What to Do If a Car Is Hit by a Tree on the Roadside?
3 Answers
If your car is hit by a large tree, you should first call the police and notify your insurance company. However, it is crucial to remember not to move the car unless absolutely necessary, ensuring traffic is not disrupted and safety is maintained. Wait for the relevant personnel to arrive. If moving the car is unavoidable, take photos of the scene to preserve evidence. Below are the types of insurance you need to purchase after buying a car: 1. Compulsory Traffic Insurance: This is mandatory by law, and failure to purchase it may result in fines if caught by traffic police. It offers limited coverage, mainly for third parties and not for your own vehicle. 2. Third-Party Liability Insurance: Covers compensation for injuries or deaths caused by the car owner to third parties. This is essential for both your protection and others'. 3. Vehicle Damage Insurance: Covers losses to your own vehicle due to natural disasters or accidents. Recommended for new drivers. 4. No-Deductible Insurance: An add-on that transfers the owner's liability to the insurance company, reducing personal losses. It is advisable to purchase this if you have both Vehicle Damage Insurance and Third-Party Liability Insurance.
When my beloved car got hit by a tree, it was quite a chaotic situation. First, I circled the vehicle to check for dangerous conditions like oil leaks or smoke, and promptly placed a triangular warning sign 50 meters behind the car. I immediately used my phone to take photos of the scene from multiple angles, making sure to capture the position of the tree trunk, license plate number, and surrounding environment clearly. Then, I called 122 to report the incident to the police for record, while also contacting the insurance company to file a claim. It's important to clarify who owns the tree—whether it's municipal landscaping or the residential property management—as this affects subsequent compensation. After handling these steps, when towing the car to the 4S shop for damage assessment and repairs, remember to have the repair shop take photos after disassembling the damaged parts. These photos are crucial for insurance claims. Throughout the entire process, it's essential to stay calm and avoid hastily moving the car, which could disrupt the scene.
If your car is hit by a tree, first ensure safety—never stand under a leaning tree. Immediately turn on hazard lights and record a video of the scene with your phone, capturing weather conditions and the angle of the fallen tree. Then take three steps: call the police to report the location and nature of the accident, notify your insurer with details of the damaged areas and severity, and finally contact the local road or landscaping department to identify the tree's owner. While waiting for authorities, I recommend asking for nearby repair shop contacts in car owner groups. When repairing at a dealership, keep the work order and request OEM parts for certain replacements—ensure the adjuster specifies labor cost calculations. For compensation follow-up, persistently call the landscaping department weekly to expedite the process.
