(a) Any person driving any vehicle, object or contrivance upon any highway or highway structure is liable for all damage which the highway or structure may sustain as a result of any illegal operation, driving or moving of such vehicle, object or contrivance, or as a result of operating, driving, or moving any vehicle, object, or contrivance exceeding the maximum dimensions or weighing in excess of the maximum weight specified in this Chapter but authorized by a special permit issued as provided in this Chapter. The measure of liability is the cost of repairing a facility partially damaged or the depreciated replacement cost of a facility damaged beyond repair together with all other expenses incurred by the authorities in control of the highway or highway structure in providing a temporary detour, including a temporary structure, to serve the needs of traffic during the period of repair or replacement of the damaged highway or highway structure.
     (b) Whenever such driver is not the owner of such vehicle, object, or contrivance, but is so operating, driving, or moving the same with the express or implied permission of such owner, then the owner and driver are jointly and severally liable to the extent provided in paragraph (a) of this Section.
     (c) Recovery may be had in a civil action brought by the authorities in control of such highway or highway structure.