Who is Responsible When Things Fly off Cars and Trucks?

Who is Responsible When Things Fly off Cars and Trucks?

It is sometimes amazing, and usually always a bit frightening when we see things on the highway that obviously don’t belong there. On any given day you may see a ladder, mattress, plywood or some other object in the road that has apparently fallen from a vehicle that was once carrying it. You may have also backed away from or tried to quickly pass other vehicles that have items tied, strapped or in some cases, just held onto the roof by passengers. These situations are not just unnerving, they are potentially dangerous. They are also more commonplace than we may think.

According to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), roadway debris is the cause of over 200,000 accidents annually in the United States.

So who is responsible when things fly from vehicles and what can we do about it?

The Driver is Responsible for Attachments to Their Vehicle

This answer starts out simple enough, but doesn’t always play out that way. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for their own vehicle, including what may be tied, strapped or otherwise attached to it. This includes bikes on a bike rack or luggage tied on top. If something should come loose and cause an accident, the driver would be held responsible. It gets a little more complicated if a store or someone else attached the item to the vehicle. They too, could be held responsible for not attaching it securely. In addition, a driver losing part of his load may not either realize it at the time, or may intentionally drive on. Obviously a driver who can’t be located can’t be held responsible.

What If You Swerve to Miss an Item in the Road and Cause an Accident?

This may not sound fair, but if you swerve rapidly to miss debris in the road and that action causes an accident, you could be held liable as the cause for that accident. That is, of course, unless the driver of the item stopped ahead.

What Can You Do?

We can all make sure that when transporting items with our vehicles they are completely and sufficiently secure. NEVER try to hold down items on a car roof by hand. Don’t leave loose items in an open trunk or bed of a pickup truck. Lumberyards or big box stores may offer twine, but few will secure items for you for fear they may be held accountable should an accident occur. Most of all, don’t take chances. Wait until you can rent or borrow a vehicle of sufficient size for transporting large items or pay for delivery. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate delivery into the price of a larger item or items.

If you have questions about your automobile insurance, contact one of our independent agents. We are happy to provide an insurance policy review and no-obligation quote. Contact us today!


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Read More Blogs

Unwrapping the Wiener: A Deep Dive into the History and Lore of the Hot Dog

Beyond the bun: Discover the surprising history, varieties, and enduring appeal of America’s favorite tubular treat.

The Untapped Power of Collaboration: Why Asking for Help Fuels Business Success

Stop going it alone! Discover how leveraging the expertise of others can relieve pressure and drive your business forward.

Navigating the Grandparenting Journey: Understanding Today’s Families

Grandparenting today: Learn key shifts in family dynamics to build stronger connections with your children and grandchildren.

Mapping Our Paths: The Fascinating Reasons Behind Our Road Networks

The story behind the asphalt: Explore the geographical, historical, and planning influences that shaped our modern road systems.

Neighborly Navigations: Resolving Disputes in Non-HOA Communities

No HOA, no problem? Learn how to navigate neighborly disputes effectively in communities without formal management.

Vintage Years of Vision: Four Times Hollywood Hit Cinematic Gold

Like fine wines, certain years in film history stand out for their exceptional quality and the enduring impact of the movies they produced. This article explores four such landmark years, presented chronologically, that many cinephiles consider to be among the greatest in cinematic history.

Green Means Growth: How Environmental Responsibility Can Boost Your Business

It might seem like a secondary concern when facing immediate business challenges, but embracing environmentally friendly practices can actually be a powerful strategy for improving sales, attracting top talent, strengthening your brand, and even saving money. This article explores the tangible benefits of going green for your company’s bottom line and long-term success.

The Forgotten Beauty: Unearthing the Story of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Beyond the iconic Beetle and the groovy Microbus, Volkswagen produced a surprisingly elegant and often overlooked sports car: the Karmann Ghia. This article explores the history, design, and enduring appeal of this “poor man’s sportscar” that has become a sought-after collectible.

Peace of Mind at Home: Building Your Essential Supply Stockpile

Recent global events have highlighted the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. This article outlines key non-perishable food items and essential household supplies that every homeowner should keep on hand to ensure comfort, security, and resilience during unforeseen circumstances.

Faded Glory: Remembering the Sports That Once Ruled Our World

Remember when these sports were huge? Take a trip down memory lane with harness racing, bowling, boxing, and poker, and explore their shift in popularity.