Common Causes of Car Accidents at Fast Food Drive Thru Locations
Being in an accident while in a fast food drive-thru may be more common than you think. In addition to an increase in fast food drive-thru customers over the last year, there has also been a recent increase in the number of accidents.
Why Fast Food Drive-Thru Restaurants Lead to Car Accidents
There are a few reasons why a fast food drive-thru can lead to a car accident, including:
- Distractions: Many drivers use the time spent in a drive-thru to check their phones for missed phone calls or text messages. This can lead to distractions, meaning they may not notice when the car in front of them pulls up or worse, when a passenger tries to walk in front of their vehicle to get to their car in the parking lot.
- Fatigue: A stop through the drive-thru lane may be a last-minute dinner plan after an otherwise busy day. A fatigued driver can be just as dangerous as a driver who’s under the influence. An overly tired driver may not notice other vehicles or passengers near them, even when in the drive-thru lane.
- Lowered defenses: Many drivers let their guard down as soon as they enter the drive-thru lane. Because they’re no longer hitting the gas pedal, they may not be as aware of other vehicles.
- Unmaintained conditions: Private parking lots or drive-thru lanes are less likely to be salted or plowed right after a storm. This can lead to slippery or icy conditions that can cause accidents.
Drivers don’t expect to be in an accident in the drive-thru lane which can lead them to be less safe. A driver is more likely to focus on the menu board or reach into their fast food bags while in the drive-thru lane. Some drivers also use this time to adjust their seats or check on backseat passengers, making them less aware of nearby drivers or passengers.
Types of Fast Food Drive Thru Accidents
It can be helpful to review some of the most common types of accidents that occur in drive-thru lanes:
Rear-End Accidents
A rear-end accident is the most common type of accident in a fast food drive-thru lane. This most often occurs when a driver is no longer paying attention and then hits the gas pedal, rear-ending the vehicle in front of them.
Sideswipe Accident
A sideswipe accident most commonly occurs when a driver is leaving the drive-thru lane and doesn’t notice a vehicle turning in front of them. They may run into the oncoming vehicle, often hitting the side of their vehicle.
Reverse Accident
Drivers who change their minds may try to reverse out of a drive-thru lane, which can be dangerous. This can lead to them causing a reverse accident with the vehicle behind them.
Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents are also common in drive-thru lanes. Drivers may not be paying attention and may not notice a pedestrian leaving the restaurant, crossing the lane to reach their vehicle in the parking lot. Pedestrian accidents are often the worst kind of drive-thru accident because of the size and weight of the vehicle.
Contact a Nutley Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Birkhold & Maider represent clients injured because of a car accident in Nutley, Hudson County, Union County, Mercer County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 947-4670 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 189 Franklin Avenue #1 Nutley, New Jersey, 07110.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
