What To Do If a Car Hits Your House
Author: Auger Law | February 3rd, 2017
It’s a rare type of car accident but it does happen and, when it does, it is certain to make the news: A car comes off the road and hits a house. It is a story that has most of us cringing in horror and being empathetic to the home owners, but what if it happens to you?
There is no doubt that a car hitting your home is a frightening experience. The scarcity of this type of accident means that many people don’t know what to do when it happens. After the initial moments of panic are over, people start to wonder what to do first.
Why Cars Hit Homes
Most home owners will never have the experience of a vehicle plowing into their living room. That said, accidents such as these do occur and, when they do, it is typically due to one of the following reasons:
- Driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
- A medical event
- Poor road design or a hazardous roadway
- Vehicle malfunction
- Drunk or drugged driving
In some cases, a vehicle is being pursued by the police and the speed of the driver causes them to lose control and exit the roadway. No matter the cause of the accident, a home owner may be quick to wonder just who will be paying for the damage.
Liability Issues
When a vehicle strikes a home, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars in damages. It is important for a home owner to discover who is liable for the accident. In most cases, the driver of the vehicle that struck the home will be found liable and forced to compensate the home owner. When it’s a homeowner who drives into their own home, they may be found liable but still due some form of compensation. This is especially true in cases of dangerous drug side effects.
Insurance Payments
Just like in a typical car accident, the at-fault driver will be responsible for paying for damages. This means that the driver’s insurance company will be on the hook for payments. Unfortunately, the insurance company is only liable for the policy’s limits of coverage. This means that if the damage to your home exceeds the limits of the insurance policy, the entire monetary amount of the damage will not be covered. When this is the case, you can choose to sue the driver for the rest of the money or make a claim with your own insurance company.
If a car crashes into your home and the driver does not have any insurance at all, you may have no choice but to file a claim with your own insurance company. You also have the option of filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If a car crashes into your home, be sure to take photos, secure a police report and obtain quotes for property damage. Your charlotte auto accident attorney will use all of this information to assist you.
When a car crashes into your home or you are involved in any type of car accident in Charlotte, we are here for you. Reach out to Auger & Auger Law for assistance in scheduling your free case evaluation and let us advise you of your legal options.
