BMW SUV Plummets Two Stories, Lands Upside Down on Another Car in Beverly Center Parking Garage
A white BMW SUV fell two stories from the Beverly Connection parking garage on February 20, landing upside down on another car. The BMW’s driver was transported to Cedars-Sinai hospital, where his injuries were reported as non-life-threatening. The driver of the other car, a silver Nissan, was shaken but unhurt. Two dogs with her in the Nissan were also uninjured.
Neither driver was identified. The Beverley Connection is across from the Beverly Center at 100 N La Cienega Blvd. The crash occurred at 1:20 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
One witness was quoted as saying “I saw it! It was like the movies — a car flying through the air.” Fire department officials said a witness called in to report the accident.
Cause of Accident Unclear
The cause of the accident was unclear. Los Angeles Police Department officials pointed out that the parking garage has concrete barriers and restraining cables to keep cars from driving over the edge. But the height of the barriers and strength of the cables was obviously insufficient to keep the car from driving over the edge of the parking structure.
Observers speculated that the driver may have accidentally hit the accelerator rather than the brakes or may have experienced a medical episode that caused him to drive forward despite the barriers.
The restraining cables were hung with yellow caution tape and appeared to be stretched and droop. The affected section of the structure was closed, but other sections remained open.
Several parking garage users noted that the ability of the barriers and cables to maintain safety was at issue and concerned them.
Management of the parking structure had no immediate comment to reporters.
Liability in a Car Accident
The parties responsible for an accident can be liable for injuries if their responsibility stems from negligence. Negligence is the failure to exercise a reasonable standard of care or a duty of care owed to the public.
For car drivers, driving safely and obeying the law constitutes a duty of care. For parking structure owners, ensuring safe premises constitutes a duty of care.
Ascertaining negligence always requires evidence about what caused an accident, and in this case, the causes are not known.
How a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been in a Los Angeles area car accident, we can help you fight for justice. We work with experienced investigators to determine the cause of an accident and fight to see that you receive the highest damages award possible.
Please call today at 310-300-7777 to discuss your case with a seasoned Los Angeles car accident attorney at Ellis Law Corporation. Our initial consultation is always free.
Additional Resources:
- Car Falls Three Stories from Parking Garage near Beverly Center, 2 Injured. MyNewsLA.com. February 20, 2020. https://mynewsla.com/crime/2020/02/20/car-falls-three-stories-from-parking-garage-near-beverly-center-2-injured/.
- Navarro, Heather and Patrick Healy. Car Plummets, Lands on Roof in Beverly Grove Parking Garage. NBC Los Angeles. February 20, 2020. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/car-plummets-lands-on-roof-in-beverly-grove-parking-garage/2313081/