Damage to windshield from hitting hanging dead branch - who's liable?

Question

Did not see a very dead branch hanging out into the street and hit it with our van this morning (it was impossible to see until the last second before impact).

Took pictures of the branch. Will cost $400 for a new windshield. Can I expect property owners to pay for damage?

They would not answer their door when I knocked. I left them a note.

If I can make a claim against their homeowners insurance, how do I go about doing it if they turn out to be uncooperative?

This is in Michigan.

Answer 1

You are responsible for having control of the vehicle. Doesn't matter if you are on the road or private property. Homeowners insurance will not cover an "insurable" item such as cars, boats or RV's. Only exception would be if the limb broke and fell off the tree while you were under it.

Answer 2

hopefully you have FREE glass coverage . . .

Answer 3

the person driving the car at the time... and if you call a round to a few place bet you can find a place that will do it cheapewr than 400 buck i had two replace cheaper than that... and thats about all you can do... you want to blame someone blame god he was the one that grew the tree was the one who killed the limb...... what you hit or run over in your car is your problem you cant blame anyone but your self

Answer 4

It's up to you. That is considered an act of nature.