Who to Contact When a Tree Falls on Your Car by the Roadside?
3 Answers
If your car is damaged by a falling tree, you should contact the relevant authorities for resolution. Below is an introduction to the relevant procedures when your car is hit by a tree: Contact the parking lot management: If your car is indeed damaged by a falling tree, the first thing you should do is contact the parking lot's management. Since you parked your car in this parking lot and paid a parking fee, the parking lot is responsible for any damages caused by trees falling within its premises. Contact your insurance company: However, if the incident occurs in a public, non-fee parking area, you should then contact your insurance company. Many car owners purchase insurance after buying their vehicles. Tree falls are considered natural disasters, so if you contact your insurance company and they determine that the damage meets the compensation criteria, the insurance company will cover all repair costs, and you won't have to pay out of pocket.
Last time I encountered this exact situation - a roadside tree fell directly onto my car roof. The first thing is to stay calm. Immediately call 122 or 110 to report to traffic police for official documentation, proving it's a natural incident rather than human error (this is crucial). Then quickly take photos of the scene - capture the tree's position, vehicle damage, and preferably with timestamps. Next, identify who owns the tree. If it's on sidewalks or public green spaces, usually municipal authorities like the Urban Management Bureau are responsible - you can contact them for compensation claims. However, most cases require relying on yourself or insurance. If your auto policy includes comprehensive coverage or compulsory insurance with natural disaster extensions, don't hesitate - call your insurer's hotline immediately to file a claim. Have your vehicle license and policy documents ready for the claims adjuster's assessment. Remember: never attempt to move the vehicle or clear branches yourself - it risks personal injury or evidence tampering. Safety first! The process might take weeks but will eventually resolve with proper documentation - just be patient and thorough.
I think it depends on who owns the tree. If your car gets hit by a falling tree, don't panic. First, ensure safety by moving the car to a safe location if it's still drivable. Then, immediately check who owns the tree. Typically, urban trees fall into several categories: those planted by the government are managed by municipal landscaping departments, those within residential communities are managed by property management, and trees in private yards belong to the homeowner. If you can identify the responsible party, you can directly file a complaint with the local traffic or greening department. However, in reality, it's often complicated and difficult for individuals to track down the responsible party, so relying on insurance is usually the quickest solution. Several people I know have resolved similar issues through their auto insurance—comprehensive coverage typically covers vehicle damage. If you only have compulsory traffic insurance or haven't purchased vehicle damage insurance, you might need to negotiate on your own or even pursue a small claims lawsuit. That's why it's wise to add natural disaster coverage when choosing your auto insurance—it saves a lot of hassle! During the process, remember to record all communications or take screenshots as evidence to avoid disputes.
