What to Do If a Tree or Branch Falls on Your Car and Causes an Accident
Falling trees and branches are a serious accident risk, especially in the fall and winter months. Here’s what to do if one falls on your car and causes an accident.
Why Trees Fall and Cause Accidents
Trees may fall due to age, disease, weather, or poor maintenance. Dead or dying trees are particularly hazardous. Property owners, government agencies, and utility companies are responsible for keeping trees safe in their areas. If a hazardous tree isn’t properly maintained, the responsible party could be liable for accidents it causes.
Private vs. Public Property Trees
In the event that a tree falls on private property, the owner of that property is usually responsible for related injuries, especially if they knew it was a hazard and didn’t address it. State or local agencies, like PennDOT or individual municipalities, are usually responsible for trees within the public right of way for trees near public roads.
When Utilities are Involved
Trees near power lines are often the utility company’s responsibility. This company could be liable if it failed to trim or remove a risky tree which caused an accident – especially if it knew about the hazard or should have during the course of regular inspections. It can be challenging to prove this, however, unless the tree was flagged as dangerous but left untreated.
What to Do if a Tree or Branch Falls on Your Car
If a tree or branch falls on your car, steer to safety, then call 911 if anyone is injured or if the road is blocked. Report the incident to local authorities, especially if the tree or branch is on a public roadway, so they can help clear the area. Document the damage by taking photos and videos of the accident scene, your car, and the fallen tree or branches, as this can be helpful for insurance or legal needs. Finally, contact your insurance company to report the incident and provide the necessary documentation.
When to Consider Legal Help
It can be challenging to determine who is at fault for a falling tree accident, as liability often depends on where the tree was, its condition, who owned it, and whether someone ignored the clear risks it presented. Fortunately, you do not have to prove liability on your own. Instead, you can choose to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. Your lawyer could investigate the incident and determine whether a tree owner, utility company, or municipality owes you compensation for failing to address a hazardous condition.
Stay Safe and Informed
Have you been injured in an accident involving a falling tree or branch? If so, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Let the experienced team with Ainsman Levine, LLC, help you pursue the money you deserve from the party responsible for the tree that injured you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer serving Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, and let’s discuss your case together.