San Antonio, TX — October 4, 2024, Sharon Sutton was injured in a car accident at about 4:15 p.m. in a parking garage in the 200 block of North St. Mary’s Street.
A preliminary accident report indicates a 2018 Toyota Camry hit a pole and crashed into a wall in the parking garage.
Driver Sharon Sutton, 72, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to the report.
Witnesses said Sharon Sutton claimed the brake or gas pedal got stuck while she was trying to descend from an upper level of the parking garage, the report states.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Bexar County crash.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the injured driver is able to recover fully and that investigators are working to understand exactly what happened. Crashes that occur in confined spaces like parking garages can be uniquely dangerous and often more complicated than they first appear, especially when a vehicle strikes multiple fixed objects and the driver reports possible mechanical issues. To fully understand what happened in the North St. Mary’s Street parking garage, we need to ask three critical questions.
First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Parking garage collisions may seem less urgent than highway crashes, but they can still result in serious injuries and should be investigated with the same level of care. Did officers examine whether the driver was attempting to navigate a tight turn, descend a ramp or avoid another vehicle at the time of the crash? Were skid marks or impact angles documented to determine whether the driver lost control due to speed, obstruction or another factor? In a multi-level parking structure, visibility, ramp grade and signage all matter. Thorough scene documentation is essential.
Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? The driver reportedly claimed that the brake or gas pedal got stuck. That claim warrants immediate mechanical inspection of the 2018 Toyota Camry. Was there a failure in the accelerator system, brake pedal or the electronic throttle control? Was the floor mat improperly installed, potentially jamming a pedal? Toyota has had past issues related to unintended acceleration and pedal interference, so any such claim must be taken seriously. Unless the vehicle is preserved and examined promptly, critical mechanical evidence could be lost.
Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? The Camry’s engine control module may store pre-crash data, including vehicle speed, brake input, throttle position and gear selection. This information could confirm or refute claims of stuck pedals or unintended acceleration. In a low-speed crash like this, that data may be one of the few objective records available. Surveillance footage from the garage may also provide valuable context about the vehicle’s behavior leading up to the collision. As always, time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving and preserving this evidence.
Crashes like this demand more than a quick conclusion based on driver statements alone. A serious injury occurred, and if mechanical failure played a role, it’s critical that those details be identified, not just to explain what happened, but to prevent similar incidents in the future. By asking the right questions, securing the vehicle and examining all available evidence, we can provide the clarity and accountability that the situation calls for.
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