How Deep Does a Pothole, Have to Be to Claim? Expert Opinion

How can potholes affect you?

Potholes can be of different sizes and depths. However, whatever the size, it is dangerous for your vehicle or yourself. They have the potential to give you severe or mild injuries. Here are some damages that you or your vehicle might attain:

Brake damage

Broken axle

Bumper damage

Flat tire

Steering and mechanical issues

Undercarriage damage

Broken bones

Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries

Neck and back injuries

Spinal cord injuries

Sprains and strains

Whiplash

How deep does a pothole have to be to claim?

There is a law in the UK that addresses defects and other road maintenance issues. Section 58 of the 1980 Highways Act outlines the obligations of road proprietors.

These ensure the roads are safe for drivers, pedestrians, and other users. This law prevents unfavourable incidents such as injury or property damage. The road proprietors are local councils and highway agencies, also known as “Authorities.”

As per United Kingdom’s law, any pothole that is deeper than one inch has the potential to cause loss. A case claiming pothole damage from the council can be the next step after loss or damages are attained. You may file a Car Accident Repair Claim if you need your car repaired. In case of injuries, one could go for a personal injury claim in the UK.

Claiming Compensation for Pothole Injuries

For instance, if you go to file a claim against the local authority or any council. You should keep the following points in mind to have a successful case.

Check for damage

Take some notes

Report the pothole

Repair your car

Make your claim

Make an appeal

However, one should also know what authority to be claimed against. For example:

If you get any damage from a small road, you may claim against your local council.

For motorways and A-roads, you should be going against Highways England for a pothole claim.

In case you attained injuries on a ‘red route’ road in Greater London, you should seek compensation from Transport for London.

It would be best to approach Traffic WalesTransport for London for major roads in Wales.

Some points have the potential to stop you from filing a claim. Or, you might get your pothole claim rejected by the council or any local authority. Some of these points are mentioned below:

In case the part of your car for which you sought a claim was already damaged or flawed.

Your case might also get rejected if it is found that the damage was caused by road debris, not a pothole.

Drink and drive cases are also annulled, and the claim gets rejected.

If it was found that you hit the pothole on purpose.

Have you already got tired just by reading the lengthy process and details? No worries! Vintage Claims Management Group is here for you.

We are the best claims management company in the UK. We manage all kinds of claims that one could think of filing. Our team is full of experienced solicitors. These veterans have spent years winning such claims. Therefore, contact us today to get started.