Feb 28 • 15:41 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

Falling ice damages vehicles: clearly stated who takes responsibility

Falling ice from roofs regularly causes damage to vehicles and injuries to pedestrians during winter, raising questions about responsibility.

During the winter season, it is not uncommon to receive reports of damage caused by falling ice from roofs, which can impact vehicles and injure bystanders. Incidents can affect multiple cars at once, leading to damages that can amount to thousands of euros. A recent study by 'If' Insurance has reported receiving around 10 claims per year for damages and injuries, including cases of concussions, highlighting the severity of the issue.

According to Violeta Stankevičienė, a risk manager at 'If' Insurance, the highest payout over the past five years reached 67,000 euros, which was compensated for damage caused by falling snow to a valuable vehicle. This statistic illustrates the financial impact of such incidents and the need for both property owners and vehicle owners to understand their liabilities and the potential for substantial financial loss due to negligence during icy conditions.

Furthermore, there is a common misconception among property owners that erecting fences or placing warning signs such as 'Caution: Falling Ice!' absolves them of responsibility in the event of accidents. However, legal perspectives often suggest that such precautions may not be sufficient to protect against liability claims, raising the importance for property owners to take comprehensive safety measures to prevent ice-related injuries and damages during winter.

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