Road debris accidents are more common than many Florida drivers realize. Loose items like cargo, tires, tools, and construction materials often end up scattered on highways and city streets, potentially causing serious accidents and injuries in the process.
If road debris hit your car and caused you to crash, know that you may have legal options under Florida law. An experienced car accident attorney in Fort Myers can help you identify the responsible party and pursue compensation for all of your losses.
Until then, however, read on to learn more about how these cases work and what you may be entitled to recover.
What Are a Few Common Types of Road Debris Accidents in Florida?
Road debris can come from many sources, and so every accident case has unique facts and circumstances at the end of the day. Some common examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Falling debris from trucks, trailers, and improperly secured loads
- Tire blowouts that send rubber and metal pieces into nearby vehicles
- Construction materials left behind on the roadway
- Vehicle parts, like bumpers or hubcaps, that detach from moving cars
- Natural debris, such as tree branches or storm remnants
Seemingly inconsequential objects can still cause major damage in these circumstances when vehicles are traveling at highway speeds, making it important to stay safe and take precautions as is possible given the situation — a Fort Myers truck accident lawyer will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Determining Liability for a Debris Accident
Liability for this type of accident could depend (at least in part) on how the debris ended up on the road. If someone’s negligence caused the debris to fall and/or remain on the roadway, they can potentially be held legally responsible.
Here are some common scenarios to look out for:
- Negligent drivers or trucking companies: If a driver failed to secure cargo properly and it came loose, that driver (and possibly their employer) may be liable.
- Vehicle owners: When poor vehicle maintenance leads to parts falling off, the owner could be directly responsible.
- Construction and road maintenance crews: Companies working on public roads must clear away debris when a project ends. Leaving materials behind could make them liable for resulting accidents.
- Government entities: If the debris came from a poorly maintained roadway or public vehicle, a government agency could share fault. However, note that these claims follow special notice and time requirements under Florida Statutes § 768.28.
If no liable party can be identified (for example, if the debris fell from an unknown vehicle), you might still have coverage through your own insurance. Florida’s no-fault insurance laws allow you to file a claim with your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy regardless of who caused the crash.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer for Help After a Road Debris Crash
If you were hit by road debris while driving in Florida, you don’t have to handle the situation without a top-rated lawyer on your side. Determining who’s liable can be complex in these cases, especially when multiple parties are involved or when the at-fault driver can’t be identified.
An award-winning car accident lawyer with Garvin Injury Law can review the facts of your case and help you work toward an outcome that makes you whole again, as best as the law can. Call (239) 277-0005 or contact us online today to get started with a free consultation.