Indiana serves as a major route for commercial trucks traveling along interstates I-65, I-69 and I-70, many of which carry heavy or oversized loads. When trucks fail to secure cargo, it can fall onto the roadway and create hazards for other drivers. By knowing how to respond to truck debris, you can protect your safety and reduce the chance of an accident.
Maintain control of the vehicle
When debris appears in your path, your priority should be maintaining stability. Reduce your speed gradually to avoid abrupt swerving, as sharp movements can cause secondary collisions with nearby vehicles. Under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence law, a driver who swerves into another vehicle may be held at fault for any resulting collision.
If there is enough space on the road, signal and change lanes gradually. This allows other drivers to anticipate your actions and respond safely.
Create distance from other vehicles
Keeping a safe following distance from trucks carrying heavy loads can help drivers respond more safely to potential debris. For example, when you notice a truck carrying open cargo, increase the distance between the truck and your vehicle. This added space gives you more time to react if pieces or objects fall onto the roadway.
Moreover, when passing trucks, do so cautiously and avoid lingering beside them. Because trucks have large blind spots, drivers may fail to notice potential hazards until it is too late.
Report hazards and document the incident
Federal law requires commercial drivers to secure cargo properly, but violations can still occur due to improper loading. Since debris left on the roadway creates an immediate hazard, contact local law enforcement to ensure it is addressed promptly.
Should debris damage your vehicle or cause a crash, document the scene as soon as it is safe. Take photos, gather witness information and record details about the truck, such as the company name and license plate numbers.
Taking action after a trucking accident caused by road debris
By staying attentive and cautious, you can help maintain a safer environment for yourself and other drivers sharing the road. If an accident occurs, you may consider pursuing legal remedies to compensate for damages or medical expenses. In some cases, truck driving accidents caused by negligence or failure to take proper precautions can result in legal liability.
Note that in Indiana, a person must be less than 51% at fault to recover any damages in a civil claim.
