Between 2011 and 2014, road debris was a factor in a total of over 200,000 police-reported crashes. A road debris accident can happen even to the most careful driver. A piece of debris that strikes you can put multiple parties in immediate danger. However, not all debris-related crashes involve contact between debris and a car. But what should happen if flying debris hit my car on the freeway?
If you have been involved in a car accident due to road debris, you can recover the damages by filing a claim. However, many parties may be responsible for the accident. For a smooth and successful claims process, you need to know how to navigate liability.
Read on to learn more.
What Is Flying Debris?
When discussing road accidents, flying debris or road debris refers to any foreign materials, substances and objects left in the road either intentionally or unintentionally and can cause a driving hazard. The debris may be produced by vehicular or non-vehicular sources.
Common types of road debris to watch out for when driving include:
- Fallen rocks, stones and road construction debris thrown by tires
- Unsecured objects or cargo falling off vehicles
- Broken auto parts fallen from a damaged vehicle
- Fluids such as antifreeze, motor oil and other liquid spills
- Construction equipment left on the road
- Tree limbs and other plant debris
- Traffic signs and light poles that fall into the road after a car wreck or a storm
- Wreckage from another vehicle crash or a trailer that becomes unhitched while being towed
- Animals killed by motor vehicles
- Garbage or litter
- Natural debris such as ice and snow
The Dangers of Road Debris
Road debris can be extremely dangerous. No matter the size or weight, debris is a driving hazard that can cause loss of vehicle control. This can in turn result in accidents that lead to injuries, deaths and damage to property. A crash may occur either due to collision with the debris or because a driver swerves to avoid hitting the object. Oftentimes, survivors of road debris car accidents deal with life-changing consequences. From 2011 to 2014, debris-related crashes resulted in an estimated 39,000 injuries and 500 fatalities.
Road debris can cause many dangers such as:
- Broken windows
- Dents
- Popped tires
- Internal vehicle damage
- Vehicle collisions caused by swerving
- Rear-end collisions caused by abrupt braking
- Injuries from collisions. Common injuries sustained in car accidents are neck and head injuries, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, bone fractures, paralysis and death.
Who Is Responsible for Road Debris Damage?
Determining who is responsible for road debris damage is an important step in deciding the party responsible for the financial damages. Generally, the party responsible for road debris will depend on the type of debris involved, how it got there and the period it has been there. Typically, it is the fault of whoever’s negligence led to the debris causing an accident. Road debris accidents may be caused by someone throwing trash, rocks thrown over an overpass, failing to secure cargo and loose road construction debris. The responsible party will be the one who:
- Dumped the debris on the road
- Did not secure their cargo which ended up falling onto the road
- Is required to keep the road clear but did not clean up the debris
Sometimes, liability for road debris damage may be shared by several parties. This may include another driver, shipping companies, road construction companies and the state or local government.
If the road debris contributed to a serious accident, get in touch with an experienced attorney. The legal expert will investigate the crash to determine the party responsible. They will also act in your best interest to ensure you get the most money from insurance.
Avoiding Flying Debris Accidents
When it comes to road accidents, prevention is better than cure. Apart from avoiding injuries and damage to property, taking steps to reduce the likelihood of accidents will help you avoid car insurance increase. Below are some helpful tips to avoid flying debris accidents.
- Keep your eyes on the road at all times in order to recognize avoidable road debris in good time
- Ensure a safe following distance between your vehicle and other cars
- Practice defensive driving to reduce the risk of an incident or collision
- Stay aware of vehicles in the lanes adjacent to you when driving on the roads
- Safely secure any cargo of your own to keep it from falling off
- Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained so loose pieces of it do not come off when driving
- Whenever possible, drive around an object rather than swerving out of the way
Injured in a Car Crash? Call a Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact one of our lawyers as soon as possible. The dedicated legal team at Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers will help you understand the terms and conditions of your insurance policy, explain your rights, offer expert legal advice and work hard to help maximize your recovery. You do not need to pay us any fee for handling your case until and unless you win the case and recover financial compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation or call us at (800)718-4658 if you require immediate assistance.
