What to Do When Hit by a Foreign Object Thrown from a Vehicle Ahead on the Highway?
3 Answers
Remember the license plate and report to the police. If you have a dashcam, it's best to provide evidence to the authorities. If the other party is identified and their liability is confirmed, you can request compensation from them. Otherwise, you can only check if you have relevant insurance coverage and seek compensation from the insurance company. Below is additional information on common illegal behaviors during highway driving: 1. Speeding: Speeding is one of the most common and dangerous traffic violations on highways. Exceeding the maximum speed limit indicated on highways results in fines. 2. Fatigued Driving: According to the law, continuous driving for more than 4 hours requires a rest stop of at least 20 minutes. 3. Illegal Parking: Illegal parking is relatively common on highways and poses significant hazards. Many drivers stop arbitrarily to pick up or drop off passengers, relieve themselves, or inspect their vehicles. 4. U-turns and Wrong-way Driving: U-turns and wrong-way driving are among the most dangerous traffic violations, especially common among passenger cars. Performing a U-turn or driving the wrong way on a highway results in a 12-point penalty. 5. Improper Lane Changes: There are three scenarios of improper lane changes on highways: overtaking, returning to the driving lane after overtaking, and changing lanes arbitrarily. When changing lanes, first check the rearview mirror for any vehicles behind or overtaking, then use the turn signal to alert others. Improper lane changes result in a fine and a 6-point penalty. 6. Long-term Occupancy of the Overtaking Lane: Long-term occupancy of the overtaking lane can be dangerous if an accident occurs in the opposite direction and vehicles cross the median barrier, leaving little time to react. 7. Following Too Closely: Whether it's a large or small vehicle, following too closely is common on highways. Given the high speeds on highways, maintaining a safe following distance is crucial. If the distance is too close and the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, the likelihood of an accident increases. 8. Pedestrians on Highways: Pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles, tractors, wheeled special machinery vehicles, articulated buses, full trailers, and other motor vehicles with a design speed below 70 km/h are not allowed on highways. 9. Overloaded Trucks: Overloading reduces a vehicle's braking performance and overall driving capability, increasing the risk of accidents in emergencies. Overloaded vehicles also move slower, and scientific research shows that speed differences between vehicles are a significant factor in accidents—the greater the speed difference, the higher the accident probability.
I've encountered a similar situation on the highway before, where tire debris from the vehicle in front flew over and hit my windshield. First and foremost, stay calm and avoid panicking or slamming on the brakes suddenly, as this could lead to a rear-end collision. Gradually reduce your speed and pull over to the emergency lane, then come to a complete stop with your hazard lights on. After exiting the vehicle, immediately check both the car and yourself for safety, inspecting for any windshield cracks or body dents. If there's damage, take photos to document the time and location, and try to note down the license plate number or model of the vehicle ahead. Reporting to the police is also crucial, as highway patrol officers will come to handle the accident report. Remember to contact your insurance company to file a claim; they'll guide you through the process. Afterwards, take your car to a repair shop for a thorough inspection—don’t delay, as minor issues can escalate. Safety comes first, and such incidents are quite common on highways. Maintaining a safe following distance can help reduce the risks.
This situation requires a rational approach to avoid complications. After pulling over, first ensure your own safety, then document the scene details: take photos of the damage with your phone, including the foreign object and the damaged area of the car; it's even better if you can remember the characteristics of the vehicle ahead, such as its color and license plate. Reporting to the police is a necessary step—call the 122 hotline to report the accident and request a police report. Next, contact your insurance company's customer service, upload the evidence, and file a claim. When claiming, provide specific details; car insurance policies typically cover such accidental damage. After handling the claim, take your car to a professional repair shop—don't try to save money by fixing it yourself. Additionally, preventive measures include checking if the vehicle ahead has any loading issues and maintaining a distance of at least 100 meters when driving at high speeds. Following the rules saves trouble and ensures peace of mind.
