Stone Transportation

[Bentfroggy]

I went through a number of the pages to see if this question had been asked, but I didn't get through them all. So if this has already been asked, I apologize.

When driving, we all see big dump trucks that haul stone or sand or wood or something that can damage a car. Without exception, they all have a sign that says something to the effect of "keep back 200 feet, not responsible for damaged windshields".

My question is how can that possibly be the case? It is exactly the same thing as me putting a bunch of stones on the roof of my car and driving through traffic with them falling off and hitting other cars, but me saying I am not responsible for any damage. Right?

Thanks.

Chris

[DeltaV]

You can put a sign on your car saying whatever you want, but that doesn't make it valid. Pretty much every state requires trucks to cover their loads and there are hefty fines for unsecured or dropping loads.

Still, if your windshield is damaged by a rock from a truck and the company refuses to pay for it, you have to weigh yourself whether or not suing the company is worth it for a $200 windshield.

[txinvestigator1]

I went through a number of the pages to see if this question had been asked, but I didn't get through them all. So if this has already been asked, I apologize.

When driving, we all see big dump trucks that haul stone or sand or wood or something that can damage a car. Without exception, they all have a sign that says something to the effect of "keep back 200 feet, not responsible for damaged windshields".

My question is how can that possibly be the case? It is exactly the same thing as me putting a bunch of stones on the roof of my car and driving through traffic with them falling off and hitting other cars, but me saying I am not responsible for any damage. Right?

Thanks.

Chris

Liability generally refers to civil actions, not criminal or traffic law. Some states have traffic laws about loads coming off of vehicles, and if the operator violates such a law he could be cited.

Civil liability is a matter of fact for a judge or jury.

[Bentfroggy]

I appreciate the feedback. I kinda figured that was the case.

Thank you again for the responses gentlemen.

Chris

[ChesCopPodz]

Yeah, those signs amount to a hill of beans. I can put that I'm the queen of england on a sign, doesn't make it valid.

My college would do building inspections of the fire sprinklers while we were away on christmas and spring breaks. They'd put a note on every door saying they weren't liable for damges of stolen property. Same as the truck signs, it didn't amount to a hill of beans when one of the students sued for his lost stuff when they accidently left the door open after the inspection.

[Ispbear]

Maybe MCSAP will chime in here, but I'm pretty sure that it is in the Federal Motor Carrier Laws that the load is required to be covered.