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Vehicle-Into-Building Crashes: Liability in Washington State 

Posted on Nov 11, 2025 by The Advocates

While it might seem unusual, collisions involving vehicles and residential homes are more common than many realize, particularly in states like Washington.

But what if you’re not driving or even near a road? What if you’re simply inside your house, and a car crashes through your wall, leaving you injured while watching TV?

Let’s break it down.

Vehicle-Into-Building Crashes Are More Common Than You Think

According to national data compiled by the Storefront Safety Council, approximately 60 vehicles crash into buildings every single day across the United States. These incidents aren’t just property damage—they result in an estimated 500 deaths per year.

Gas stations and convenience stores are particularly vulnerable to these threats. A study conducted in partnership with researchers from Texas A&M University found that around 20 of these crashes occur at gas or convenience stores alone, every day.

Real Incidents

Seattle, WA – 2 a.m. DUI Crash Into Home (2022)

In a late-night incident in Seattle, a driver suspected of driving under the influence crashed into a residential home around 2 a.m. Fortunately, none of the residents were injured. The driver was arrested at the scene. The case serves as a reminder that serious crashes can happen while people are asleep in the safety of their own homes.

Camas, WA – Stolen Truck Ends Up in Living Room

In Camas, a woman heard what she thought was a street collision—until she looked outside and saw a pickup truck lodged in her front entrance. Authorities reported the vehicle had been stolen the night before and was seen driving erratically on State Highway 14. The driver, unable to exit through the blocked doors, broke out the rear window and fled on foot. He was found hiding under a wheelbarrow and arrested for vehicle theft, hit and run, and reckless driving.

Port Angeles, WA – A Pattern With No Clear Cause

Residents in Port Angeles have raised concerns over an unusual trend: a surprisingly high number of vehicle-into-building crashes with no clear explanation. Many of these incidents don’t appear to involve intoxication or high-speed chases. On local forums, people speculate whether poor urban planning, road design, or even infrastructure disrepair could be factors, though no formal study has confirmed a cause.

Are You Legally a Pedestrian in This Situation?

Yes. From a legal standpoint, if you’re injured by a moving vehicle, even inside your own home, you’re still considered a pedestrian. You don’t have to be out walking or crossing the street. The law grants you the same protections as any other person struck by a car while on foot.

Who Covers the Damages?

In both Washington and Oregon, the driver’s car insurance is typically responsible for covering the harm caused.

  • Bodily injury liability is designed to compensate you for medical treatment, time away from work, and the physical and emotional toll of the injury.
  • Property damage liability helps pay for the cost of repairing damage to your home, including structural issues or damaged belongings.
  • If the driver carries Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which is more common in Washington, it may offer faster coverage for immediate medical expenses.
  • If the person behind the wheel was driving for work purposes (such as a delivery), the employer’s insurance might also be on the hook, often offering access to higher policy limits.

Can You Be at Fault When Someone Drives Into Your House?

In Washington, the law says you can still recover damages even if you’re 99% at fault.

In Oregon, if you’re 51% or more at fault, you get nothing.

Sounds absurd, right? You’re sitting on your couch, and a car crashes through your wall—and somehow, there’s a chance you might be blamed?

Here’s why insurers might try to pin partial fault on you—and how those claims actually work.

When They Might Try to Blame You (Or You May Be Liable) 

Insurers and defense lawyers sometimes stretch the logic to reduce payouts. They may argue that you played a small role in what happened, even inside your own home. These are the most common justifications they use:

1. Negligent Property Design

If your home sits on a dangerous curve or steep hill, and especially if similar crashes have happened before, they may claim:

  • You ignored warnings from city officials
  • You failed to add protective barriers or mirrors
  • You removed features that once made the area safer

2. Reckless Behavior Inside the House

It may sound far-fetched, but even your actions during the crash could be scrutinized:

  • You ran toward the car to record video
  • You stood directly in an open garage with poor visibility
  • You encouraged someone drunk to drive and they crashed into your house

3. Creating Additional Hazards

Sometimes, it’s not just the crash that causes the damage—it’s what the car hits once it’s inside.

If your garage or living area contains flammable materials, poorly stored fuel, or explosive tanks, insurers might claim that your storage choices contributed to the scale of destruction.

Here are a few real-world examples:

  • Propane tanks left near the wall ignite on impact, causing a fire that spreads to neighboring homes.
  • A stack of paint thinner and solvents in the garage explodes when hit by the car’s battery sparks.
  • You were setting off fireworks in the driveway or front yard, causing a visual distraction that led the driver to veer off the road.
  • A friend or family member was filming a social media stunt outside your home—like riding a bike blindfolded or doing tricks near the street—and caught a driver’s attention right before the crash.

In these cases, the insurance company may argue that while the driver caused the crash, you made the damage far worse by failing to store hazardous materials safely.

They’ll use this argument to reduce their liability, even if it was their policyholder who drove into your wall.

In these situations, even if you were simply having fun or making content, insurers may argue that your activity distracted the driver, making you partially responsible for the crash, this can reduce or even eliminate your right to full compensation, especially in states like Oregon, where 51% fault shuts the claim down entirely.

What to Do If a Car Crashes Into Your Home

If you’re injured because a vehicle struck your home, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But the steps you take immediately after the incident can make a major difference when it comes to your legal rights and compensation.

Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911 Immediately

Even if you feel fine, call emergency services. A police report creates an official record of the incident, which is essential when filing insurance claims or taking legal action.

2. Document the Scene Thoroughly

Take clear photos and videos of everything:

  • The vehicle involved
  • Structural damage to your home
  • Any injuries you or others have
  • Debris, skid marks, and surroundings

If possible, get the driver’s insurance information and names of any witnesses.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Don’t assume you’re okay. Adrenaline can mask symptoms. Even minor injuries like bruising, headaches, or joint pain should be evaluated and documented by a medical professional.

Medical records not only protect your health—they also support your claim if symptoms worsen later.