Have you ever seen commercial vehicles with signs on the back telling vehicles to stay back as the vehicle isn't liable for windshield damage? If cargo or debris comes off the commercial vehicle, is that carrier liable for the damage?
While they do deter a lot of windshield damage claims, the company is still liable if something falls out or off the truck and damages a vehicle. Short answer, this is crap!
One of the required trainings for all commercial vehicle drivers to take is Cargo Securement, this will teach drivers the proper ways to tie down their load. In this training, drivers learn that they must remove all debris from their trailers in order to prevent damage to other vehicles on the road. If the vehicle isn't a flatbed trailer, the driver must ensure that all debris is secured and will not leave the vehicle while in transit.
If debris is kicked up by the truck and thrown into your vehicle, the truck and the company it belongs to will not be liable for that damage.
Whether you're driving in your personal vehicle behind a CMV with one of these signs or stickers, or your CMV has one of these signs on the back you need to be aware that if the debris or cargo falls from the CMV, that company will be held responsible for the damage.
Be aware that in order to make the claim, you will need to get the license plate information and have proof that it did come from the vehicle in question.
Make sure to check out our online DOT Training platform, DOT University! We currently are offering Reasonable Suspicion for Supervisors, Cargo Securement, Defensive Driving, and Pre/Post Trip Inspection. In the coming months, we plan on releasing Designated Employer Representative and Appendix A.
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