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FAIRFAX, VA (April 10, 2025) – An 86-year-old man drove his car into the dining room of Ariake in Fairfax, on Friday, April 4. The incident occurred around noon when about 15 customers were inside Ariake at the time of the accident.
The man was attempting to park in a handicap space when he hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, going through the wall. The acceleration sent the car over a parking block and curb. The brick wall that he went through had a large window, which fell into the restaurant.
Nobody was seated at the table against the section of wall. Debris fell on the back of someone’s chair. They were taken to the hospital for an assessment and released. There were no other injured parties reported.
The driver and his wife in the passenger seat were both unharmed. He backed the car out of the restaurant. Firefighters reported to the scene and assessed the wall, noting no structural damage.
When vehicles crash into buildings, multiple parties may be liable, and several types of legal claims can emerge:
Against the Driver: The most obvious legal action would be against the driver, who may face personal injury lawsuits from injured parties. These claims typically allege negligence, which requires proving the driver failed to exercise reasonable care.
Insurance Claims: Victims may file claims against the driver’s auto insurance policy, though coverage limits may be insufficient for multiple injuries and property damage.
Premises Liability: Questions about the restaurant’s safety measures might arise. Was the building adequately protected from traffic? Were there barriers that could have prevented or mitigated the crash?
Product Liability: In some cases, vehicle malfunctions contribute to crashes. If mechanical failure played a role, the manufacturer could potentially face legal action.
Those affected by this incident face several hurdles in seeking compensation:
As investigations continue, both the restaurant owners and injured parties would be well-advised to consult with attorneys experienced in both personal injury and commercial property damage. Virginia’s comparative negligence laws will likely influence how liability is ultimately determined and how compensation is awarded.
For businesses located near busy roadways, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of adequate insurance coverage and possibly installing protective barriers where feasible.
If you were involved in a traumatic accident in Northern Virginia, the Fairfax accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long Law can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Mississippi. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Giddens Law as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.
Disclaimer: All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.
