Available 
JACKSONVILLE, Duval County, Fla., Oct. 14, 2026 — A car crashed through the front of a hair salon on Town Center Parkway in Jacksonville on Sunday, October 11, striking a couple standing near the checkout counter, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, which is investigating the crash.
The vehicle tore through the wall of Zinke Hair Studio and hit Aubrey Simpson-Gotham and her husband, Stephan Simpson, who said they had only seconds to react after hearing a loud crash outside. Security camera footage reportedly captured the car barreling into the shop toward the two of them.
Simpson-Gotham suffered head lacerations that required four stitches and was also treated at a hospital for anxiety following the crash. Simpson told reporters his ribs were still hurting afterward. Both are expected to recover.
The impact caused extensive damage to the salon's interior and storefront. The business remained closed Monday, October 12, while the owner worked to assess the damage and figure out when it could reopen.
Authorities continue reviewing the collision. We wish the injured a complete recovery.
A Common Misconception About Storefront Crashes
Many people assume a car crashing into a building is a freak, almost impossible accident, something that happens only because of extreme speed or a dramatic chase. In reality, most storefront crashes involve ordinary driving situations: a parking lot, a driveway, or a car stopped near a building entrance. A pedal error, a rolling vehicle, or a brief lapse in attention is often enough.
These crashes aren't rare, either. They happen often enough that they fall under the much larger pool of everyday traffic incidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 6,138,359 police-reported traffic crashes occurred in 2023. Storefront and pedestrian-area crashes like the one in Jacksonville are a small slice of that total, but they show how little separates a parking lot from a place where people are standing still, working, or shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Check for injuries, call 911, and move to safety if possible. Avoid moving anyone who may have a neck or back injury, and wait for first responders to assess the scene.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur in parking lots, intersections, and other low-speed areas close to businesses, not just on highways or open roads.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Staying alert near pedestrians and storefronts, confirming the vehicle is in the correct gear before accelerating, and keeping a slow, controlled speed in parking areas all help prevent these kinds of crashes.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Cuts, bruises, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries like rib or back pain are common, along with head injuries in more severe impacts.
What to Do After a Car Crash in Jacksonville, FL
If you're inside a business when a vehicle crashes into the building, move away from the point of impact if you're able and check yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since injuries like rib pain or head trauma can take time to fully show up.
Report the incident to local police so there's an official record, and if you're a customer or employee affected by the damage, keep notes on what happened while the details are fresh. Business owners should document the damage with photos before cleanup or repairs begin, and consider having a structural inspection to confirm it's safe to reopen.
