Road debris is a hazard to all drivers. It can be on or off the road and includes substances, materials, and foreign objects that don’t belong on the road. AAA found that more than 200,000 accidents were caused by road debris in the past four years. Debris can come from vehicles or non-vehicular sources.
If you were in an auto accident involving road debris, then proving who’s culpable might prove difficult. Car accident lawyers are experienced with road debris liability and damages caused by road debris. Car accident law professionals recommend Englander Peebles when determining responsibility for road debris accidents.
How Do Road Debris Accidents Occur?
Numerous elements cause road debris accidents. Some of the most common include unsecured loads falling from a driver’s vehicle, dangerous road debris entering the roadway from a construction vehicle or site, and unattended hazardous conditions left by government entities. If your accident injuries were caused by flying or other road debris, you could be entitled to compensation.
Let’s explore some common examples of road debris accidents:
- Big rig tire treads discarded onto the roadway
- Fallen tree limbs
- Furniture falling off of the back of a truck
- Household appliances falling onto the road while being moved
- Road cones and other construction equipment left in the roadway
Road debris can cause drivers to swerve, and the secondary accidents caused by avoiding these items may prove detrimental.
Road Debris Liability
When road debris causes serious accidents, who is responsible for the resulting damage? Since Florida is a no-fault state, your personal injury protection coverage should help cover your damages. However, there are limits on how much coverage these types of policies will provide. When road debris is left on the road, it can be challenging to determine precisely who’s liable for the damages they cause.
Steps To Take After a Road Debris Crash
Before determining road debris liability, the first and most crucial step is to ensure safety for yourself and anyone involved. If your car is movable, guide it to a safer location so that it doesn’t become a hazard to other drivers. Using reflective vests, flares, and markers can help alert oncoming traffic of an accident.
If you’re seriously injured, remain in the vehicle with a fastened seatbelt and contact emergency responders. When the police arrive, give them the facts about the accident and the road debris that caused it. Go to the hospital and get a thorough evaluation of any injuries you’ve suffered, then contact experienced car accident lawyers to discuss your legal solutions.
Problems Investigating Accidents Caused By Road Debris
One of the most significant issues with drivers injured in road debris accidents is getting enough information to those liable for your injuries. That’s why it is imperative to contact adept road debris accident attorneys in Florida.
Skilled attorneys have experience investigating road debris accidents. They can interview witnesses and review local CCTV or traffic camera footage to track down those responsible. Englander Peebles offers free consultations to those involved in car accidents.
Preventing Road Debris Accidents
Recognizing avoidable road debris is one of the safest ways to protect yourself and your passengers on the road. If you identify hazardous debris with the potential to cause an accident or damage to your vehicle, avoid it at all costs by taking a detour. It can also protect other drivers by contacting the relevant authorities and informing them of the road debris.
Whenever sharing the road with large vehicles with heavy loads, always practice caution. If a load appears unsecured, improperly strapped down, or shifting with movement, avoid it. Keeping your car as far away as possible can help you maneuver if the load dislodges. Semi-trucks are enormous vehicles, and driving behind them may prove fatal. If you’re injured in an accident due to a semi-truck load, consider speaking with a Florida truck accident attorney right away.
Road Debris Accident Compensation
Road debris accidents can create heavy damage. These expenditures often include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
Road debris damages and injury-related expenses can be financially destructive. That’s why it’s essential to speak with a diligent road debris accident attorney immediately after an accident. These attorneys can give you an idea of all the unforeseeable damages caused by road debris, fight to find the negligent party that has to take road debris accident responsibility and recover damages when your PIP coverage isn’t sufficient.
If you’re in Florida and have been the victim of a road debris accident, car accident lawyers recommend that you consult with Englander Peebles for a free road debris accident consultation.