Man I'm so pissed - Truck dropping rocks ruins windshield
 

So I'm off to the doctor today for a bad leg infection and cruising down 75 in FL. I see an opening for my exit while I'm in the left lane and change lanes. I was behind this large construction truck for no more then a second or two and right when I get behind him (about 100 ft) I get a shower of rocks. Several smack the windshield.

I pass another one of these trucks who's in front of the one that did the damage trying to see if I can see a phone # or some identification. I couldn't even read the license plate since it was covered with dirt. Then I notice from this truck as well dozens of small rocks pooring out of the back of the POS. I was stunned at the sight.

So I check it later and there's at least 6 chips in my windshield, several marks on the hood. One of the windshield chips has cracked it as well. The crack is about 3/16 of an inch long.

I can't believe these trucks are allowed to travel highways doing this. They must have been damaging cars left and right. Just amazing.

I'm not sure if the crack I have is large enough to require replacing the windshield or not. Also not sure if I file a claim how this works since I've never had it happen before.

Anyone have experience with this and any insight on what to do? Any suggestions or help appreciated.

Z-Stalker

Call your insurance ASAP. Not much you can do about the trucks. It sucks hard, happened to me 2 weeks after I bought my Accord back in the day.

Most insurance companies have a free window repair policy if its smaller than a dollar bill. Do it because they can spread. AFAIK this will have zero affect on your policy. It didnt on mine.

Sorry man :(

get your windshield fixed. mine was like that and i waited till the next morning to get it fixed but it was too late a small rock chip became a huge crack on my windshield about 12 inches long...

This happened to me about 2 weeks after having the Z. I slowed down to let the guy get down the road and ended up getting rear ended by an 18 wheeler....

I think it's illegal to transport some materials like gravel if the top isnt covered to prevent stuff from blowing out.

I would also think that you could hold them accountable if you had the plate number and a cell phone to call the police.

A friend of mine was driving his new 5 series bimmer and the same exact thing happened with him, instead of rocks, the truck was dropping sand or something that fked up his paint on his hood... he drove in front of the truck and made him pull over. Got his license number, etc etc, called up the trucking company, and they paid to get his paint re-done and paid for all damages. This actually happened. Apparently trucking companies have some special insurance for stuff like that...

This exact same thing happened to me... I have Geico and they have a policy option called Mechaincal Breakdown which covers glass. If the chip is under the size of a dollar they can fix it for free or you can pay $50 and get your windshield replaced with an OEM one. Thats what I did as my rock chip was in my line of sight and even when fixed it will make the glass kind of warped so that when you look out of it it looks weird...

It's a Florida law that insurance companies MUST replace your windshield TOTALLY free of charge if there is any crack or chip what so ever. My mom's jeep wrangler got a small chip the same way you did. This one was not threatening the integrity of the glass or anything but insurance had to replace it anyway. They aren't real strict about it. Pretty much you just call them, tell them your windshield is cracked, and they will send a company of their choice to your house to replace it in about 20 mins. The guy doesn't even look for the chip or anything. He could care less. :-)

So...moral of the story. If your windshield gets dirty...call the insurance company and get new glass! LOL
You may even be able to get a smoked windshield like my mom did. Worked out pretty well with that truck. Sucks about the chips in the paint though.

ouuuch. That hurt to read. You should've kept on his ***

Thanks everyone.

Consulting with my good friend Tequilla at the moment and he's helping me feel better.

The clear bra held well and while it was slightly scuffed it protected the paint.

I couldn't get their number because the truck was so dirty. Couldn't read the license either.

The rocks weren't blowing out, they were leaking from under the door. Just pooring out.

I'll call the insurance company tomorrow.

It's just annoying that these drivers don't seem to care. Rocks pooring out the rear like an hourglass.

In hindsight I shouldn't have gotten near the thing at all. I was running a bit late for the doctor and couldn't miss my appointment. Massive leg infection from a run in with an old brass table 4 nights ago. Much JD was involved.

Z-Stalker

I learned my lesson years ago...stay at least 150ft from any RIG unless it appears to be fairly clean, especially gravel trucks.

I did the same things as someone above...I pulled the MFer over and got all his info. They truck companies will pay for damage to your car :)

I'd try to stay back behind as well.. Probably a few seconds or maybe even pass the truck if possible.

I hope everything works out. I seriously get away from any truck, be it a Tacoma, Dodge ram, or a semi.

This is the crack on the windshield right?
J/K bro I thought I would try to cheer you up. :p