Want to see if anyone has run into this problem and get some advice. While driving my C5 today, a truck hauling trash and debris on the highway did not have it's load secured. As I drove passed the truck in the passing lane, it hit a bump and dropped debris onto the highway. My windshield and front end took about a dozen solid hits. Windshield will need to be replaced and probably have to get a repaint on the whole front end! I got the license plate and name of the company. Called the company and still waiting on a return call from their safety director. Wouldn't the company be liable since it's load was not secured? Any advice?
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Yes *NM*
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Re: Irresponsible Truckers!
Yes... I hope this was reported to the local or state police as well. If hardpack snow or ice blow off your car and hit the guy behind you ... you are responcible. If you spin your tires and throw a stone up on the guy behind you... you are responcible. You can do it yourself or let your ins carrier pay you for the claim and they have an obligation to represent your best interest and persue subrogation against the party responcible and they have the knowledge and legal team to do it. You pay your premiums so let them do their job for you. ... And NO your rates do not go up because you use the coverage you pay for.
Too bad it had to happen to your car. A friend who bought his 2003 Dk Blue Z06 for his retirement gift went on a vacation to Florida when it was new. He drove for 3800 miles and 10 miles from his home a truck lost a brake shoe or some part that hit his front bumper hood and roof... Right down to the primers...Comment
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Re: Irresponsible Truckers!
Thanks Steve. That sounds like good advice. I'll call my insurance agent in the morning and have him pursue it. I'm just sick about it. I just bought it 3 weeks ago! Was low mileage and pristine condition. Looks pretty trashed now.
At least I wasn't driving the 65 today!
Thanks!Comment
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Re: Irresponsible Truckers!
I once had a water heater fall off a trash truck and land in the road right in front of my van while on the highway. I was able to pull off to the shoulder while the thing was trapped under my front bumper. I never did catch the truck to get the plate number, and nobody stopped to see if they could help. I actually had to back the truck off of the heater. Imagine if I was in a car! He was haulin ass at the time too.
GeorgeComment
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Re: Irresponsible Truckers!
In Virginia the vehicle operator is responsible for any and all items loaded onto the vehicle. Objects that can normally be found on the roadway, ie. gravel, small debris are considered general road hazards. A vehicle operator is not responsible for any of these types of items if his vehicle throws the item into the air and strikes another vehicle while the vehicle is being operated in a normal and safe manner. If the vehicle is operated in a reckless manner then the operator may be liable for the general road hazard item being thrown into the air. This information was given to me by our local police when I was driving one of our volunteer fire trucks and the truck threw some 'gravel' onto the vehicle behind me and cracking its windshield.
In any case, the incident needs to be reported to the local police if you are thinking about filing a claim or lawsuit. Sometimes your insurance company will settle the manner with the other vehicle operator's insurance company as a service of your insurance policy. Just keep in mind that any vehicle incident can and will be documented by your insurance company for future use if they know about. Before I call the insurance folks I would call the owner of the truck and see if he will settle it between the two of you.
RogerComment
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Re: Irresponsible Truckers!
Hey Don,
The only advice I have to give you is not to be sick over it. It is only a car and it can be repaired. The main thing is you are safe & cannot be repaired as easily. The other guy is responsable for your damage, you were lucky you got him. Atleast you are lucky to walk away without any injury & have his ID.
Glad your still with us,
DebComment
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Re: Irresponsible Truckers!
Laws vary by state. You should talk to your insurance company.
About 15 years ago, CA passed a law requiring loads to be covered. The trucking industry lobbied intensely against it, but the overwhelming opinion of voters was that such a law was long overdue.
DukeComment
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Re: Irresponsible Truckers!
Thanks for the info everyone! I notified my insurance agent. I was also able to get in contact with the safety officer for the company today. He stated that he just needs to verify that the truck in question was where and when I said he was. It appears that they will pay for the damage.
It's a big hassle and I'll be without the car for a while, but as Deb said, at least no one was hurt.Comment
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Re: Irresponsible Truckers!
Glad to hear it is working out well for you.Comment
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