What Happens if a Car Crashes Into My House in Denver?
While it may not be a scenario you anticipate, car accidents with residential properties, though uncommon, do occur more frequently than one might assume. Such incidents can give rise to a range of complex legal and financial challenges that require careful consideration and resolution. This blog explores the key issues related to car crashes into homes.
Why Do House/Car Collisions Occur?
There are many reasons why cars collide with houses, including:
- Distracted driving: The driver may have been texting, using a mobile device, or engaging in other distractions, such as shaving in the rearview mirror while rushing to work.
- Drunk or drugged driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances can severely impair a driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
- Road hazards: Drivers may swerve to avoid unexpected obstacles, such as animals or pedestrians, in the roadway.
- Mechanical failures: Issues like a tire blowout or other critical mechanical malfunctions can lead to a loss of vehicle control and result in a collision.
The above represents only a partial list of potential causes for a collision between a vehicle and a residential property.
What to Do if a Car Crashes into Your House
A car/house collision can be shocking and disorienting, especially if it happens late at night. As soon as you gather your wits about you, take the following steps:
- Ensure Everyone’s Safety
The occupants of the vehicle are most likely to be injured in a car-house collision, but homeowners and their families may also be at risk. Check on everyone, especially children. If there are injuries, administer first aid and call 911 immediately. Even if no one appears hurt, contact emergency services—structural damage can pose delayed dangers, and the fire department can assist. When the police arrive, cooperate fully as they prepare their report, which may be needed later.
- Evacuate the Home If Necessary
Immediate evacuation may be necessary for several reasons. A gas leak, indicated by a smell of rotten eggs or any unusual odor, can be toxic or lead to explosions or fires. Structural damage to the house could also create collapse hazards, which may cause serious injury or death. If there’s a risk of collapse, evacuate unless outdoor temperatures present a greater danger.
- Gather Evidence
Collect anything that might serve as evidence. Collect contact details of witnesses to the accident, so that you can interview them later. Photograph anything and everything that might be useful, including the license tags of the car that struck the house (if you are the homeowner). If you live near a commercial area such as a strip mall, there might even be CCTV footage of the accident. You’ll have to act quickly, though, because CCTV footage is often erased every 24 hours.
- Report the Incident to Your Homeowners Insurance Company (If You are the Homeowner)
Your homeowner’s insurance policy (or your renter’s insurance policy if you rent) probably covers just about any property damage arising from a car crashing into your home. Have your lawyer check the terms of your policy closely, however, because it might not cover everything. In a best-case scenario, however, your insurance might even pay for alternative accommodations should the city temporarily condemn your home due to structural damage.
- Inventory Your Damages
Take a detailed inventory of all of your damages, including real property damage, personal property damage, physical injury, and emotional damages such as pain and suffering You might need an appraiser to assess the property damage to your home.
- Determine Liability
Determining liability often requires legal assistance. Typically, the driver responsible for the crash is liable, though there may be instances where a third party’s actions caused the driver to lose control. Colorado follows a fault-based system for car accidents, allowing you to sue the at-fault party or file a claim against their liability insurance. If the driver is uninsured, you can use your own uninsured motorist coverage, if available. If there is no coverage, your homeowner’s insurance may cover property damage, while health insurance would likely cover bodily injuries.
Contact our Car Accident Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers in Denver. Call us at (720) 613 9706
When a vehicle crashes into a home, the consequences can be severe, including significant property damage, serious injuries, or even fatalities. In such cases, legal expertise is essential. The complexities involved in these situations extend well beyond the scope of this post.
At Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers, a leading Denver law firm, our team of experienced trial attorneys has successfully handled cases of this nature. We have secured tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, both through trial victories and favorable settlements.
For more information, please contact the Denver car accident lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, proudly serving all Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
