SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – (ABC4) State laws requires dump truck drivers to cover their loads but sometimes the rocks still fly. ABC 4 took action to help a man with a crack in his glass, but reporter Robert Walz found that paving companies don't pay unless they have proof.
Hundreds of dump trucks drive up and down beck street every day loaded with gravel from Geneva Rock. Sometimes the rocks get out and find their way into windshield glass. "In a matter of time it will crack all across the windshield,” said Brian Williams who showed me a crack in his windshield of his car. He said he got the crack when a rock flew out of a gravel truck on Beck Street. "I pulled the guy over and asked him to stop and he did,” said Williams. “The guy was very professional and until we went to the company that is when everything turned around."
Kilgore paving in West Valley denied Williams claim and refused to replace his glass. ABC 4 went to the company headquarters on Tuesday to find out why. Kilgore managers declined to talk on camera but told us that Williams did not supply them enough information, like the DOT number on the truck or license plate.
Transportation manager Craig Rawlins said they get dozens of fraudulent claims every year and need more proof before they will pay. “We have rules that we follow and when people don’t follow the rules it hurts everyone,” Rawlins said.
The Utah highway patrol keeps an eye on gravel trucks in the state...making sure they follow state and federal laws that require them to cover their loads. But they caution that when rocks fly the burden of proof falls on the windshield owner. "Get the plate of the trailer or the truck they are following and if possible and if possible pull up along side it and get the name of the company."
Most people run windshield damage claims through their insurance companies. But Williams said his insurance doesn't cover glass damage leaving him at odds with Kilgore paving. "I don't think they are going to do noting, that is why i called you guys to see if we could get their attention."
ABC 4 did get their attention, but we couldn't help Brian Williams because he didn't get the required information.
If a flying rock hits your car make sure you get the dot number and license plate and company name on the truck. Then call the Utah Highway Patrol dispatch and see if an officer can verify what happened. That way you will have proof incase you need to fight to get the cracks out of your glass.
Most insurance company do the leg work for drivers who file a claim but you still need to collect the necessary information.
