ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Some drivers in Roseville could be getting damage claims approved if their vehicle's windshield or window was damaged along a specific stretch of I-80 in early 2023 because of a new proposed bill.
For several months in 2023, people driving along I-80 between Douglas Boulevard and Highway 65 near Roseville dealt with loose gravel and rocks hitting their cars, sometimes cracking their windshields or shattering their windows. At the time, Caltrans told ABC10 they couldn't repave the area with the winter weather conditions and instead were sweeping it multiple times a day.
According to Caltrans, between January and April 2023, 51 claims specifically mentioning windshields were filed near the parameters on I-80 in Placer County. The claims range from $100 to $949.74. All of them were denied.
Assemblyman Joe Patterson (R- Rocklin) proposed a bill that could change this. It's proposing to add and repeal part of the Streets and Highways Code, specifically, Section 92.8 relating to transportation. It would make the elements of liability for dangerous condition be met as long as certain conditions are met for this specific situation.
"It was evident from the number of calls to my office that the highway in that area posed a risk to drivers causing residents to make costly repairs. Many residents told me that their windshield replacement cost over $1,000," Patterson wrote in a statement.
The proposed bill would only apply to drivers who traveled along a specific portion of I-80 between January 2023 and April 2023 for claims seeking compensation for repairing or replacing auto glass. If passed, it would be in effect until January 2027.
A spokesperson for Caltrans told ABC10 Caltrans doesn't comment on pending legislation, but it shared data for claims filed against the agency.
Caltrans said statewide from January to June 2023, 155 windshield claims were filed and three were approved. One was approved in Amador County for $374.32, another in Calaveras County for $100 and the third in San Joaquin County didn't have payment information.
ABC10 asked Caltrans in April 2023 if people could get reimbursed for windshield damage along I-80 in Roseville.
"Under California law, Caltrans does not insure vehicles for damage on state highways. Drivers in California must exercise caution on all roads and carry adequate automobile insurance. Claims for cracked windows should be filed with their insurance agency. There have been some misleading media reports that Caltrans is 'paying out up to $10,000 for claims filed with the department, but those reports are inaccurate," Steve Nelson, a spokesperson for Caltrans, told ABC10 in 2023.
Find more information on submitting a damage claim HERE.
Watch more on ABC10 | Loose gravel along I-80 causing 'significant increase in cracked windows'
