A construction barrier was blown into my car—should I file a claim with the city?
My area is currently facing strong winds, and last night while driving home from a work event, a large construction barrier was knocked into my car by a gust of wind. Thankfully, I’m alright, but there’s some moderate damage to the driver’s side. My insurance will cover the damage after my deductible, but I’m wondering if I can file a claim against the city or if this would be considered an act of God. Given the high winds, shouldn’t the construction barrier have been secured properly? If this is a case of negligence, I feel the city should at least help cover my deductible. I’m not trying to be greedy—I just want to know if I have any grounds for a claim here. This whole situation feels so surreal! Any advice would be appreciated. 😊
I’m sorry to hear about the damage to your car; that sounds really frustrating! You’re right in thinking that there’s a potential claim to discuss. If you believe that the construction barrier was not secured properly given the weather conditions, you may have grounds for negligence.
To pursue this, you could file a claim with the city, but it’s important to gather evidence first. Take photos of the damage to your car, the construction barrier, and any relevant conditions (like wind speed or forecasts). Document everything, including where the incident occurred and the time it happened.
Check if the construction zone was permitted and whether there are guidelines for securing barriers in high winds. If it turns out that proper precautions weren’t taken, that may strengthen your case.
Contact your local city or municipal office to file a claim, as well as to ask about the process for claims against the city. They may require specific documentation or forms. Just keep in mind that claims against government entities can sometimes have strict deadlines and processes, so it’s best to act promptly.
Best of luck, and I hope your car is back on the road soon!