DUBUQUE, Dubuque County, Iowa, Sept. 22, 2026 — A car crashed through the front window of a sandwich shop on Asbury Road during Monday afternoon, September 21, injuring one person inside, according to Dubuque police.
The crash happened at a Pickle Barrell Subs location, police said. A 56-year-old woman was reportedly trying to park in front of the restaurant when she hit the accelerator instead of the brake, sending her vehicle into the building.
One customer who was ordering food at the time was hurt, according to the report. That person was treated at the scene, then declined further medical care and was released.
The restaurant's Asbury Road location closed until further notice following the crash. Damage to the building is estimated at around $100,000, according to reporting on the incident. The vehicle had been removed from the building by the time news crews arrived at the scene.
Investigators continue reviewing the collision. We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
What Cuts Down on Cars Striking Pedestrians Indoors
Crashes where a vehicle jumps a curb or barrels through a storefront often start with a simple pedal mix-up, and small changes to how buildings and parking lots are designed can blunt the damage when that happens. Steel bollards planted along a storefront, raised curbs, and parking spaces angled away from entrances all give a car less of a direct path into a dining room or checkout counter. Many cities now require this kind of protection for new construction near heavy foot traffic.
Visibility matters too, though it plays out differently after dark. Low light makes it harder for a driver easing into a space to judge distance to a curb or a window, and it slows a pedestrian's ability to spot a car drifting the wrong way before it's too late to step clear. Parking lots and storefront approaches with better lighting give both driver and pedestrian more time to react.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. That figure spans everything from crosswalk collisions to cars crashing into buildings, and it's part of why engineers increasingly treat the space just outside a storefront door as part of the road safety picture, not separate from it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do immediately after being struck by a car, even indoors?
Call 911 right away, avoid moving unless there's immediate danger, and let paramedics evaluate any injury, even one that seems minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain from bruising or internal injury for hours.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally have the right of way over turning or approaching vehicles, though drivers and walkers both share responsibility for watching each other at intersections.
What can drivers do to avoid hitting someone on foot?
Slowing down in parking lots and near building entrances, double-checking pedal placement before accelerating, and keeping headlights and interior visibility in good repair all help a driver spot people on foot in time to stop.
What injuries are most common when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian?
Common injuries include fractures, head trauma, and soft-tissue injury from being struck or thrown. Severity depends heavily on vehicle speed and the point of impact.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Dubuque, IA
Anyone involved in or hurt by this kind of crash should get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor, since shock can delay pain. It helps to get the names of responding officers and ask how to obtain a copy of the police report once it's filed. Photos of the scene, if it's safe to take them, and contact information for any witnesses can matter later. Dubuque residents dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian crash can also check in with their insurance provider early to understand what's covered while the investigation continues.
