Can You Get Compensation if a Vehicle Crashes Into a Storefront in North Port?
Bryan Greenberg
Accident Lawyers
Earlier today, a vehicle crashed through the front entrance of the GNC at Cocoplum Village Shops in North Port. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and crews are already working on repairs. But this type of accident can be extremely dangerous — in other cases across Florida, people have suffered serious injuries when cars plowed into stores and businesses. This post looks at what happens if you or a loved one are injured in a storefront crash, and what legal rights you may have.What Kinds of Injuries Happen When a Car Crashes Into a Store?
When a car crashes into a business, customers and employees inside often have little to no warning. These accidents can cause life-altering injuries, such as:
• Broken bones and fractures
• Head trauma and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Crush injuries from falling debris or collapsing structures
Even injuries that appear minor at first may worsen over time. Seeking immediate medical care is critical for both your health and your potential legal claim.
Who Can Be Held Responsible When a Car Plows Into a Business?
Determining liability in a storefront crash can be complicated. Several parties may share responsibility:
• The driver: Distracted, impaired, or reckless drivers can be held liable for damages.
• The property owner: Businesses and landlords may be responsible if there were no protective barriers or if the property design was unsafe.
• Insurance companies: Multiple insurers may be involved — the driver’s auto policy, the business’s premises liability coverage, and sometimes workers’ comp if employees are injured.
Attorney Corbin Sutter explains:
“In these cases, it’s rarely just one insurance company involved. You often have multiple insurers pointing fingers at each other. That’s where having an experienced attorney makes all the difference.”
What Happens If Employees Are Injured When a Car Crashes Into Their Workplace?
Employees working inside a store are usually covered by Florida’s workers’ compensation system. If a car crashes into the building and they are injured, workers’ comp benefits may provide medical care and wage replacement.
Attorney Brian Sutter, who has been board-certified in workers’ compensation law since 1990, notes:
“Workers’ comp exists to protect employees in situations just like this. Even when an accident comes from outside the workplace — like a vehicle crashing into a store — injured employees are still entitled to benefits. The challenge is that employers and insurance companies may try to delay or minimize those claims, which is why board-certified representation makes a real difference.”
Attorney Bryan Greenberg, also board-certified in workers’ compensation, has helped many employees in Southwest Florida recover benefits after unexpected workplace injuries caused by outside factors like vehicle crashes.
If You’re a Customer or Bystander Injured in a Storefront Crash, Do You Have a Case?
Customers and visitors injured in a storefront crash are not covered by workers’ comp. Instead, they may pursue a personal injury claim. These cases often involve multiple insurance claims, including:
• The at-fault driver’s auto insurance
• The business’s premises liability coverage
• In some cases, additional coverage carried by the property owner
Our attorneys investigate every angle to make sure victims receive full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Tight Parking and Busy Traffic Make Cocoplum a Hotspot for Accidents
Cocoplum Village Shops is one of North Port’s busiest shopping areas, located at the intersection of US-41 and Sumter Boulevard. The center draws constant traffic, but the parking is notoriously tight — often more cars than spaces. The parking lot can feel chaotic, with drivers circling for a spot, backing out into oncoming traffic, or pedestrians weaving between cars to get to stores.
This congestion increases the risk of fender benders, pedestrian accidents, and in rare cases, storefront crashes like the one at GNC. Ongoing road construction nearby, including the widening of Price Boulevard, also adds to traffic pressure in the area. Unfortunately, crashes like the one at Cocoplum have happened elsewhere in Florida — and not every case ends without injuries.
Could Shopping Centers Do More to Stop Cars From Crashing Into Stores?
Some shopping centers install protective barriers, known as “bollards,” to stop cars from hitting storefronts. Others do not, leaving pedestrians and customers more vulnerable. Advocates have called for safer retail design in high-traffic areas like North Port, Venice, and Port Charlotte. Until these changes are widespread, legal claims may also examine whether a property owner failed to take reasonable safety precautions.
No One Was Hurt at Cocoplum This Time — But Here’s What to Do If You Ever Are
Today’s crash at Cocoplum ended without injuries, but not every incident has the same outcome. At All Injuries Law Firm, we have helped local families recover after unexpected accidents for more than 35 years. Whether it’s a driver’s negligence, a property owner’s failure to protect customers, or a complex battle between insurance companies, our attorneys know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
As Attorney Jenna Kakley puts it:
“Storefront crashes are shocking because no one expects a car to come through the front door of a business. When people are injured, they need someone who will hold all responsible parties accountable and make sure their recovery is protected.”
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a storefront crash in North Port, Port Charlotte, Venice, Englewood, or Punta Gorda, call us today at (941) 625-4878 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.
References & Resources
• Florida Statutes – Laws guiding liability and injury compensation in Florida
• Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles – Crash reports and driver safety information
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Studies and statistics on vehicle crashes
• All Injuries Law Firm Case Results – Examples of verdicts and settlements we’ve secured for clients