Extremely angry - Need advice from VA drivers

[torqueno]

I bought my BRZ exactly a month ago with 1,800 miles. I've taken great care of it and garaged it in the carport. Yesterday, I was traveling on 495 going North in the far left lane right around noon. There must have been an accident there that morning because about a mile before the 66 exit, the cars in my lane were sandblasting each other with TONS of broken glass and gravel. There were cars traveling next to us in the right lane so before I could change lanes, I was sandblasted for about eight seconds.

It sounded horrible. Very horrible. The cars in front and the back of me all swerved over to the right lane once it was clear, but by then, it was too late. I inspected my car with another enthusiast on this forum shortly after the incident, and I could see micro-scratches EVERYWHERE. This is such a bad feeling especially since I know the car had no cosmetic scratches or damage. I'm still in the phase where I inspect the vehicle everyday before heading to work so I knew what it looked like, and there were absolutely no scratches or pits. Good news is, a professional detailer said he could take out about 90% of the damage. The scratches run the entire length of my car and it includes the pillars. But the rest he can not fix - the front bumper and windshield is pitted.

Is there anything I can do to make a claim to the county or state? Has anyone done this before with success? I'm not trying to get rich here. I just want to be reimbursed for the cost of a professional detail. I don't even think I can do much about the little pit marks on my windshield and front bumper. Legal advice welcome. Thanks.

[Celadrielas]

I take insurance claims for a living. So in regards to if you can take the city / state as responsible for their roadways, I don't know. It varies state to state and typically the answer is not likely.

What I can tell you is the damage would be covered under comprehensive coverage for insurance as a road debris claim, so check your deductibles. Also, you should understand there is a possibility it could raise your rates or still cost you out of pocket depending on coverage and claim history.

Claim would be filed, adjuster assigned, services rendered, the wheels on the bus would go round and round. -- If you take this route, PLEASE do your homework and find a good shop in your area. our twins have a thin clear coat and the paint can be tough to match by joe-schmoe autobody

[Agent 86]

Sorry to hear when things like this happens. It hurts even more when you care about your car and try hard to keep it nice.

Years and years ago, I bent a wheel on my Jetta GLi when I hit a hole in the road caused by road repairs. This was in Montgomery County, MD on Rt.28 near Rt. 270. I contacted the county. They blamed Wash Suburban Sanitary Co., but paid for a replacement anyway.

Can't hurt to try. If the local Govt. deployed a crew to clear the debris, they probably have a record of the occurrence (date/time) and have a means by which you can file a claim.

Originally Posted by torqueno

I bought my BRZ exactly a month ago with 1,800 miles. I've taken great care of it and garaged it in the carport. Yesterday, I was traveling on 495 going North in the far left lane right around noon. There must have been an accident there that morning because about a mile before the 66 exit, the cars in my lane were sandblasting each other with TONS of broken glass and gravel. There were cars traveling next to us in the right lane so before I could change lanes, I was sandblasted for about eight seconds.

It sounded horrible. Very horrible. The cars in front and the back of me all swerved over to the right lane once it was clear, but by then, it was too late. I inspected my car with another enthusiast on this forum shortly after the incident, and I could see micro-scratches EVERYWHERE. This is such a bad feeling especially since I know the car had no cosmetic scratches or damage. I'm still in the phase where I inspect the vehicle everyday before heading to work so I knew what it looked like, and there were absolutely no scratches or pits. Good news is, a professional detailer said he could take out about 90% of the damage. The scratches run the entire length of my car and it includes the pillars. But the rest he can not fix - the front bumper and windshield is pitted.

Is there anything I can do to make a claim to the county or state? Has anyone done this before with success? I'm not trying to get rich here. I just want to be reimbursed for the cost of a professional detail. I don't even think I can do much about the little pit marks on my windshield and front bumper. Legal advice welcome. Thanks.

[torqueno]

Originally Posted by Agent 86

Sorry to hear when things like this happens. It hurts even more when you care about your car and try hard to keep it nice.

Years and years ago, I bent a wheel on my Jetta GLi when I hit a hole in the road caused by road repairs. This was in Montgomery County, MD on Rt.28 near Rt. 270. I contacted the county. They blamed Wash Suburban Sanitary Co., but paid for a replacement anyway.

Can't hurt to try. If the local Govt. deployed a crew to clear the debris, they probably have a record of the occurrence (date/time) and have a means by which you can file a claim.

Thanks. Any idea where I even start? Fairfax DMV? DOT? Police? I plan on doing something about this tomorrow morning.

[Agent 86]

Originally Posted by torqueno

Thanks. Any idea where I even start? Fairfax DMV? DOT? Police? I plan on doing something about this tomorrow morning.

I don't know, but I would begin with VA's DOT. Probably the same department that deploys the snow plows, cut the grass and repair the roads.