When a man crashed a sport-utility vehicle into a building in downtown Pittsburgh and then walked away without speaking to police or anyone else at the scene, authorities immediately suspected that the incident may be some part of a criminal plot. Police locked down three downtown blocks and a bomb squad inspected the vehicle for explosives.

When none were found, investigators located the driver of the SUV, who claimed that a medical condition had caused him to crash his car into the building. Regardless, the driver was charged with multiple criminal traffic violations in connection with the motor vehicle accident, including driving with a suspended license, careless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.

According to police reports, the incident began when the driver borrowed his girlfriend's SUV without her knowledge and despite the fact that his driver's license was suspended. When driving in downtown Pittsburgh, he was suddenly overcome by a fit of coughing. This caused his foot to hit the accelerator and his vehicle to drive directly through the front door of the building.

The driver reportedly talked briefly with a woman who approached the vehicle to check on him. He then walked away without talking to any law enforcement officials. Police soon connected the vehicle to the driver's girlfriend, who said that her SUV had been stolen and that she believed her boyfriend was involved somehow. The driver later turned himself in to police.

This story is one example of the many unavoidable causes of car crashes. Regardless of the reason, however, accidents often cause injury or property damage, so it is important to be aware of your rights if you are involved in a crash.

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "Cough fit blamed in Downtown bank crash," Michael Hasch, Feb. 9, 2012