Eugene, OR (February 7, 2025) – A serious accident on Wednesday afternoon left one person hospitalized after a car collided with the Gotcha Burger food truck near the intersection of 7th Ave and Chambers St.
Emergency responders from Eugene quickly arrived at the scene around 2 p.m., providing immediate medical care to the injured. Of the four employees working inside the food truck, one was transported to a nearby hospital with severe burn injuries caused by hot fryer oil. The extent of the victim’s injuries has not been disclosed, but they were reported as serious.
According to Trevon Huntley, the owner of Gotcha Burger, the incident occurred when a vehicle drove through the food truck’s drive-thru and crashed directly into the building. The impact caused extensive damage, leaving the interior in complete disarray and rendering the food truck inoperable. “The inside of the cart is destroyed. Our grill fell off. So right now, no, we’re not going to be open. We can’t. Everything’s off the ground, the whole cart has shifted. It’s bad,” Huntley told The Register-Guard.
The Eugene Police Department responded to the scene and reportedly deemed the incident an accident. No official police report has been filed at this time, and it remains unclear if any citations were issued. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing.
Huntley mentioned that Gotcha Burger might consider reopening with a smaller food truck shortly to maintain some business operations. However, repairs to the damaged truck could take weeks, leaving the family-owned business facing significant challenges. “This is what we do for our livelihood and for it to be taken away like that, it does hurt, but as a family, we just got to keep moving forward,” Huntley added.
Our thoughts are with the injured employee and the Gotcha Burger family during this difficult time. We hope for a swift recovery and a quick resolution to the situation.
Food Truck Accidents in Oregon
Accidents involving food trucks and other mobile businesses present unique dangers compared to traditional vehicle collisions. In Oregon, bustling intersections like 7th Ave and Chambers St in Eugene see frequent traffic, increasing the risk of such incidents. Food trucks, often stationed in high-traffic areas or near pedestrian zones, are particularly vulnerable due to their stationary nature and proximity to moving vehicles.
In this case, the severe damage to Gotcha Burger highlights the potential hazards faced by food truck employees and patrons. Burn injuries, like those suffered by the hospitalized employee, are common in such accidents due to the presence of hot cooking equipment and limited space for quick evacuation.
The cause of this specific crash remains under investigation, but accidents involving drive-thru areas or parking lots often stem from driver error, distracted driving, or mechanical failures. Even when incidents are deemed accidental, as suggested by the Eugene Police Department, the impact on small businesses and their employees can be devastating.
Business owners operating food trucks should ensure their locations are well-marked and that safety measures are in place to prevent such incidents. This includes using barriers or protective structures to shield the truck from errant vehicles and ensuring clear traffic flow around their service areas.
For those injured in food truck accidents, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial, especially when burn injuries are involved. Burn injuries can lead to long-term complications, including infections, scarring, and mobility issues. Victims should also consider consulting with professionals who can guide them through recovery and any potential legal or insurance claims related to the incident.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident like this, support is available. From medical resources to legal guidance, understanding your rights and options is an essential part of the recovery process.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to providing the information and resources you need during such difficult times. Whether you’re seeking updates on ongoing investigations, tips for accident prevention, or guidance on recovery, we’re here to help. Stay informed, stay safe, and know that support is just a click away.