Potholes are one of the biggest annoyances on the roads for drivers. Not only are they uncomfortable to drive over but they can also cause damage to your car.
Driving over a deep pothole, even at a low speed, can cause damage to tyres, wheels, steering alignment, wheel tracking, balancing and suspension.
When the steering is damaged it can also make it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle, which can increase the risk of an accident.
To claim for damage to a vehicle caused by hitting a pothole, you should make a note of the pothole’s location, the time and date you hit it, and get a photo of the pothole, if it’s safe to do so.
Then, take your car to a garage for the damage to be assessed, and get the mechanic’s report in writing.
The next step is to work out who maintains the road; different authorities are responsible for maintaining certain types of roads. B roads and some smaller A roads in Somerset are maintained by Somerset Council. Main routes like the A303 are the responsibility of National Highways.
Your compensation claim will rest on the strength of the evidence you provide, so include as much information as possible, including the mechanic’s report, repair costs and any photos you’ve taken.
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