A truck just broke my windshield shortly after I had it replaced. :rolleyes: I’ve heard it said that trucking companies have a reserve to pay for such damage, if you know to ask. Even if it varies within the 50 States, is there any truth to this? I figure someone on the SD would know! - Jinx
Depends where the stone came from, if it was kicked up by a tire, you pay. If it came from an unsecured load, the trucking company might pay. The only time it happened to me, the rock came from from a dump truck carrying a load of rock. The trucking company refused to pay till the day I served them with a small claims lawsuit. I walked out of the office with a check 10 minutes later.
And YES, they are responsible.
Here is a previous thread we did on this: "Not Responsible For Broken Windshield" - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board
But only under certain circumstances and in certain jurisdictions. There are few absolutes in this world and this sure as hell ain’t on of them. If the company can convince the judge that they routinely take the required safety precautions, the judge is likely to rule it ‘an act of God’. They may pay out a few hundred to avoid the expense of going to court, but they can just as well move to have the case moved from small claims, in which it’s going to cost you a lot more and they can have their atty’s represent them.