Many people in Nevada love the fast-food drive-thru. It’s a quick and easy way to get food without getting out of the car. This is especially nice on cold days in Reno, Sparks, Elko, and Carson City. (And in Las Vegas, you don’t have to suffer the heat when you go from the parking lot to the restaurant). For parents with kids, it’s also a handy way to feed them without dealing with car seats. But is this convenience worth the risk of getting hurt or killed in a crash?

Why Drive-Thrus Can Be Risky?

You might think that nothing bad can happen at a fast-food drive-thru. After all, the cars are moving at a snail’s pace. It’s not a big deal even if you bump into another car. Right? Well, not exactly. Sometimes, being in a drive-thru can make you forget about driving safely. You might do things that take your eyes or mind off the road. And that can lead to accidents with other cars or people walking by.

Some common causes of car crashes at Drive-Thrus and parking lots  are:

• Drive-Thru Dangers: Waiting for your order in the drive-thru can make you lose focus on the road. You might check your phone, change the music, or eat a snack. These distractions can cause you to crash into another car. 
• Bumper to Bumper: Driving too close to the car in front of you in the drive-thru is risky. If they stop suddenly, you might hit them. Keep a safe distance and pay attention to their brake lights. 
• Speeding at Parking Lot: Some drivers speed up in the parking lot to get a spot. This can make them hit other cars or pedestrians. Slow down and look around before you park. 
• Aggressive driving: Some drivers get angry or impatient in the parking lot. They might cut off other drivers, honk, or curse. This can lead to fights or accidents. Stay calm and respectful when you drive. 
• Failure to Yield: Accidents can happen when drivers don’t follow the rules of the road. You should yield to other drivers and pedestrians when they have the right of way. Don’t block the entrance or exit of the parking lot or the drive-thru. 
• Texting while driving: Texting is the worst thing you can do while driving. It can make you look away from the road for up to five seconds. That’s enough time to miss a red light, a stop sign, or a person crossing the street. It can also cause a deadly crash. Nevada lawmakers have tried to ban texting while driving, but they haven’t succeeded yet.

How to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents in Drive-Thrus and Parking Lots?

When you go to a restaurant, you may have to walk near the drive-thru line or the parking lot. This can be dangerous if you or the drivers are not careful. Pedestrian accidents can happen because of things like:

• Fast Drivers: Cars that drive too fast in the parking lot can hit pedestrians.
• Distracted Drivers: Drivers that look at their phones, music, or food may not see pedestrians.
• Ignoring the Rules: Accidents can happen when drivers don’t let pedestrians go first.
• Distracted Pedestrians: Pedestrians that use their phones, headphones, or other devices may not notice cars.

To prevent pedestrian accidents, you should follow these tips:

• Look both ways before you cross the parking lot or the drive-thru line.
• Use crosswalks, sidewalks, or marked paths if available.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking.
• Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions.

An Example of a Tragic Accident at In-N-Out Las Vegas, Nevada.

Most people think drive-thrus are safe places to drive. Cars move very slowly and stop often. You don’t hear much about people dying or getting hurt at drive-thrus or fast-food places. But sometimes, bad things can happen.

That happened to a Las Vegas man at an In-N-Out Burger in Utah. He was eating his burger, fries, and shake when a car crashed into the restaurant. The car hit many people who were eating inside. Four of them went to the hospital by ambulance. One of them died later. His name was Antonio Mendoza from Las Vegas. The police don’t know why the car crashed or who was driving it. They are still looking into it.

Types of Fast-Food Drive Thru Accident

You may think that drive-thru lanes are safe places to get your food. But sometimes, they can be the scene of car accidents. Here are some of the most common ways that car accidents can happen in drive-thru lanes:

• Hitting the Car in Front of You: This is the most likely accident in a drive-thru lane. It can happen when you are not paying attention and hit the gas pedal too hard. You may end up crashing into the car in front of you. This can damage both cars and hurt the people inside.
• Clipping the Car Next to You: This can happen when you leave the drive-thru lane and don’t see a car coming from the side. You may collide with the other car, especially if you are turning left. This can scratch or dent the side of your car and the other car.
• Backing Up into the Car Behind You: This can happen when you change your mind and want to leave the drive-thru lane. You may try to back up but not notice the car behind you. You may hit the other car with your rear bumper. This can cause damage to both cars and make the other driver angry.
• Running Over a Pedestrian: This is the most dangerous accident in a drive-thru lane. It can happen when you are not looking and don’t see someone walking in front of your car. You may hit the person with your car and cause serious injuries or even death. This can be very traumatic for both you and the person you hit.

Contact Our Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Nevada.

A drive-thru accident can be devastating. You or your loved one may have lost your health, income, or life because of someone else’s carelessness. You deserve justice and compensation for your pain and suffering. But you don’t have to face this alone. At Moss Berg Injury Lawyers, we are here to help you. We have the skills and knowledge to fight for your rights and get you the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.