Is there compensation due for a falling power line onto a moving vehicle? 20 Answers as of November 30, 2011

The damage to your vehicle may be compensable by the utility company that owns the power lines. You should contact your local utility company to determine if they have insurance coverage or if they are self insured. If they have insurance, you can present a claim to their insurance company. If they are self insured, then you may need to deal with the utility company directly. To avoid the headaches of dealing with the utility company or their insurance company, you may also be able to present a claim to your own insurance company.

Only if you can prove that it fell as the result of the negligence of someone or some entity.

It depends upon why the power line fell. If it was something extraneous that caused it to fall, then no, no claim. If it was poor maintenance or negligence on the part of the power company, then maybe.

Yes, I represented a doctor in Northeastern Iowa who while driving between clinics ran into a 161 Kilovolt power line that had fallen across the street. The power line caught his windshield stopping his 55 mph car within 25 feet. He suffered injuries to his spine. So I can appreciate your situation and how it can damage your car. Yes you are entitled to damages. Power lines are not supposed to come down, but if it was extreme weather conditions that caused it to come down then maybe not. We need to know what caused the power line to break. Answer that and we are off to the races.

The question is whether anybody was negligent. If the people or company responsible for the maintenance of the power lines failed to perform their duties the way reasonably prudent persons similarly situated would have, then there may be a cause of action. Of course, it is always a question of whether proving it would be worthwhile. Perhaps a well-reasoned demand letter would obtain a satisfactory settlement, or maybe small claims court would be an appropriate forum for your case.

Yes, speak to a local personal injury lawyer who will more than likely also handle this type of a case for property damage. Or if its not too much damage (under $5000) you may be able to sue in Small Claims Court by bringing in an estimate and suing the power company that owns those lines. The problem is finding out exactly who owns them. You may have to ask the power company in your area if they own the lines which fell on you and if they repaired them, that would be a good indication.

Yes. The power company should pay for all repair costs.

Just get your comprehensive insurance on your car to fix your car and then let your insurance company go after the power company, they will also try to get your deductible back for you.

Check with your local city or county legal department to see how you can have a claim processed to obtain compensation forproperty damage to your motor vehicle.

You may be entitled to compensation for the property damage. Since there are no injuries to yourself there would be nothing to base a personal injury claim on.