Most residents of North Carolina regard fast food restaurants as a bit of a haven from the noise and bustle of the daily environment. These restaurants are certainly not regarded as prone to automobile accidents. Unhappily, two brothers from Wilson, NC, died while they were having breakfast at a Hardee’s Restaurant in Wilson.
The accident
According to police reports, the two brothers were seated in the restaurant at about 9:45 a.m. when a Lincoln Navigator crashed through the windows that faced the parking lot. The vehicle came to rest inside the restaurant. One of the brothers died at the scene. The other brother was taken to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A third customer was examined by emergency medical personal but was not hospitalized.
The exact cause of the accident is unknown. Police appear to have ruled out medical and alcohol impairment. No criminal charges have been filed. Police will undoubtedly continue their investigation until they establish the likely cause of the mishap.
Evaluation
The most likely explanation is negligence on the part of the driver of the SUV. He is 78 years old, and he could have easily been distracted. Most Hardee’s franchise restaurants are located in shopping malls, and the driver could have been distracted by another vehicle or a pedestrian. Further investigation may also identify a third party whose actions contributed to the accident.
Sound legal counsel
Anyone who has lost a loved one or suffered an injury under similar circumstances may wish to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for an analysis of the evidence and an opinion on the likelihood of recovering damages for medical and funeral expenses, lost financial support, compensation for pain and suffering experienced by the decedent, and the loss of the companionship and society of the decedent.