A doughnut shop customer was critically injured when a car crashed into the business Tuesday morning. According to Capt. Marc Stone of the Orange County Fire Authority, the crash was reported at 9:50 a.m. near the intersection of Western and Katella avenues.

Lori Wertz, 53, was turning into the parking lot of the business and continued to drive into the shop, said Lt. Roland Chacon of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Why Wertz, a New Mexico resident, was unable to stop was not immediately known, he said.

A customer inside the shop suffered a large cut to his right forearm, he said.

He was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange to be treated, Stone said.

The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The driver was shaken, but not injured in the crash, said Lt. Roland Chacon of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Cause of the Orange County Crash

How the crash occurred is still under investigation, but authorities said a driver crashed her vehicle through the business, sending glass from the window toward a customer in the shop. Deputies are investigating the crash.

Pedal Misapplication Accidents

Accidents caused by “pedal misapplication” frequently result in serious injury or death.  Pedal misapplication can occur from loss of sensation, prescription medication, dementia and other aging-related conditions.

If news accounts of this incident are accurate, the driver is likely responsible for the incident. While this devastating Stanton accident remains under investigation, the family of the man who was seriously injured would be well-advised to speak with an understanding and knowledgeable Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer. An attorney such as Gary A. Kessler who has successfully handed pedal misapplication accidents can advise the victim’s family of their legal rights to hold the driver accountable and best course of action should they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.