Neighbor refuses to give me name of tree trimmer who damaged my car while palm tree trimming (house insurance, house)

[ThCaseMayB]

I need help finding an arborist who can give me facts about the damage a palm frond can do to the body of a car and a car windshield falling from 80'.

I have attached three pics I took of the damage. I have several more pics if needed. Can someone please recommend a professional (certified arborist) who might give me the facts about palm trees. It would really help me if I could find someone to give me their professional opinion as whether the damage to my car was caused by falling palm fronds.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Casey

[Captain Bill]

Just Google for certified arborist and you'll find one very quickly.

I'm surprised the frond didn't do more damage to the windshield than it did.

The fronds are heavy and the stem is very hard wood.

I believe the homeowner who owns the tree will be responsible to the car owner if the frond is what caused the damage.

If it was your car, then need to make a police report and let them take care of the issue.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

Just Google for certified arborist and you'll find one very quickly.

I'm surprised the frond didn't do more damage to the windshield than it did.

The fronds are heavy and the stem is very hard wood.

I believe the homeowner who owns the tree will be responsible to the car owner if the frond is what caused the damage.

If it was your car, then need to make a police report and let them take care of the issue.

Good advice and suggestion, Captain.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by ThCaseMayB

I need help finding an arborist who can give me facts about the damage a palm frond can do to the body of a car and a car windshield falling from 80'.

I realize this won't help in your search for a professional, but the fact that your neighbor is being unhelpful in providing the name of the person who supposedly damaged your car while trimming his palms seems very suspicious in itself. It is possible that your neighbor might have hired illegal aliens, which could explain his unwillingness to cooperate.

At this point, you should definitely file a police report, and contact your insurance company. Let them do the investigation. Once you get the cops involved, they will likely attempt to get the truth out of your neighbor.

[ThCaseMayB]

Thanks for the advice. The good news is that I did file a report with the police, only it was over the phone since it wasn't an emergency.

[Grannysroost]

Originally Posted by ThCaseMayB

Thanks for the advice. The good news is that I did file a report with the police, only it was over the phone since it wasn't an emergency.

They should have given you a report # or you should be able to call and get one and find out if they have investigated the complaint..Did they give you a timeframe? They should be able to see the tree was recently trimmed, and I am sure they know the damage that could happen...They should feasibly go to the neighbors and find out who the company was...either the company is insured, or it needs to come from the neighbor's house insurance.

[ji603]

You're not going to like this answer, but it's the one you should have been given by the police 'callback' report taker.

It's a civil matter - not a police one. If you got a 'report' it's likely a criminal damage/no follow up or an incident report noting your concerns. You won't get a police officer out to investigate.

Homeowner's insurance isn't responsible for damage from trees unless there's been prior notice given (and ignored) regarding the state of the tree.... dead, rotten, etc. etc.

The person who's at fault is the tree trimmer, and he skipped out. His contractor's general liability policy should cover the damage, if you can find out who he is and prove that he caused the damage through negligence. If your neighbor won't help, you're out of luck.

The only other avenue is through your own vehicle comprehensive coverage, but then of course you're out the deductible. Crummy world, made worse by inconsiderate people and neighbors.

[Grannysroost]

Originally Posted by ji603

You're not going to like this answer, but it's the one you should have been given by the police 'callback' report taker.

It's a civil matter - not a police one. If you got a 'report' it's likely a criminal damage/no follow up or an incident report noting your concerns. You won't get a police officer out to investigate.

Homeowner's insurance isn't responsible for damage from trees unless there's been prior notice given (and ignored) regarding the state of the tree.... dead, rotten, etc. etc.

The person who's at fault is the tree trimmer, and he skipped out. His contractor's general liability policy should cover the damage, if you can find out who he is and prove that he caused the damage through negligence. If your neighbor won't help, you're out of luck.

The only other avenue is through your own vehicle comprehensive coverage, but then of course you're out the deductible. Crummy world, made worse by inconsiderate people and neighbors.

So you are saying that if the neighbor hired a tree trimmer whether he checked the company's insurance or not, he(the neighbor) is not liable for damage caused to a neighbor's property, because he didn't check the insurance (Guess I can go hire whomever will climb the tree and let them at it, screw the insurance because not gonna be my fault)...then what is the purpose of the company having insurance or checking it, or a contractor doing something on your house..., so if the tree came down and broke my fence or damaged something in my yard from the neighbor, I am responsible? God help me...

[LovingSAT]

Why dont you just claim it with your insurance and tell the insurance company your suspicions? Let them do the leg work if that is the option they choose?

[Woody7]

This is a bummer. What You have learned though is Your Neighbor is a jerk.