Q: Is it illegal to drive over road debris which causes that debris to hit another car?
A:
More info is needed.
However, without intent to do so, I don't see exposure.
A:
In California, it is illegal to operate a vehicle in a manner that endangers others or causes damage to property. If a driver drives over road debris and the debris causes damage to another vehicle or endangers other drivers, the driver may be cited for reckless driving, negligent driving, or other related offenses.
Under California Vehicle Code section 23103, reckless driving is defined as driving a vehicle on a highway "in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." Negligent driving, which may also apply in certain situations, is defined as driving a vehicle in a careless or inattentive manner that endangers others.
Therefore, if a driver drives over road debris and that debris causes damage to another vehicle or endangers other drivers, the driver could be cited for reckless or negligent driving. If the damage is significant or causes injury to others, the driver could also be held liable for damages in a civil lawsuit.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
