Most drivers in New Jersey have given thought to what they would do if they become involved in an accident while traveling on a road or navigating a parking lot. But not as many people consider the steps they should take when a driver crashes a motor vehicle into their home.
The first thing an individual should do after experiencing the shock of a vehicle crashing into their home is to check for any injuries. Once the person has performed a personal assessment of their own physical condition, they should check for the presence of injuries in all other people involved with the accident. It is then time to call 911.
The next step in the process is collecting information. This part of the process is not much different than if an accident between two cars took place in that the parties of interest should exchange names, contact information and insurance. The difference is the insurance of the homeowner will be contacted instead of his or her automobile insurance carrier.
It is a pretty good bet that the driver of a car that crashes into a home will be held liable for the damages. This fact is unlikely to change regardless of the amount of insurance the driver possesses. Most auto insurance policies have what is known as a property damage clause. This clause provides a pre-determined limit of money that will be used to reimburse the homeowner for damages. The insurance company is often not required to pay more than is listed for the property damage clause in the policy.
It is always a complex process to ensure proper compensation is received by an injured party when a car accident occurs. This process becomes a bit more complicated when the accident involves a motorist plowing into a home or similar structure. Homeowners who are unsure what steps to take after a motorist strikes their home with a motor vehicle are likely to benefit from a consultation with a personal injury attorney.
