What to Do If Your Car Is Hit by a Tree in a Parking Space?
3 Answers
Here are the steps to follow if your car is hit by a tree in a parking space: First, you should call the police and notify your insurance company. However, it is crucial to remember that you should not move the vehicle unless it is absolutely necessary, ensuring traffic safety and preserving the scene until the relevant personnel arrive. If moving the car is unavoidable, take photos of the scene as evidence before doing so. Failing to document the scene may lead to difficulties and unnecessary complications in the subsequent claims process. Compensation scenarios for a car damaged by a falling tree are as follows: 1. If the tree falls due to force majeure (unavoidable circumstances): If the vehicle is insured, the insurance company will cover the compensation. If there is no insurance or the damage is not covered by the policy, the owner must bear the cost. 2. If the tree falls and causes damage to others: According to Article 90 of the Tort Liability Law of the People's Republic of China, if a tree falls and causes damage to others, the owner or manager of the tree shall bear tort liability unless they can prove they were not at fault. 3. If the tree falls due to negligence in maintenance or management: In such cases, the manager of the tree is responsible for compensation, and the owner may also bear joint liability. If the car owner is partially at fault, they may also share some responsibility.
That morning, I discovered my car had been crushed by a fallen tree in the parking spot, and I was completely stunned. After calming down, the first thing I did was to ensure no one around was injured, then immediately took photos as evidence—including the damaged areas of the car, the condition of the tree, and the overall scene. Next, I called my insurance company to report the accident, and they asked for the parking spot address and information about the tree’s ownership. It’s best to check who is responsible for the tree: if it’s a communal tree in the neighborhood, the property management might be liable; if it’s a private tree, you’ll need to contact the owner for compensation. Since the car was temporarily undrivable, I arranged for it to be towed to a repair shop for assessment while keeping communication open for insurance arrangements. Throughout the process, stay calm and take it step by step—remember to have the vehicle repaired professionally to avoid secondary damage. Next time I park, I’ll stay away from large trees and check the surroundings for safety.
I've encountered similar incidents several times. The first thing to do when your car is damaged is not to move the scene. Taking photos for evidence, covering both the overall and detailed views, is fundamental. Call your insurance company to report the vehicle damage and provide the exact parking location. Determining the ownership of the tree is crucial: for trees in public areas like roadside, report to the municipal authorities; for trees owned by private property owners, communicate directly or file an insurance claim. Have a repair shop inspect the vehicle structure for damage as soon as possible, especially the roof or window glass. The insurance claim process may take a few days, so be patient and follow up. It's best to observe the health of surrounding trees before parking to avoid areas with dead trees—a small precaution can save a lot of trouble.
