Car accident O_O;

[Purple Banana]

So yeah...

I was driving down a road today, it was starting to rain, driving and minding my own business, when all of a sudden...

WHAM

A motherfucking tree branch the thickness of a telephone pole smashes through my windshield- it fell from a dead tree above.

My baby, whom I had just put about 400 bucks into THIS MONTH fixing some things, is now totalled. For some unknown reason, I only walked away with a few superficial scrapes from the glass, and a tiny bit of soreness.

The neighbors who helped me out told me they have called the county about the tree to get it removed, and the police officer told me it's state property, and the county's calls should have been forwarded to the state.

My question is, can I get anything out of the state for this? I only have coverage for my health on my car insurance-wise, and if they were notified of it before and didn't do shit about this 200 foot dead oak tree, would they have a liability for it?

My 'rents are in the process of contacting a lawyer, but until then, any clues?

[thcbongman]

Dude, you're car was so cool!!!! All those stickers!!!

=(

Prepare for a long fight. I'm sure you can file a claim with the state, but they're going to stonewall you until you give up. Don't =)

[jdub61]

fucking sue the shit outta everybody, sue 'em for 54 million dollars like that guy with the missing pants

[yoda]

that sucks. got stormed in my neck of the maryland woods. a lot of trees fallen over, a few roads closed. sorry to hear about your car though. hopefully in the end, it will all work out well.

[JaggedEdge]

They will probably consider it an act of god, and won't pay you for it. Insurance company's never want to actually pay people...

That is some serious bad luck.

[geonagual]

Make sure to go to the doctor now and get a record of your injuries.
Crazy story..I like the part "A motherfucking tree branch"
you know that is going to be a branch..haha

[Purple Banana]

Here she is- The front of her, anyway...

[geonagual]

Oh damn! Your lucky to not have been hurt...a car can be replaced..hopefully your insurance gets you a rental.

[JustinSKS]

Exaggerate your pain. Sue for billions/trillions/dillions. Get rich! Seriously sucks though dude. I was in a car accident. Got rear-ended. I was in the back seat. :( Sux hardcore.

[deadfan420]

That fucking sucks!!!

At least your not hurt. Things could be a lot worse!!!!

What state do you live in? Each state is different. You might want to get statements from the neighbors who have called to complain about the tree, and if any of them actually witnessed the accident. You should also write down a detailed narrative of what happened (times, exact places, etc). The police report is also very important to have!!!

Even in small claims court they expect you to present a solid case. Asking the state for money 'cause a branch fell on your car won't get you anywhere. You have to show that they were negligent and that because of their negligence, they caused so much damage to your car. The point is that you were in an accident from a falling tree branch, which damaged your car, and someone needs to be held responsible (state or otherwise).

Remember, you can go after more than just the cost to repair the car (if it can be repaired). While your car is damaged, do you have to take alternate forms of transportation (ie. bus, rental, etc)? Did you get any medical attention for your few bruises? Anything else besides the car damaged?

Most of all, get a good lawyer. It might cost a little money up front, but you can also go after attorney fees as well.

[LazySmoking420]

"They will probably consider it an act of god, and won't pay you for it. Insurance company's never want to actually pay people..."

Yeah, but wittness' stated they called the county about the tree to get it removed...

Meaning it's no longer act of god rather the state neglecting a safety hazzard.

You have a case. You might walk away with a brand new car.

[afghooey]

Here she is- The front of her, anyway...

Ouch. :( Glad you're OK though!

[LazySmoking420]

Keep us updated... interesting case.

[Matt the Funk]

OUCH! About 2 years ago my dad got hit by an RV in his mini-van. Fucking totaled his car and destroyed the back half. He didn't get hurt but he was damn lucky. Stupid bitch that hit him didn't even say sorry. Anyways insurance gave him like $6,000. But since it's the state's fault pretty much, i'd sue them for a pretty penny if possible.

[Purple Banana]

I have the police report, I have names and addresses of those who witnessed AND reported to the county, I took a shitload of pictures, and I am going to the doctor's tomorrow.

I'm in Maryland.

The only reason I refused medical treatment was because I KNOW the cost of ambulances are insanely expensive- we're talking at LEAST 20-30 miles to the closest hospital...

Looking for a new car is just heartbreaking... I loved that car so much...

[yoda]

the banana-mobile was split :(

[weedmaster]

thats bad luck PB, but i'm so glad your o.k.:thumbsup:

[GHoSToKeR]

Sorry to hear that, PB.