California Injury Blog
An SUV crashed through a wall and into the classroom of a daycare facility in the Saugus area of Santa Clarita sending three children to the hospital even though no major injuries were reported. According to a KABC news report, paramedics responded to the crash reported at La Petite Academy located in the 28000th block of Seco Canyon Road the afternoon of Feb. 22. A statement from the academy said that a school family member’s vehicle struck the building and drove into the classroom. Three children and a staff member were in the classroom and they were taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Ongoing Investigation
One of the parents said she was called and told that the car went through a wall and that a bookcase fell on her daughter. That girl and another toddler had been trapped under a bookcase. A third child suffered a cut on his forehead. All three were airlifted to a hospital and checked out as a precaution. All children are at home recovering, according to the report. The driver of the vehicle was cited for not having a license.
The school was evacuated and temporarily closed. Officials are still investigating the cause of the accident. Witnesses said the driver might have stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake. La Petite Academy is a national chain that offers daycare, pre-school as well as kindergarten.
We are truly relieved to note that the children are recovering and that there were no life-threatening injuries. We wish all the injured victims the very best for a quick and full recovery.
Liability Issues
Based on this news report, it appears that the driver of the SUV did not have a valid license and may have stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brakes. In such situations, it is important to ask a number of questions. Why did the driver not have a valid license? Why did the driver mistake the gas pedal for the brake? Was advanced age a factor? Was the driver under the influence, distracted or careless at the time of the collision?
In such cases, typically, the at-fault driver can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. In this case, it is also important to look into whether the childcare center has sufficient safeguards such as bollards or barriers to prevent this type of incident from occurring. Injured victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and help protect their legal rights and options.
Source: https://abc7.com/children-hurt-crash-santa-clarita-preschool/10362815/