settlement amounts, including medical expenses (both current and future), lost earning capacity, ongoing rehabilitation costs, life care planning, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
The importance of these calculators lies in their ability to provide a comprehensive analysis of long-term financial impacts, helping attorneys and insurance adjusters arrive at appropriate settlement figures that account for lifetime care needs.
However, it’s important to note that these calculators serve as guidelines rather than definitive answers, as each catastrophic injury case presents unique circumstances that may affect the final settlement value. An experienced GJEL accident attorney can provide a more accurate assessment based on their knowledge of similar cases and current legal precedents.
Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts. Our compassionate GJEL accident attorneys are always available to discuss your case, and you pay nothing unless we win. Let our experienced legal team shoulder the legal burden while you focus on what matters most – your family’s healing and recovery.
Moving Forward
“As an accident attorney who has spent decades helping injury victims throughout California, I understand how traumatic and disorienting it can be to experience something like the crash at Uncle Harry’s Bagels. Even seemingly minor injuries can develop into serious medical issues that impact your ability to work and enjoy daily activities. If you or a loved one were present during this frightening incident, please seek immediate medical attention – your health comes first. Document everything, including photos of injuries, medical visits, and any time missed from work. Don’t give statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney who can protect your rights. Our firm has extensive experience handling similar cases involving vehicles crashing into buildings, and we’re here to help ensure you receive full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Time is critical in these cases, so please reach out for a free consultation to understand your legal options.” – Andy Gillin, Founding Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage and proper safety measures for both businesses and drivers. Those affected by this accident should understand their rights and consider seeking legal counsel to ensure proper compensation for any injuries or damages sustained.
For business owners, this event highlights the critical need for adequate safety measures and insurance coverage to protect against similar incidents. Regular safety reviews and updates can help prevent future accidents and minimize potential liability exposure.
Our experienced team is available 24/7 to protect your rights and help you navigate the complex aftermath of an accident. At GJEL, we ensure all evidence is properly preserved and all potential sources of compensation are thoroughly investigated while families focus on healing.
GJEL offers free consultations and charges no fees unless we win your case. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney for a free legal consultation. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Richmond office and talk to the experts.
Resources and Emergency Contacts
For those affected by the Uncle Harry’s Bagels incident, the following local resources are available:
Fresno Police Department
- Traffic Bureau: (559) 621-5050
- Non-Emergency Line: (559) 621-7000
- Address: 2323 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721
- Website: www.fresno.gov/police/traffic-bureau
Report a Traffic Collision:
- For immediate emergencies: Dial 911
- Traffic Collision Reports: (559) 621-5050
- Online Collision Report: www.fresno.gov/police/report-traffic-collision
Additional Resources:
- Fresno Fire Department: (559) 621-4199
- City of Fresno Development and Resource Management: (559) 621-8082
- Fresno County Department of Public Health: (559) 600-3200
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.