Imagine driving down the road when you hit debris. It may be a truck tire that fell off a big rig or it could be something as innocuous as a cardboard box. Anything that is lying in the road or flying toward you while you are driving has the potential to be hazardous. If this has happened to you then you may wonder who is responsible and what your options are.
The answer varies based on the type of debris and the specifics of the situation. What is always the same is that a personal injury attorney can help you determine fault and what the options are for your unique case. Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
Insurance coverage for damage caused by road debris
If a vehicle caused the road debris then the driver of that vehicle is responsible for damages related to that debris. That driver likely has different types of insurance coverage and which type of coverage would cover your injuries would depend on the specifics. For example, consider these types of insurance:
- Collision coverage. If your vehicle is damaged when you drive over debris then collision coverage may apply if you do not know who is at fault. If you do not have collision coverage then you would need to consider the following types of coverage.
- Comprehensive coverage. If the debris was flying through the air and hit a car or vehicle, and the damage was caused by that debris, then the damage could be covered by homeowner’s insurance, believe it or not.
- Liability damage. If the damages were caused by another party acting negligently, then their liability insurance could be responsible for paying damages. For example, if a big rig did not properly secure their cargo and some of it flew off, or if a driver threw something from their window that resulted in damages and / or injuries.
- Uninsured motorist coverage. If you have this type of coverage and are injured by debris, and the person or people who were responsible left the scene or did not have insurance, then this can kick in. The reality is that the at-fault party often has no idea that their vehicle has caused debris and that the debris has caused injuries.
What to do if you have an accident due to road debris
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident as a result of road debris then you need to take the same steps you would take for any other type of motor vehicle accident: Get medical help if necessary, file a police report, and contact a personal injury attorney. You can reach The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to get started.
