MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas — Dozens of Central Texas drivers are frustrated after their daily commute along U.S. Highway 84 between McGregor and Oglesby has allegedly caused damage to their vehicles.
Construction in this section of the highway ended months ago, but even as recently as last week, Central Texans are reportedly getting chips, cracks and dings on their vehicles.
"We pay our taxes for road upkeep and you kind of expect your roads to be in good shape," said Debbie Vanous, who drives US-84 weekly. "This stretch, when they repaved it, something wasn't right and it's just not behaving as it should for a fairly major thoroughfare with as many vehicles that are coming and going."
Vanous's vehicle has received three large dings in her windshield from rocks. One of the dings quickly spread across the entire windshield.
"I've put off getting it repaired because I'm afraid it's gonna happen again as soon as I have it done," Vanous explained.
Vanous has recently learned that she isn't alone in this issue. A Facebook post in a Coryell County group about the matter has more than 150 comments on it with other drivers sharing the same problem.
David Polk's family is the one that brought it to the attention of everyone else on social media.
"I think somebody's gotta be responsible," Polk said. "I know anytime I've done work for others if I don't do it correctly, I have to redo it."
The Polk family reached out to TxDOT to file a property damage claim, but the state agency told him in a letter that state law doesn't cover his claim. Instead, the letter said to reach out to the contractor, which in this case is Cox Paving of Texas, Inc. Polk said he contacted them on the phone and e-mail. He told 6 News he got an answer he wasn't expecting.
"They just emailed back saying 'You're exactly right, that's a road hazard'," Polk said. "'We can't help you. Sorry for your damage'."
Polk wants accountability and a solution as now he would have to pay hundreds of dollars in damage. Vanous agrees, especially since so many people have been impacted.
"Now that there's hundreds of people who have been affected, there's definitely something wrong with that stretch of road and somebody else needs to carry that burden for us instead of us," Vanous said.
6 News reached out to Cox Paving of Texas, Inc. to learn more about their damage policy and what they are liable for. Our request for comment and information hasn't been fulfilled as of Feb. 7.
6 News did reach out to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to learn more about insurance options if this happens to drivers. TDI does not have a role in investigating or determining who is at fault in an accident or insurance claim, however, a spokesperson did provide options for drivers.
- Make a claim with your own insurance company. Windshield damage from a falling object would typically be covered if you have Comprehensive Auto Coverage. The insurance company would investigate and determine if they could identify a responsible party and try to recover their costs.
- Remember, if you choose to go this route, you will have to pay your policy’s deductible. This would not be an option for drivers who only carry liability coverage.
- The other option is to find out what insurance company provides liability coverage for the construction company and make a claim with that insurer.
If a consumer thinks an insurance company is violating the law or not honoring the terms of an insurance policy, they can file a complaint with TDI. Texas residents can also call the TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439, to ask insurance questions.
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