Car crashes into fallen tree – driver injured!

Car crashes into fallen tree – driver injured!

On the night of September 11, 2025, a serious accident occurred on the L63 between Lauchhammer and Grünewalde. At 1:10 a.m., a driver noticed a fallen tree too late and a collision occurred. The tree had probably fallen due to the adverse weather conditions, making the situation even more dangerous. Fortunately, the driver of the vehicle only suffered minor injuries and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

However, the car itself was still drivable, but material damage was estimated to be in the four-digit range. A police spokesman said the circumstances of the accident were caused by the late recognition of the obstacle. Such incidents are not uncommon and speak to the need for ongoing tree inspections to avoid similar accidents in the future.

Trees in liability

The question of liability for damage caused by fallen trees is an important aspect that lawyer Daniel Heymann explains. In Germany, the owner of the property on which the tree stands is responsible for any damage. In concrete terms, this means: In residential areas, the tree usually belongs to the city, while on country roads the federal state is responsible. On private property, the respective property owners are liable.

The current situation is alarming: around a third of Germany is forested, but by 2024, 80 percent of these trees would be damaged. Regular checks are therefore extremely important. In cities like Cologne, arborists inspect the trees twice a year, both in leafy and leafless states, in order to identify potential dangers in good time.

Weather conditions and insurance

When damage occurs due to fallen trees, the weather conditions also play a decisive role. Extreme weather events could be force majeure, making liability more difficult. However, partial comprehensive insurance can cover damage caused by fallen trees or broken branches - provided the connection is with a storm that has reached a wind force of eight or more.

In summary, this incident shows once again how important it is to identify potential sources of danger such as sick or unstable trees and report them to the responsible property owner. This is the only way to prevent accidents and injuries like this incident. Continuous inspection and care of our trees not only contributes to safety on our streets, but also to the general well-being of our community.

Finally, anyone who notices abnormalities in a tree should contact the owner immediately so that action can be taken in good time. The accident on the L63 urgently warns us to be careful.

For further information: Lausitzer Rundschau | ZDF Today