if I hit a stone (however well painted) on a public verge and knew that you’d put it there, I’d sue your proverbials off.
This.
As far as I’m aware the verge is part of the roadway and thereforeowned by the council.
You can’t put stones on it and if you did you would be liable.
I wish I knew this 20 years ago when a large tractor forced me onto the verge outside a house where the owner had put some large stones.
I bent both near side wheels and burst both tyres.
If it happened now I’d be making a claim against them.
(Edit: incident was where the road simply became the verge without any kerb unlike the OPs situation)
You can’t really sue an immobile object for damaging your car if it’s not on the public highway.
Unless it is (and I’m pretty sure verges are part of the highway
Another edit: they are)