Major Injuries Result When Car Crashes Into Sacramento Home
Major injuries resulted when a vehicle crashed into a home in the Sacramento area of North Laguna on May 2. Both the driver and a passenger were hurt. The accident, according to a representative of the Sacramento Fire Department, occurred shortly before 1:00 p.m. near Valley Green and Valley Hi drives. No one was at home in the damaged house at the time the collision occurred. The accident is under investigation to determine the cause.
Injuries in the Accident
It was reported by the fire company that one person in the sedan suffered major injuries. The other was reported in stable condition. Both were taken to a hospital nearby for further treatment and evaluation, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The vehicle was traveling east along Valley Hi Drive when the driver lost control and crashed into the side of the house. It caused extensive damage to both the vehicle and the home. Utilities to the house had to be shut down to prevent further harm. It was also reported that officials have to shore up the part of the house where the damage occurred until proper repairs can be made.
Losing Control of a Vehicle
Vehicles crashing into buildings, whether they are businesses or homes, is surprisingly common. Most accidents of this type are caused by negligence. Following are reasons that a driver loses control and crashes into a building:
- Pedal error: Some drivers, particularly those who are elderly, may press the gas pedal instead of the brake. The driver may also place the transmission gear into drive instead of reverse. This can result in major injuries to both the driver or people inside the building.
- Medical problems: A medical event caused by a heart attack or other condition may make the driver unresponsive when behind the wheel of a car. In addition, certain medications may cause issues when driving a motor vehicle. This leads to major injuries to the driver and can cause structural damage to a building.
- Drunk driving: A drunk driver can pass out behind the wheel of a car or be so inebriated that they cannot control the vehicle. This can be dangerous to those on the sidewalk in front of a building as well as those inside.
- Distracted driving: This common problem can cause a driver to go off the road and hit property.
- Mechanical Issues: Faulty brakes or an accelerator that is stuck can contribute to an accident.
Who Pays When Someone Hits Your House?
A common question is who pays when a wayward vehicle hits your home. For the most part, the at-fault party pays for the damages. This means if a car crashes into your home and the driver is negligent then they are responsible for the damages. The property damage portion of the driver’s insurance will usually pay. The bigger question here is how much. In California, drivers are required to hold a minimum of $5,000 in property damage coverage.
Cost Versus Coverage
With the expense of home repairs and furnishings on the rise, the cost of repairing damage to a home can be exorbitant. So, if a driver holds only the minimum amount of property damage insurance, it is fair to say it will not be enough. On the other hand, many drivers do not have insurance at all. The difference is generally handled by the property owner’s homeowner’s policy. It is important to check a homeowner’s policy to be sure that damage to the house is protected from vehicles. Most policies have a fairly high deductible, so talk to your attorney to see if the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover it.
What an Attorney Can Do
While most of us carry homeowner’s insurance, few know that much about their coverage. A homeowner whose home is damaged may benefit from contacting a personal injury lawyer to see how the damages should be handled. If someone in the household suffered serious injuries from the accident, your lawyer can help choose the best course of action. No one should pay for another’s negligence, and this is true whether injuries or property damage is involved.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. When accidents happen, it is important to have the best legal advice. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach out to me online.
Since 1982, I’ve practiced personal injury law in Sacramento. I’ve helped clients obtain full compensation in car accidents, wrongful deaths, traumatic brain injury, and other cases.
I am a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates, which grants membership to those lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client. I also belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. We are those who have achieved legal excellence in their practice.
Learn more about my practice at:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-police-cars-caravan-sirens-red-1531273/
:cd [cs 833]