At least ten people were injured when a car crashed into diners sitting outside at a café on a Saturday afternoon. A Toyota carrying three passengers crashed into Lemoni Café’s outside seating area, hitting several tables with diners and smashing into a light pole.
A waitress working at the restaurant reported that the driver operated the car at a “fast speed” and careened about 10 feet onto the sidewalk. Fortunately, no one died from the accident, but at least 10 were injured, including two pregnant women and an elderly woman who may have broken her foot.
Residents of Buena Vista East and patrons of the popular Miami café apparently saw this type of accident coming. Street construction in the area has been going on for several weeks and residents have complained of unsafe conditions, including unfinished utilities construction, potholes, broken sidewalks, and poor lighting. One resident even refused to sit outside at the café because of the danger that the area poses. The resident stated, “I hate to say it, but I saw this coming.”
Police are investigating the accident and believe that the driver was not wearing his glasses, which may have caused the driver to lose control of the car. The police also believe that speed may have been a factor in the accident.
Florida Car Accidents and Insurance
Car accidents are usually caused by negligent drivers. Driving negligently means that the driver failed to operate the car as a reasonable, prudent person would have operated the car in the same or similar situation. Examples of negligently operating a car include: failing to stop at a light or stop sign, speeding, or failing to keep a safe lookout for other people and drivers.
Under Florida law, drivers are required to obtain minimum insurance coverage of at least $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) and at least $10,000 property damage liability (PDL). For this reason, if you are involved in car accident, you will most likely have to deal with an insurance company to investigate a claim and recover compensation. Before you speak with an insurance company adjuster or investigator, it is recommended that you contact a car accident attorney who can advise you of your rights.
Contact a Miami Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car or other motor vehicle accident, a Miami auto accident lawyer can help you. The Perez-Gurri Law Firm will handle all aspects of your case to ensure that you obtain fair and adequate compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses and pain and suffering. Contact our firm today for a free case consultation. Our office is located in Coral Gables, Florida.