Vehicle Collides Into Hospital
On June 30, 2020, a 75-year-old woman drove her vehicle into the emergency entrance at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. The collision resulted in serious injuries for four individuals. A fifth person died in the crash.
The accident occurred at approximately 8 a.m. at the entrance to the emergency department of the Piedmont Hospital. Security video recorded by the hospital shows that the driver collided with another vehicle in the driveway outside of the emergency room entrance. The driver then accelerated, pushing the other vehicle out of the way and launching into the glass doors. The vehicle continued through the doors, striking multiple people before coming to rest against a wall.
The injuries involved in the accident were devastating. In addition to property damage to the facility, multiple parties suffered broken bones and other severe wounds. These injuries could have long-term or even permanent consequences for the injury victims.
The Cause of the Crash
To date, the specific cause of the accident is unclear. While the video of the accident shows the driver accelerating into the building, the police have declined to press any criminal charges. According to their investigation, the police believe that the act was not intentional or criminal. The police report does not give a specific cause either, outside of alleging the driver lost control of the car.
Legal Liability
The cause of the crash could play a role in determining legal liability for the accident. If the driver caused the accident intentionally or through their own negligence, they could face liability for any injuries that occurred. However, if a medical emergency caused the accident, the driver may have a viable defense against a negligence claim.
The driver may not be the only party facing liability in this accident. Questions were raised by one injury victim regarding whether the hospital took all the necessary steps to prevent the accident. The emergency room entrance where the crash occurred lacks any form of posts or barriers that would have stopped the car from crashing into the emergency room doors. This is despite the fact that most of the other entrances at the hospital have some form of barrier designed to prevent vehicles from crashing into the doors. In this case, an experienced premises liability lawyer could help determine whether the hospital may face civil liability.
Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter When Disaster Strikes
If you have suffered injuries in a crash, it may be difficult to identify all parties that contributed to your injuries. In some cases, you could be surprised at the number of individuals or entities that bear some responsibility for your accident. The right legal team can ensure you hold every responsible party accountable.
If you believe you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, do not hesitate to contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter right away. Our team is ready to evaluate your case and assist you with your claim. You can learn more about your options during a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter today at 833-LEGALGA to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.
