According to reports, an early-morning crash at a shopping plaza on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale left a local business with significant storefront damage after a vehicle slammed into the front of the building. Emergency crews responded to assess injuries, and police began investigating what caused the car to veer off the roadway and collide directly with the business entrance. Incidents like this have become increasingly common across South Florida, where high-traffic commercial areas often sit just a few feet from busy streets. For business owners, the aftermath of a storefront crash can be overwhelming, raising questions about repairs, lost income, and who is legally responsible for the damage.
Storefront crashes can destroy windows, damage structural supports, disrupt operations, and even injure employees or customers. Many businesses face weeks of closures while repairs are completed. Understanding how liability works in these situations is essential for owners hoping to recover losses and reopen quickly.
Why Storefront Crashes Happen
Storefront crashes occur for a variety of reasons, and many are preventable. Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes, as drivers who glance at their phones or navigation screens may fail to react in time. Speeding, impairment, medical episodes, teen inexperience, and sudden mechanical failures can also cause a driver to lose control. In high-density areas like Fort Lauderdale, where roads run directly alongside plazas and sidewalk spaces are tight, a small mistake can result in a major collision.
In some cases, parking lot design contributes to the risk. Angle parking, lack of physical barriers, and narrow spaces may make it easier for a driver to accelerate too quickly or mistake the gas for the brake. Regardless of the cause, these incidents often lead to extensive property damage and costly business interruptions.
Who Is Responsible When a Driver Hits a Storefront?
Liability in a storefront crash typically begins with the driver. If they acted negligently—whether by speeding, failing to maintain their vehicle, or driving distracted—they can be held responsible for the damage they caused. Their auto insurance may cover some of the losses, but property damage limits are often far lower than the actual repair costs. When structural damage is extensive, insurance policies may not fully compensate the business or property owner.
However, the driver is not always the only potentially responsible party. If the vehicle malfunctioned due to a defective component, product liability laws may apply. If the property lacked reasonable safety features, such as bollards or protective barriers, questions could arise about whether the property owner took adequate precautions. Every case depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the crash.
How Property Owners Can Protect Their Rights
After a storefront crash, it is crucial for business and property owners to document the scene as soon as it is safe. Photos of the damage, skid marks, vehicle position, and debris patterns can be valuable. Owners should obtain the police report, witness statements, and any surveillance footage capturing the collision.
Property owners should also notify their insurance company immediately. Commercial property policies may cover structural damage, while business interruption coverage can help compensate for lost revenue during repairs. Still, insurance companies often dispute the extent of damage or the cost of necessary reconstruction. Having legal representation can help ensure the claim is handled fairly.
When Business Owners Can Recover for Lost Income
When a storefront crash forces a business to close temporarily, the financial impact can be severe. Restaurants, retail stores, salons, and small boutiques rely on daily operations for income, and even a short closure can result in significant losses. Business interruption insurance can help, but not all policies cover these events automatically.
Even when coverage applies, insurers may undervalue the actual economic impact. Business owners may be entitled to recover lost income directly from the at-fault driver or other responsible parties. This may include projected earnings, cancellation losses, or additional costs incurred during relocation or cleanup efforts.
Injuries Inside the Store
Storefront crashes don’t just damage property—they can also injure employees and customers. Flying debris, shattered glass, and collapsing structures pose serious risks. Injury claims may be filed against the negligent driver for medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
If a tenant’s store is unsafe due to property owner negligence—such as unstable walls or inadequate safety protections—the landlord may share liability. Each situation requires detailed investigation to determine the cause of the harm and who had the legal duty to prevent it.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Property damage and business loss claims can quickly become complicated, especially when multiple insurance policies are involved. Drivers may have insufficient coverage, insurers may dispute estimates, and building code requirements can increase repair costs dramatically. An experienced attorney can review contracts, evaluate insurance coverage, negotiate with carriers, and determine whether additional parties bear responsibility.
Legal guidance ensures that business owners and property owners pursue all available compensation, including repair costs, structural assessments, lost income, relocation expenses, and injury damages. Without legal support, victims may receive far less than what is needed to restore their property or continue operating.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
Storefront crashes are disruptive, costly, and dangerous. When drivers fail to act responsibly, they must be held accountable for the damage they cause. Legal action can help business owners recover financial losses, rebuild their storefronts, and protect their livelihoods. It also reinforces the importance of safe driving practices and encourages community awareness around high-risk commercial areas.
Contact Us Today
If your business or property was damaged in a storefront collision, or if you were injured during such an incident, the attorneys at BRILL & RINALDI, The Law Firm are here to help. We will investigate the cause, preserve critical evidence, and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a consultation today by calling (954) 876-4344 or filling out the online form. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.