How to Handle an Accident Caused by Objects Falling from a Vehicle Ahead?
2 Answers
If it can be proven that the object was cargo from the vehicle ahead and caused the accident by hitting your car, the vehicle ahead will bear full responsibility for the accident. Below is additional information regarding objects falling from vehicles ahead: 1. Measures to Take: If the cargo of a vehicle traveling on the highway falls, spills, or scatters, the driver or escort personnel should promptly take measures to address the situation. If immediate action is not possible, they should set up warning signs at an appropriate distance in the direction from which the objects fell, spilled, or scattered, and quickly report to the highway management agency or the traffic management department of the public security authority. Others who discover obstacles on the highway that affect traffic safety should also promptly report to the highway management agency or the traffic management department of the public security authority. 2. Liability: The traffic management department of the public security authority should order the correction of illegal activities such as cargo falling, spilling, or scattering from vehicles. The highway management agency and highway operating enterprises should promptly remove obstacles that have fallen, spilled, or scattered on the highway. If the driver or escort personnel fail to take timely measures after cargo falls, spills, or scatters, causing personal or property damage to others, the road transport enterprise and the driver should bear compensation liability according to the law.
Seeing this kind of thing really gives me a headache. I encountered it last year when a box fell off the car in front and hit my front bumper, almost causing a major accident. I immediately slowed down, pulled over, turned on the hazard lights, and made sure that no one in the car was injured. Then I called the police (122) right away, reported the location and general situation, and waited for them to handle it. Remember to take photos of the scene, including the license plate of the car in front and the evidence of the fallen object—having witnesses is even better. When the police arrive, they will take statements and determine liability. Usually, the car in front is fully at fault because they didn’t secure the items properly. After the process, make sure to get the accident liability report and contact your insurance company to file a claim. The insurance company will cover the vehicle damage. Stay calm throughout the process—safety is always the top priority. I also recommend using a dashcam to record the whole incident as evidence. Looking back, this kind of accident reminds me to always maintain a safe distance while driving, especially when encountering trucks or vehicles with unsecured loads—it’s particularly dangerous.
