When your car gets hit by debris that falls from a truck, trailer or another vehicle, you would think that the driver of this vehicle would be responsible for your damages. In many cases, they are. But, the problem that many consumers face is that it can be difficult to prove that this other truck or vehicle actually caused the damage.
If you have a dash cam running, or a passenger in your vehicle who can take video or pictures, this can help. But, quite often, these become afterthoughts, leaving you with little to go on in proving your case.
If your vehicle gets hit by flying debris, remember - your safety is most important. Although it can be tempting to try to chase down the other vehicle, or start snapping pictures while you are driving, this can be dangerous. If necessary, pull over into a safe area, contact police, and take measures to be sure that it is safe for you to drive your vehicle.
If you were able to get contact or insurance information from the other driver, follow through and file a claim as soon as possible. If you do not have this information, contact your insurer to file a claim.
If you will be hauling things this weekend, think things through and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Secure your load, and check and double check that things are tied down well. It may be best to consider using an enclosed trailer for things that could shift or go flying at high rates of speed. Keep in mind, if you lose part or some of your load – whether that be branches, a mattress or other items, in addition to paying for damages, you could also be fined up to $200 in Wisconsin, and possibly more in other states.
