Road Debris

[JNL222]

My wife was driving home from work yesterday on Interstate 90
in Illinois when she suddenly noticed a shovel rolling across the road.
The shovel must have been struck by a vehicle in front of her and
was headed toward her car. It struck the right rear of our vehicle
causing extensive damage to our 2004 vehicle.
My question is this: Should IDOT (Illinois Department Of Transportation)
be responsable for repairing the damage to our vehicle? There are
numerous construction sites along this toll-road and obviously, someone
lost a shovel. Should WE be expected to pay the deductable for the
repairs? Shouldn't the paying of tolls be enough without having to deal
with the Trash on the roads?

[racer72]

This is what your comprehensive insurance if for. Unless you can find the owner of the shovel and prove that person was negligent in securing the shovel in their vehicle, you have nothing. States are immune from damage claims such as this, they have no way of monitering every road to make sure it is clear of all debris and other road hazards.