Cars don’t crash into buildings very often, but they have catastrophic consequences when they do.
Man Hospitalized, Driver Arrested After Crashing into Northwest-Side Apartment
According to a KSAT News report, a man was injured after a drunk driver crashed into his apartment building on the Northwest Side of San Antonio.
Police reported the incident occurred at around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, on the 4800 block of Gus Eckhart Road. The man was inside his apartment when the vehicle crashed through the wall, hitting and injuring him. He was taken to the hospital by family members, and the driver was captured and arrested by police for drunk driving and failure to stop and render aid after fleeing the scene on foot.
Did You Know?
More than 500 people are killed every year in the United States because of cars crashing into buildings.
Car Crash Into Apartment Building in San Antonio: What You Need to Know
A car appearing in your living room is not something you expect to happen. Car crashes into apartment buildings are comparatively rare, but when they do happen, they often end in at least one injury. This article will cover why these accidents happen, who is typically responsible, and what to do if a car crashes into your San Antonio apartment.
Why Do Cars Crash Into Apartments?
When a driver crashes into an apartment building or any other type of building, it is usually because of:
- Operator Error — 22% of these accidents happen because the driver made a sharp turn, drove too fast, or panicked.
- Pedal Error — Accidently pressing the gas when they meant to hit the brakes causes 19% of these accidents.
- DWI — Drunk drivers cause 16% of these accidents, like in the above case.
- Traffic Accidents — A car hitting another car into a building causes 10% of these accidents.
Who Is Responsible For a Car Crash Into an Apartment?
People frequently ask if the landlord can be held responsible for a car crashing into your apartment. These accidents are almost always the fault of the driver, and compensation for injuries and property damage comes from their insurance as a result. A landlord is only responsible for keeping their grounds reasonably safe and installing basic security measures in your unit (i.e., latches, locks, deadbolts, etc.). It isn’t reasonable to assume a vehicle will come crashing through a unit, so they typically can’t be held responsible for these kinds of accidents.
What to Do If a Car Crashes Into Your Apartment in San Antonio
If you experience a car crashing into your apartment, follow these steps:
- Evacuate the Apartment — If you are able to move, get yourself and your family out of the apartment in case it becomes structurally unstable.
- Call 9-1-1 — As soon as you can, call the police to report the accident and get medical help if necessary.
- Gather Driver Information — You’ll need the driver’s insurance info, license plate number, contact information, and the vehicle make and model.
- Inform the Landlord of the Accident
- Gather Evidence — Take photos of the damage, the vehicle, and anything else near the scene that might be important. Make a note of any cameras that may have caught the incident.
- Call an Apartment Injury Attorney
Car Crash Into Your Apartment? Hire Carabin Shaw
Our personal injury attorneys have been representing those injured in auto accidents across San Antonio for 30 years. Call us today if you were hurt in your apartment at 800-862-1260. We put our clients first because we care. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw Attorney does not obligate you to work with the firm and is free of charge.