Stay back 200ft...

[coltle6920]

I'm talking about those trucks you find yourself following that display a sign that says "Not responsible for broken windshields."

Anyone get a broken windshield from a thrown rock and put in a claim against the truck company? I'm thinking that the average person wouldn't even try because they see the sign and think they don't have a case.What good is a 200ft margin going to do you if you're on the highway doing 70+ mph? I would think the gap would be closed before a rock took it's first bounce on the highway.

Maybe I'll get a sign for my truck that says "Stay back 200ft. Not responsible for anything if I spill my coffee and slam on my brakes."

I could think of a lot more appropriate signs but there's only so much available space.

 

[johngalt]

If you could figure out the responsible party, I think you should be able to file a claim against the semi trucks that leave retread scraps all over the highway. Indiana is covered with them, a few weeks back couldn't avoid one and it left some deep scratches down the side of my vette.

 

[Arik]

As someone who works around trucks I'm always amazed how other drivers just assume it's the driver/company's fault. Because each driver is obviously trained to see and feel each pebble on the highway and be able to avoid them while avoiding all the dumb drivers at the same time.

Would you try to make a claim against me? How about I follow till my windshield cracks and I put a claim against you? Obviously it's your fault.... correct?

Just like those smart drivers who just assume a 80,000 lbs truck can stop on a dime so it's OK to get in front and slam on the breaks. Or the ones who like to test the theory of the sign that says "this truck makes wide turns"

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[SW MP15]

I had one broken about 8-9 years ago by a big cement truck! I called the company and they sent out a insurance claims adjuster. I left the concrete splatter on the hood and roof and they even payed for a complete detail job and the windshield!

My silverado's got busted about two months ago by a semi's tire coming apart. It sounded like a cannon ball hit my truck. By the time I realized what had happened, the truck was long gone! It scared the HELL out of me! So the very next exit I called the police and they took a report over the phone. So I took pictures and called my insurance company and they did say that they'd cover some of it. But my out'a pocket cost was still $230. I got it done by a Friend of mine in the automotive glass business, he charged me $120 for a new windshield installed!

So my insurance was useless!!!

 

[Arik]

I had one broken about 8-9 years ago by a big cement truck! I called the company and they sent out a insurance claims adjuster. I left the concrete splatter on the hood and roof and they even payed for a complete detail job and the windshield!

My silverado's got busted about two months ago by a semi's tire coming apart. It sounded like a cannon ball hit my truck. By the time I realized what had happened, the truck was long gone! It scared the HELL out of me! So the very next exit I called the police and they took a report over the phone. So I took pictures and called my insurance company and they did say that they'd cover some of it. But my out'a pocket cost was still $230. I got it done by a Friend of mine in the automotive glass business, he charged me $120 for a new windshield installed!

So my insurance was useless!!!

That's a different story. There is tire and cement as proof. A small rock or pebble on the road isn't off the truck

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[rburg]

There are a bunch around here that have signs that say 'Not Responsible for debris thrown from highway". Usually on un-tarped gravel trucks. Those and concrete trucks haul gravel, and its probably a real pain for the drivers to sweep off all the loose stuff they generate. But saying they're not responsible and being not responsible are two different critters.

Years ago, we had an ice storm. A driver called and demanded our insurance information. We sent him to the local PD where he claimed it happened. But that PD said ice is just a road hazard. Just claiming it came off a truck and proving it are different things. Maybe if you were running a dash cam, you'd have a chance. Its why drivers have comprehensive coverage themselves.

Also around here some fire trucks have signs that say "Stay Back 500 feet". Good luck with that.

 

[timn8er]

You know, talking about signs on the back of trucks, I always wanted a fluorescent light display mounted to my tailgate that I could send messages while driving via a keyboard in the cab. Not too safe, I know, but you could have a bunch of stock messages stored on board, depending on the configuration. Could be a lot of fun...

 

[427mach1]

You know, talking about signs on the back of trucks, I always wanted a fluorescent light display mounted to my tailgate that I could send messages while driving via a keyboard in the cab. Not too safe, I know, but you could have a bunch of stock messages stored on board, depending on the configuration. Could be a lot of fun...

ABS test in 3...2...1....

 

[coltle6920]

As someone who works around trucks I'm always amazed how other drivers just assume it's the driver/company's fault. Because each driver is obviously trained to see and feel each pebble on the highway and be able to avoid them while avoiding all the dumb drivers at the same time.

Wow!! It's amazing how you come up with some of your thoughts.Those signs have nothing to do with driving over debris on the highway.It has to do with what might fall off of the back of the truck as a result of something previously in the truck.

You work around trucks and I've actually driven them.The smaller the rock the easier it is for some to fall through the cracks and off of the truck when driving.I doubt there's a driver out there that takes a second to wipe off the tailgate or rear bumper of any small loose debris that might become a hazard on the road.In fact I'll bet the only time they get out of their truck in eight hours is to feed their face.

Putting a sign on the back of your truck does not absolve you from any or all liability or else there would also be a sign warning of flying tire tread or blowouts.

 

[Harkrader]

Which is one reason why I now have a hi-def dash cam. The operators of those trucks must be required to do a better job of controlling spill, even if it is through law suits. 200 feet? Bull&*$%.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Put in a claim. See where it goes . . .

 

[DeathGrip]

A solution for all,

Stay away from dump trucks and other over loaded trucks. Spillage problem averted.

Draft the 18 wheelers and the small things will go under your ride and you save a lot of gas.

Remember, Neither can stop as fast as you.



Happy Motoring.

 

[shouldazagged]

In 1960 two kids I had known in college got married and were on their honeymoon trip. The groom came up behind a dump truck, where he spotted half a brick stuck between two of the rear tires. Before he could drop back it shot free, came through the windshield of his car, and removed the top of the bride's head.

I try to give the trucks lots of room. It angers some drivers behind me who think I should tailgate the rigs as they do, but that is their problem.

 

[Arik]

Wow!! It's amazing how you come up with some of your thoughts.Those signs have nothing to do with driving over debris on the highway.It has to do with what might fall off of the back of the truck as a result of something previously in the truck.

You work around trucks and I've actually driven them.The smaller the rock the easier it is for some to fall through the cracks and off of the truck when driving.I doubt there's a driver out there that takes a second to wipe off the tailgate or rear bumper of any small loose debris that might become a hazard on the road.In fact I'll bet the only time they get out of their truck in eight hours is to feed their face.

Putting a sign on the back of your truck does not absolve you from any or all liability or else there would also be a sign warning of flying tire tread or blowouts.

You talking about pickup trucks or tractor trailers

Wow!! It's amazing how you come up with some of your thoughts.Those signs have nothing to do with driving over debris on the highway.It has to do with what might fall off of the back of the truck as a result of something previously in the truck.

You work around trucks and I've actually driven them.The smaller the rock the easier it is for some to fall through the cracks and off of the truck when driving.I doubt there's a driver out there that takes a second to wipe off the tailgate or rear bumper of any small loose debris that might become a hazard on the road.In fact I'll bet the only time they get out of their truck in eight hours is to feed their face.

Putting a sign on the back of your truck does not absolve you from any or all liability or else there would also be a sign warning of flying tire tread or blowouts.

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[Iggy]

Dash cam's aimed front and rear. Amazing definition.

 

[Chuck24]

In Va. Loads are required to be covered, helps a lot but stuff still falls off. Not all of the debris is in the bed. Definition of covered seems to vary considerably.

 

[meaneyedcatz]

I used to inspect vehicles for insurance companies.
I was always amazed to hear someone say something like "I was following this dump truck for a couple of miles and ......."
Well duh! Common sense would dictate to NOT FOLLOW. Back off or pass as quick and safe as possible.
Then when doing the inspection the vehicle owner would always point out every rock chip they could see. Nope, I see three chips. These others have embedded rust and the white rings in the other chips is old car wax.
Most people only know how start a car and change the radio, until there is damage from someone else. Then they know their car like the back of their hand.

The good dump drivers and construction haulers will sweep the sill of the box and the flat bed but the driver following should recognize the potential hazard and drop back or pass.

 

[JayFramer]

No but I've been behind some that was just a throwin' rocks and dirt clods all over the doggone country.

At times I wished I had a big old milkshake that I could just drive past with and throw on THEIR windshield!!

 

[erics]

In 1960 two kids I had known in college got married and were on their honeymoon trip. The groom came up behind a dump truck, where he spotted half a brick stuck between two of the rear tires. Before he could drop back it shot free, came through the windshield of his car, and removed the top of the bride's head.

I try to give the trucks lots of room. It angers some drivers behind me who think I should tailgate the rigs as they do, but that is their problem.

Two years back there was a similar event in my area. A softball size rock was lodged between rear tandem tires on a gravel truck. Family on vacation came up behind truck at just the wrong moment. Rock went through windshield and struck and killed the mother. I've always avoided spending time behind trucks as much as possible and since this event have checked between the tires.

 

[Targets Guy]

 

[Dennis]

An old motorcycle rider here. Big rigs are something to give a wide birth to and passed ASAP! Especially the trailer rigs. Around here it's tomatoes, or other stuff from the fields. Not to mention gravel and cement. And you don't have to be behind one to get nailed with a piece of gravel. I was on a surface street next to the freeway in my Pathfinder and a rock flew down and hit my windshield.
Then there are the stock trailers... Cows with the damned scours and wet feces rollin out of the back. Thankfully I was in the nissan. It's always somethin on the 99...

 

[Gunslinger808]

Could be worse...

 

[steelslaver]

I worked a couple years of highway construction and I know the company got nailed a couple times for rocks. Hard to keep them all off and out between the duals. A rock can get picked up in the heavy treads just driving on a gravel road. I have done that with my pickup and snow tires and heard the click click click.

Some one following dump trucks on the highway close is a sign of drive with little knowledgeable or a careless person. Same with trucks from salvage yards. Hey, you never know whats in those van body trailer broke loose either. I try to stay away from trucks or pass them as quickly as possible.

Around here there are hundreds of gravel approach roads so rocks chipped/broken windows are just a fact of life.

Making a comment like the only time they ever get out of their truck is to feed their face shows me little respect for some of the hard working people that are building America. Over 70% of any city is simple rock, the sub base, the concrete, the pipe bedding, the asphalt, etc. Beside every city is a gravel pit. A driver hauled it to its final destination. Some are lazy, most are very hard working.

 

[Rule3]

If I recall correctly at least here in Florida a crack in the windshield (via a stone hail or whatever) is covered claim on your insurance if you have Comp coverage. The glass company will even come to you!
Check your insurance policy.


What is the Florida law and what does it cover?

If you're into legal jargon, you'll understand this just fine, but if not I'll break it down anyway.
Florida Statute 627.7288 labeled "Comprehensive coverage; deductible not to apply to motor vehicle glass" under the title "Insurance Rates and Contracts," states that the deductible provision "shall not be applicable to damage to the windshield of any motor vehicle."
This may be a bit hard to understand, but to put it simply: Customers who have Comprehensive Coverage in the state of Florida are not liable to pay any deductible amount in order to pay for services to repair damages to their vehicle's windshield.
The majority of insurance policyholders have a deductible in their Comprehensive Coverage that they must meet before their policy pays for benefits. If their deductible is $500 or $1,000, this is the amount they would have to pay first, before their insurance company would pay for vehicle damages. However, with the Florida Statute above in effect, policyholders do not have to cover their deductibles in order to fix their auto's windshield.
Please note that this "Deductible Waiver," as it is called, does not apply to any other glass on your vehicle, such as door glass and back glass.
Insurance Auto Glass Claims for Windshield Only Damage:

If the only damaged part to your vehicle is your windshield, the Florida Statute described above ensures that, regardless of your Comprehensive Deductible, you do not have to pay any out-of-pocket amounts to get your windshield repaired or replaced.
Any cost associated with performing repairs to your windshield will be fully absorbed by your insurance company.

 

[dougb1946]

If you can prove negligence (no cover) or have a video of the rock coming off the truck, the signs are meaningless. I carry glass breakage coverage on my vehicles. All they ask is where is the crack (repair or replace depends on where the crack is), when did it happen, do you know what broke it. Sometimes, the truck coming at you drops a rock that bounces funny.
I have driven dump trucks, respect the drivers, but will point out that in MN you are responsible for a loose load. A broom is a simple tool to carry and use. At 60mph, you cover 85 ft per second, and it is possible to start 200 ft behind and still drive into a rock falling from a truck. The tarp is not optional under MN law.

 

[hoosierone]

Used to live in an area that had lots of quarries. The gravel truck drivers got paid by the load so they drove as fast as they could. It irritated me that I had to have my car tested for pollution while these guys spew clouds of half burned diesel fuel all day. It was rare to see a tarp on their loads.

I had several windshields broken over the years. Was glad to leave that area.

 

[Steve912]

Putting a sign on the back of your truck does not absolve you from any or all liability or else there would also be a sign warning of flying tire tread or blowouts.

Yup. Having a CDL does not absolve the driver of responsibility for unsecure/improperly secured load.

The signage ("Not responsible for damage from debris on road") is a bit of a snarky attempt to discourage claims--true, they may not be responsible for tossing gravel that was already laying in the road--but most of the time that stuff will hit a mudflap. Cracked windshields are more likely from the cascading stuff blowing out of the truck's cargo area. The advent of the mesh load covers a few years ago is proof that driver/carrier has liability for unsecured loads--they didn't start doing that out of a sudden fit of conscience.

 

[Rule3]

WARNING!!

BABY ON BOARD


OK, I will not hit "your" car

 

[David LaPell]

My parents owned a trucking company, and believe me many people who simply had a cracked windshield tried to blame someone, assuming the trucking company had insurance. Here in this state, if it comes off the road and under the wheels, the company who owns the truck cannot be held liable. If it comes OFF the truck say you're behind a gravel truck and some comes out, then it falls under an unsecured load and the driver is on the hook.
I'll give you a good example, when I was working at a paper mill, we used to get in log trucks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A guy ran over a 4 foot log in the road and blew his front tire. He came in and demanded that our company, which owned the paper mill, fix it. The guy I was working with, who didn't know a lot, told him to come back in the morning. I told the driver that he didn't have a chance because it came off of a log truck, which are privately owned and he never saw the truck or who dropped it. Not to mention he hit the tire on a city street not our property.
Unfortunately for my co-worker the guy came back the next morning, his bad tire still on the bent rim and walked in the front door and started demanding cash. Needless to say it didn't go well. People need to look up the vehicle and traffic laws at least in their states before they call the insurance company thinking that things should be covered.