If your asset; a vehicle or anything you own is damaged, or you picked up an injury because of a broken road, you are entitled to claim monetary compensation against the department for infrastructure.
Most often the roads and highways are pretty clean all over the UK, which puts all the drivers at ease, and just when they start hitting speed, a sudden pothole appears, which causes severe damages to vehicles. If you ever come across a similar mishap, this guide will help you in making a claim.
- Collect Pothole Evidence
You will usually encounter potholes when the weather gets cold, or in the early days of spring, since this mixture of cold and hot temperatures produces a lot of rain, which causes the road to expand and contract. Another factor that is mostly responsible for potholes is the utility work that creates cracks on the roads. These potholes can cause your vehicle a lot of damage, especially when you’re speeding, and fail to slow down when the pothole appears. If the situation gets really out of hand and results in an accident, the first thing to do is to record all the happenings and the damages caused before reporting the pothole.
- Take Pictures And Make Videos
Pieces of evidence are the key elements for your case, so you have to make sure you take clear photographs of the pothole that shows how deep it is. Secondly, take pictures of all the damage your vehicle suffered. Remember, to make a strong case, make sure you take photos on the same day you encountered the accident. There’s nothing wrong with taking pictures of the accident scene afterwards, but that raises a lot of questions. This photographic evidence of the pothole will help you get compensation from the council.
- Make Records Of Any Important Details
Taking photos and making videos was the first and foremost step in gathering evidence. In addition to that, write down the road name and the location where the pothole is located. Moreover, it’s better to document other factors that make that pot look like a real risk for any person that passes by the same road.
- Report The Pothole
Fortunately, all councils in the UK provide convenience in reporting pothole issues through their website. You need to ensure all supporting evidence has been included. You can log on to the official website and find which council is responsible for the road. Enter the road name, postcode, and the town to find where you should report.
- Make A Pothole Damage Claim
Before you make the claim, it’s better to call the highway agency or the council responsible for maintaining the road, where you suffered damages, to make sure if they will reimburse the full amount to you.
There are certain agencies and councils that have specific rules that need to give important information before making a claim.
If you want to get the repair work underway urgently, you will have to keep the receipts safe. Remember, the more evidence you give (which includes copies of all receipts), the easier your claim process will be.
It is your legal right to receive monetary compensation for any damage you suffer due to the negligence of someone else. However, the claim process can be very complicated at times, and with the other party putting up a war, you need to be extremely thorough with your law knowledge and homework to ensure you win the case. Get in touch with HD Claims to hire the best and most professional Personal injury solicitors in Dublin.
