A mechanical malfunction caused a 70-year-old woman's SUV to accelerate unintentionally into a Starbucks location in Lebanon, Indiana, on Monday afternoon, July 29, 2024, resulting in one employee injury. The incident occurred just after 2:10 p.m. at the Starbucks Coffee located at 1377 S. Lebanon Street, which is also State Road 39. The grey SUV crashed through the storefront near the Order Pick-Up section, causing significant property damage to the building's windows and facade. Emergency responders from the Lebanon Fire Department, Lebanon Police Department, Boone County Sheriff's Office, and Boone County EMS quickly arrived on scene. One person inside the coffee shop received injuries not believed to be life-threatening, but was taken to a hospital. An anonymous employee at the Starbucks location confirmed that the person injured was an employee. The driver of the vehicle was not injured and showed no signs of impairment. Lebanon Fire Captain Matt Young noted the incident could have been much worse, stating the location is typically very busy with long lines but was fortunately less crowded at the time of the crash. The Starbucks location will reportedly be under an "extended closure" for an unknown duration while repairs are completed.

Location and Infrastructure Context

The accident occurred at 1377 S. Lebanon Street, which is also State Road 39, in an area with businesses just north of the I-65 interchange. This location places the Starbucks in a high-traffic commercial corridor that serves as a major thoroughfare connecting Interstate 65 to downtown Lebanon. State Road 39 is a primary north-south route through Boone County, carrying significant commuter and commercial traffic daily. The area features multiple retail establishments, restaurants, and service businesses that attract considerable pedestrian and vehicular activity throughout the day. The proximity to the I-65 interchange makes this a particularly busy location for travelers and local residents alike. This is the same Starbucks that was heavily damaged during a tornado outbreak over 10 years ago. On November 17, 2013, an EF-2 tornado hit the Lebanon area and damaged the Starbucks location. The commercial district's design typically includes wide parking areas and storefronts positioned close to parking spaces, which can present challenges when mechanical failures or driver errors occur.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, this incident involves several important legal considerations for both the injured employee and the business owner. Indiana requires all drivers to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury to one individual, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more individuals in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage in one accident. Since the driver experienced a mechanical failure rather than negligent operation, liability determinations may involve examination of vehicle maintenance records and mechanical evidence. When you injure someone in a car crash you caused, bodily injury coverage pays for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. The injured employee may be entitled to compensation through the driver's insurance policy for medical expenses, lost wages during recovery, and pain and suffering. In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a diminished value claim is 6 years, providing ample time for legal action if necessary. Additionally, workers' compensation benefits may apply to the injured employee, and the business may have commercial property insurance to cover structural damage. Vehicle-into-building incidents can involve complex insurance claims involving multiple policies and coverage types, making legal consultation advisable for optimal recovery.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Lebanon Fire Department: (765) 482-8340
• Lebanon Police Department: (765) 482-8338
• Boone County Sheriff's Office: (765) 482-1412
• Boone County EMS: (765) 482-1412

Traffic Safety and Legal Resources:

• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: (888) 692-6841
• Indiana Department of Transportation Traffic Safety: (317) 234-3439
• Indiana State Police Crash Records: (317) 232-8248
• Boone County Prosecutor's Office: (765) 482-0830

Support Services:

• Boone County Health Department: (765) 482-3942
• Legal Aid of Indiana (for low-income individuals): (855) 457-4342
• Indiana Crime Victims Compensation Program: (317) 232-7103
• Withers Accident & Injury Law (Local Personal Injury): (765) 482-7274

Legal Information:

• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-9-motor-vehicles/
• Indiana Auto Insurance Laws: https://www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/suspension-and-reinstatement/proof-of-financial-responsibility/
• Indiana Department of Insurance Consumer Services: https://www.in.gov/idoi/consumer-services/