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Hi lenray, There's the law and there's what's fair, and they aren't always the same. The road hazard issue is pretty reasonable. Even most victims of damage from that situation would probaby agree that no driver can control what happens to things they run over on the road. If gravel or other debris falls off your truck and damages another vehicle, however, that's essentially the same as damage caused by an unsecured load. It's a condition you have the chance to do something about before it causes any harm. Regardless of whether you choose not to take the time to check your vehicle, or you do check but it slips by your notice, it's still your responsibility. If you know that what hit the woman's windshield fell off your truck, or she says she saw it and you feel you can (or should) believe her, then it would be fair for you to pay her out-of-pocket expense for her. As previously stated, there's generally no deductible on that kind of damage, and it's not chargeable against her driving record, so her out-of-pocket is likely to be zero. One thing I would definitely advise you not to do is to go to your own insurance company if there's any cost to you. Either the chip was the result of a road hazard which neither you nor your insurance co. should have to pay for, or it was the result of your carelessness is the way your insurance co. will view it, and there's no reason whatsoever that you want them to make a note of that in your record. All the best, Stan
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