Can I claim damaged against the council for damage to my car caused by a tree branch?
Recently while traveling on a country B road, a branch of a tree which extended about 50cm into the road, but which I didn't spot in time (I was travelling within the speed limit), damaged my passenger side wing mirror. Repair is going to be £713. I took photos at the scene and have two witnesses who earlier in the day saw the danger of the extending branch. Is there any point trying to get the local authority (Yorkshire Council) to foot the bill?
Asked on 10 July 2025 by Wally W
Answered by
David Ross
A claim for damages against the local council may not be successful, but we would suggest it was worth a try. It may be that the land owner is responsible for the overhanging branch, but we would suggest trying the council first as they should inform you if responsibility falls to the land owner. You can find more information on this process here - www.gov.uk/claim-for-damage-to-your-vehicle
Tags:
bodywork
local councils
Similar questions
I have a double driveway but when the house was originally built it had a single drive so there is no dropped kerb for half the drive so I want to fit kerb ramps on this side. Are there any regulations...
Should repainted double yellow lines be placed exactly over the original ones? Ours have moved forward and now run over the painted "keep clear" writing on the road.
I recently moved into a property where my next door neighbour has a white line outside his house. That’s fine, but the problem I have is that his white line extends 4ft over my frontage making it hard...
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
