A 71-year-old Holmdel woman crashed her car through the front of Cluck-U Chicken on March 3. A patron standing inside the Red Bank restaurant was struck by the vehicle. According to police and the owner of the business, the car came barreling into the restaurant just before noon. The vehicle smashed through seats and hit a granite counter located in the center of the establishment. A 37-year-old man standing at the counter was hit by the car and became trapped beneath the counter after the collision. Restaurant employees lifted the counter off of him.

The man, a resident of West Babylon, New York, suffered a minor injury to his leg. An employee, a Middletown resident, suffered a minor injury to his hand. Both men refused treatment.

The owner of the restaurant said this is the third time his business has been struck by a car in 16 years. Authorities said the building was sound, but significant repairs need to be made. In addition to damage to the front and dining area of the business, electrical equipment, refrigerators and computers were lost. Red Bank fire officials and the building’s landlord are reportedly making plans to install crash-prevention devices in front of the restaurant. No charges have yet been filed against the driver.

Even when motor vehicle accident injuries at first seem minor, complications can arise at a later date. Infections, lingering pain and even psychological trauma can occur well after the initial event. Anyone who is injured in a car accident caused by another party may wish to speak to a lawyer to determine the remedies that may be available. In some instances, a lawsuit to recover medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages is a proper course of action.

Source: NJ.com, “2 injured after car crashes through Red Bank eatery, police say,” Rob Spahr, March 3, 2015