Can Truck Drivers Be Held Responsible For Damages To My Vehicle?
If you have a crack on your windshield, you're probably one of many who have traveled behind a large commercial vehicle. These vehicles are well-known to cause damage to others from debris flying off a truck bed. Staying back a distance helps, but there's still the risk of damage.
Are Truck Drivers Responsible for Broken Windshields?
This is a common question that comes from drivers who have had their windshield damaged by debris flying off trucks. As it turns out, truck companies are responsible for broken windshields. Even if the truck carries a sign that warns other drivers to keep their distance because they are not responsible for damage, the truck companies are still responsible. This is because the warning signs are not legally binding.
Another Example of How Truck Drivers May Be Responsible
Take for example a situation where a truck is carrying mulch. Normally, that's not something that would cause a problem, but if enough fell off the truck to cover your windshield and cause a crash or to make the roads dangerous, then the authorities may consider this a collision and place the fault on the driver of the truck.
Any time matter from the vehicle causes damage, you can pursue a claim. The difference with cracked windshields from rocks is that the rocks aren't on the vehicle itself; they're kicked up from the road, so the company can't be held liable.
Car Damaged By A Truck? Call Doehling Law Today.
If you believe a trucker's negligence led to your vehicle's damage or your crash, you should call the police to take your report and then speak with your attorney. There may be a case for you to seek compensation and get the money you need to pay medical bills and for lost wages or other damages.
- Source: The Denver Channel, "Driving You Crazy: Are trucking companies really not responsible for cracking my windshield?," Jayson Luber, May 07, 2018
If a commercial vehicle has caused severe damage to your vehicle you can contact Doehling Law via online form or call (970) 292-7171.