What Happens if a Car Crashes Into Your House

While we typically only think of car crashes occurring while we are on the road or walking on the sidewalk, the reality is that the negligence of other drivers can impact you even in the comfort of your own home. It happens more often than people realize. 

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, approximately 16,000 people are injured every year in the United States when drivers careen into buildings, including storefronts, restaurants, and personal residences. If you are injured by a car while shopping at a store, the store owner and their insurance will navigate, holding the driver responsible. However, when it is at your home, you are on your own. 

Knowing what happens if a car crashes into your house can help make sure you receive the proper compensation for any damages or personal injuries you receive as a result. Contacting a car accident lawyer can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need during such a challenging time.

Why Do Cars Hit Houses?

These types of accidents might not be the most common, but they can be devastating. Typically, they occur for very similar reasons as road accidents. 

Some of the most common causes of cars crashing into houses include:

• Tired drivers
• Poor weather conditions
• Hazards on roadways
• Negligent driving (speeding, distracted, etc.)
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol 

There are several factors that make these types of accidents different. For example, people do not always see accidents happen (although they might feel the collision). Without a front-row view, it leaves them with many questions, such as “how to prove speeding in a car accident?” or “can you sue a drunk driver for hitting you?” 

These questions are best answered by a professional auto accident attorney. You will want to contact one shortly after the accident to know the next steps to take in order to be fully compensated for any damages. 

Who Pays for the Damage When a Car Hits a House?

Every accident is unique, and the circumstances of each, including in what state it occurs, dictate who covers the cost of damages. 

Some factors that may affect what happens if a car crashes into your house include:

• Determining who is liable. Was the accident caused by faulty equipment, someone driving under the influence, a missing stop sign, or something else entirely? Knowing the cause of the accident is the first step in figuring out liability and the next steps toward a settlement.

• New California Laws: 2023 Street Racing Bill is a prime example of a state law altering the legal landscape for specific types of accidents. Specifically, this impacts what charges or lawsuits can be brought against the person responsible.

• Insurance Coverage of Liable Party. Most often, the insurance policy of the driver responsible for the accident should cover any damages to your home up to a certain limit. If the repair costs or medical bills are beyond their limit, that is when things get tricky. You will want the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you navigate this part of the process.

What To Do After a Car Crashes Into Your House

There’s no definitive answer to the question, “how to prepare for an accident?” It is impossible to be 100% prepared for something like this to happen, but it is important to know the immediate next steps to take after an accident occurs. 

Here’s a general idea of what to do next after a car runs into your house:

1. Call 911 and seek any necessary medical attention. 
2. Assess the damage to your home, including taking pictures.
3. Get information from the driver including license number and insurance card. 
4. Take down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. 
5. Contact an attorney to handle the next steps. 

Knowing what happens if a car crashes into your house is the first step. From there, contact a professional personal injury and car accident attorney to keep your case moving forward. Look no further than Avrek Law, the Fresno auto accident lawyer. We have more than 50 years of combined experience resolving cases in favor of clients who were wrongfully injured. Avrek Law has recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for injury victims in more than 45,000 cases. Contact us for your free consultation to learn more!

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