Debris from a truck hit my car. Is the trucker liable?
Motor Vehicles Accidents - October 17, 2023
What do I do if something falls off a truck and hits my car?
In some instances, a truck driver may be held liable for collisions and property damage caused by debris falling off the back of their truck. But did you know that multiple parties often share responsibility for these kinds of accidents?
You can explore your legal options for justice further when you reach out to an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What should I do if debris fell off a truck and hit my car?
If debris falls off a truck and hits your car, you may be unsure of what to do next. You should always immediately pull over to the side of the road so you can assess the damage to your vehicle and the injuries you may have sustained.
Make sure you call 911 and emergency responders so you can get professional help investigating the cause of the accident and holding all parties that contributed to your injuries accountable for their negligence.
You should also obtain a medical evaluation as soon as possible. The sooner you get medical help, the sooner you can treat your injuries and begin gathering medical evidence that can be used to prove the severity of your injuries.
When you have a chance, reach out to a Chicago truck accident lawyer. If you call while at the accident scene, we can meet you there or come to your hospital room to get your statement of events and begin conducting our investigation for your truck accident insurance and civil claims.
Common types of debris that fall off trucks
Many different types of debris have the potential to fall off trucks. Some of the most common types of debris known for causing catastrophic injuries include:
- Metal debris
- Lost cargo
- Branches and trees
- Car parts
- Appliances
- Tires
- Construction barrels
- Damaged rims
- Concrete
- Heavy equipment
- Light poles
- Hay bales
- Railroad ties
- Trash
- Road traffic signs
If debris from a garbage truck hits your car, you may find a wide variety of items crashing through your windshield and destroying your vehicle’s exterior.
Who is liable for damage caused by debris from a truck?
Multiple parties are often found to have contributed to the victim’s damages when debris falls from a commercial truck. You may hope to file a claim against the truck driver, but this may not always be the only option. Truck drivers may be liable for debris falling from trucks if they fail to perform necessary safety inspections that include reviewing the safety of the big rig and ensuring cargo is safely secured.
Some of the other individuals and entities who could share responsibility for your damages include:
- Cargo loaders
- Truck part designers, manufacturers, and distributors
- The trucking company
- Safety inspectors
- Government agencies
- Maintenance technicians
- The owner of the tractor-trailer
Meet with a Chicago truck accident lawyer today
Although it can complicate your case, you have a better chance of recovering maximum compensation for your damages when more than one party is liable. Get help from a dedicated Chicago truck accident lawyer at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, and find out how much your case could be worth.
Our firm is proud to offer 100% free consultations to truck accident victims across greater Chicago and surrounding areas. Claim yours by calling our office at (800) 985-1819 or completing our convenient contact form.
