Ask Bob Emergencies What should I do if my house gets struck by a vehicle?

What should I do if my house gets struck by a vehicle?

Call 911 immediately to report the accident and check if anyone is injured. Do not enter rooms that have visible structural damage, as collapse is possible. Turn off natural gas at the meter if you smell gas. Document the damage with photos for insurance purposes. Call your insurance company to start the claims process. Have a structural engineer inspect the damage before making repairs. Secure the area with temporary barriers if the vehicle breached an exterior wall.

Why It Matters

A vehicle striking your home can cause structural damage that may not be immediately visible. Hidden damage to load-bearing walls or the foundation can lead to collapse later.

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