Who’s responsible when a rock cracks your windshield?
Lake Travis ISD Officer Injured After Rock Smashes Through Windshield
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a Lake Travis ISD police officer is facing a long recovery after a rock struck his windshield while driving on US-281.¹
The officer, Stephen Dean, suffered significant injuries in the incident and was transported to a local hospital. Details on how the rock reached the roadway are still under investigation. No other information was provided.
Did You Know?
251,977 persons were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in Texas in 2024.²
Understanding Liability When a Rock Hits Your Windshield in Texas
When your windshield is damaged by a rock, figuring out who is legally responsible isn’t always straightforward. In Texas, fault generally depends on how the rock reached your vehicle.
Rocks Kicked Up from the Road
If a rock is lying on the roadway and is kicked up by another vehicle’s tires, it’s usually considered a road hazard. In most cases, there is no at-fault driver, and repairs are handled through your own comprehensive insurance coverage.
Debris Falling Directly from Another Vehicle
If the rock or object fell from a vehicle—such as an unsecured load on a truck—the driver or the company operating the vehicle may be liable. Texas law requires that all loads be properly secured to prevent items from falling into the roadway.
Intentional Acts or Criminal Activity
If the damage was caused intentionally—such as someone throwing a rock from an overpass—this may result in both criminal charges and a potential civil claim against the responsible party.
What to Do If a Rock Hits Your Windshield
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Stay Safe — Keep control of your vehicle and pull over somewhere safe.
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Document the Scene — If you saw the vehicle the rock came from, note the license plate, vehicle description, and location.
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Take Photos — Photograph your windshield damage, the surrounding roadway, and any visible debris.
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Report the Incident — File a police report if the rock came from a specific vehicle or if you suspect criminal activity.
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Contact Your Insurance Company — Depending on your coverage, comprehensive insurance may help with repairs.
Why Speaking to an Attorney Can Help
If you believe the debris came from a negligent party, filing a claim may involve extra challenges—especially collecting evidence and proving liability. In such cases, consulting a personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation. Specifically, personal injury attorneys can:
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Investigate the source of the debris
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Preserve critical evidence, such as dashcam footage or witness statements
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Work to hold negligent parties accountable
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Help ensure your insurance company handles your claim fairly
Injured by a Rock Hitting Your Windshield? Call Shaw.
If you were injured because a rock or other debris hit your windshield, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Missed Work,
- Pain and Suffering,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees or obligations attached: just the expert legal advice you need.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.