Building Car Crash
A Car Crashed into My House! What Do I Do?
While not as common as other types of car accidents, vehicles crashing into buildings does happen; and because of the unusual circumstances, it can be difficult to know what to do. Vehicles colliding with buildings can also cause a great deal of destruction, sometimes thousands of dollars’ worth, often leaving homeowners wondering where they can turn for compensation.
Accident Causes
Fortunately, most homeowners will never experience a car crashing into their home, simply because it’s such an uncommon occurrence. However, it does happen and when it does, there are some common causes for it.
Determining Liability
Before you can begin to seek compensation for any damages, you need to know who’s liable – or at fault – for the collision. In most cases, fault will lie with the person driving the car. Of course, if you’re driving a car and drive it into your own garage or home, it’s also likely that you might be at fault. But that doesn’t mean that you’re automatically ineligible for some type of compensation.
Insurance
If someone hits your house with their car, their insurance company will have to pay for the damages. However, insurance companies are only legally required to pay up to a policy’s limits. So if the damage to your home comes to a total of $50,000, but the insurance policy limit is $25,000, there will still be $25,000 short. In such a case, you can either turn to your own homeowner’s insurance policy, or you can sue the guilty party privately.
But what if the individual that hit your home doesn’t have any insurance? Of course you can file a lawsuit against them, but since people who can’t afford insurance often don’t have a lot of assets, you don’t stand to gain much by suing. Whether you have to take an individual to court or deal with their insurance company, it’s important that you speak to an experienced car accident attorney. The Husband & Wife Law Team has been successfully representing Arizona clients since 1996. Call for a free consultation so that we can discuss your best legal options.
If you have hit your garage or your house with your car, your auto insurance policy might cover damages to your vehicle, as well as cover any damage to the property. You likely would have to get both policies involved depending on the amount of damage sustained.
What To Do if a Car Crashes Into Your Home
Again, it’s not every day that a car crashes into a house in Phoenix, so if it does happen, it can be hard to know what to do. The first and most important step is to seek medical attention for any injuries that may have been sustained. Then you need to collect as much evidence about the crash and its aftermath as possible.
Take photos of any and all property damage
File and/or get a copy of the police report
Keep records of any emotional distress
Maintain medical records for any injuries sustained
Obtain (and keep) quotes for repairing property damage
Discuss Your Legal Rights and Options With a Accident Attorney
A car crashing into your home can completely turn a family’s life upside down. Victims may have to receive ongoing medical treatment and care for their injuries. The shock of the traumatic event could create anxiety and other emotional distress. You might have to relocate while your home is being repaired, and the insurance companies might try to get out of paying what you’re asking for in compensation. It’s undoubtedly a tough time, and it’s one that you shouldn’t have to go through alone. Call The Husband & Wife Law Team for a free consultation and review of your case. We’re here to help you through this difficult time.