If you’ve ever been driving and suddenly hit something in the road, you know how scary and dangerous it can be. Maybe it was a tire from another car, a box, or even a piece of furniture. Road debris can cause serious damage to your car—and sometimes lead to injuries. But when this happens, who’s responsible?
In Arizona, road debris accidents happen more often than people think. And figuring out who is at fault isn’t always easy. It depends on where the debris came from, how it got there, and whether someone was being careless.
Let’s take a closer look at what road debris is, how it causes crashes, and who may be held responsible.
How Road Debris Accidents Happen
Road debris includes anything that’s not supposed to be on the road. It could come from a car, a truck, or even a construction site. Here are some common examples of road debris accidents:
- A mattress falls off a pickup truck and blocks the road
- A ladder slides out of a moving van
- A tire tread comes off a semi-truck
- Tree branches fall into the street after a storm
- Construction cones or tools get left behind after road work
- A box or bag falls from a moving car
Hitting any of these things could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. In some cases, drivers swerve to avoid debris, which can cause them to crash into other cars or run off the road.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, road debris was linked to over 200,000 crashes from 2011 to 2014. Around 500 people died, and about 39,000 were injured. Most of these crashes could have been prevented if drivers had secured their loads or if road crews had cleared the roads properly.
What to Do After a Road Debris Accident
If you hit something in the road or get into a crash because of debris, here are the steps to take:
- Stay safe – If you can, move your car to the side of the road.
- Turn on your hazard lights – Let other drivers know something is wrong.
- Call 911 – Report the accident and ask for help if anyone is hurt.
- Don’t leave the scene – Stay with your car until help arrives.
- Take pictures – If it’s safe, take photos of the damage and the debris.
- Look for witnesses – If anyone saw what happened, get their contact info.
- File a police report – This helps you document the accident and may be needed later.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, it’s best to get checked out.
Once you’ve done these things, talk to a car accident lawyer in Phoenix. They can help you figure out who may be responsible and what your legal options are.
Figuring Out Who’s at Fault
There are many possible people or groups that could be to blame for road debris accidents. It all depends on where the debris came from. Here are the most common sources:
1. Another Driver
If something fell off another vehicle—like a box, mattress, or tire—they may be at fault. Drivers are supposed to tie down or secure anything they carry. If they don’t, and that causes a crash, they could be held responsible.
Unfortunately, many times these drivers don’t even realize something fell off. They might drive away without stopping. This can make it harder to track them down.
If you have dashcam footage or witness statements, this can help identify the car or truck that caused the debris.
2. A Trucking or Shipping Company
If debris falls from a commercial truck or delivery van, the trucking company might be to blame. Companies are required to make sure their cargo is properly loaded and secure. If they don’t do this and it causes an accident, they can be sued for the damages.
In some cases, the workers who loaded the truck or the company who owns the cargo might also be at fault.
3. Construction Crews
Construction companies that leave tools, cones, or barriers in the road could also be responsible. They are required to clean up and make sure the road is safe for drivers after their work is done.
If they forget to remove equipment or materials, and someone gets hurt, they could be held liable.
4. Government Agencies
Sometimes, the city or state could be responsible for cleaning up road debris. If they knew about a hazard and didn’t fix it, they may be at fault.
For example, if someone reported a large tree branch blocking the road and nothing was done, and then it caused an accident, the government could be sued. But suing a government agency can be more complicated and often requires filing a special claim quickly.
Why Proving Fault Can Be Difficult
Proving who caused road debris isn’t always easy. The debris might not be near the car that dropped it. The person who caused it may be long gone. That’s why it’s important to gather as much evidence as you can, as soon as possible.
An experienced car accident attorney can help by:
- Reviewing traffic or security camera footage
- Speaking with witnesses
- Collecting reports from police or the Department of Transportation
- Looking for marks or damage that match other vehicles
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.
How to Avoid Road Debris Accidents
While not every accident is preventable, there are a few things you can do to stay safer on the road:
- Don’t follow too closely. Leave extra space between your car and trucks or vehicles carrying items.
- Watch for loose loads. If you see ropes or straps flapping, back off or change lanes.
- Avoid swerving sharply. If you can’t avoid hitting debris, it’s often safer to brake and hit it than to swerve and risk hitting another car.
- Report debris. If you see something dangerous in the road, call local authorities so they can remove it.
Can I Get Compensation for Road Debris Damage?
Yes, if someone else’s carelessness caused the road debris, you may be able to get money for:
- Car repairs
- Medical bills
- Lost wages if you had to miss work
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term health issues
If the person responsible can’t be found, your own insurance may help pay for some of the damage. This depends on your coverage and whether you have uninsured motorist protection or collision coverage.
A personal injury attorney can review your case and help you figure out the best way to move forward.
Speak to a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Today
If your car was damaged or you were hurt because of road debris, don’t try to deal with it alone. At CLS Law, our car accident attorneys are ready to help you find out who is responsible and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We understand how stressful these accidents can be, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance claims. Let our team handle the legal side while you focus on healing.
Call us today at (855) 257-9467 for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.