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Damaged car badly via pot hole

tylerboyo
tylerboyo Posts: 212 Forumite
Hi people,
ive just drove over a pothole, on a normal road, not country rode.
There was a noise like a brick had been thrown at my car. I didnt even notice until about 10 seconds later then had to pull over.
The front right wheel suspension or something has been broken badly. Its like the wheel is lower than other 3 by ALOT. There was also a smell of burning rubber just as i was getting home, so i think on the mile long drive back something got hot and is touching the wheel.
Obviously im not going to drive this now.
I dont know what i can do.
Can i claim off the council, i mean they shouldnt be keeping roads in that state.
Can anyone help?
Im from cardiff btw if that matters, re - council wise?
Thanks in advance
«1

Comments

  • sidefx
    sidefx Posts: 1,235 Forumite
    theb1tch wrote: »
    Take a photo of the pot hole and let the council know what damage has been caused. Let them know the amount it ill cost to fix your car and they should pay up once the work is complete.
    It may be work backing up your call with a letter to your MP also but they have a duty to pay for the damage.

    be quick though!

    The same happened to me but by the time I went back to take a photo (2 days later), the council had filled in the hole :mad:

    I had to get a tow truck to take me home :(
  • dacouch
    dacouch Posts: 21,636 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    theb1tch wrote: »
    Take a photo of the pot hole and let the council know what damage has been caused. Let them know the amount it ill cost to fix your car and they should pay up once the work is complete.
    It may be work backing up your call with a letter to your MP also but they have a duty to pay for the damage.

    The only problem with this is that the council are only liable for any damage caused by Pot Holes they already now about (Either by being reported by the public or the council discovering it). If they council can prove they check foor pot holes at sufficient intervals then they are not liable.
  • hundredk
    hundredk Posts: 1,182 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    theb1tch wrote: »
    Take a photo of the pot hole and let the council know what damage has been caused. Let them know the amount it ill cost to fix your car and they should pay up once the work is complete.
    It may be work backing up your call with a letter to your MP also but they have a duty to pay for the damage.
    Do this properly - put a straight edge across the top of the pothole and take a pic measuring the depth against the straight edge at the deepest point. Think it has to be greater than 40mm to be claimable. Also ask the council for their approved code of practice for repairing potholes - they should be able to demonstrate an auditable checking and repair regime is in place AND that the regime is up to date. If they can demonstrate this you may not have a claim but quite likely they can't. In any case it will no doubt take some time to establish liabilty (or not).
  • does this also include speedbumps? nasty things especially if you have a low car
    :D
  • davemorton
    davemorton Posts: 29,084 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Car Insurance Carver!
    does this also include speedbumps? nasty things especially if you have a low car

    I agree, I am sick of scraping my sump on them, I have to take them about 3 MPH and on a right angle!
    “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?”
    Juvenal, The Sixteen Satires
  • CHR15
    CHR15 Posts: 5,193 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 15 July 2009 at 11:13PM
    My front coil spring snapped recently.

    That was rubbing on the tyre. I noticed a burning smell and thought "soon as I get past this roundabout I will pull over"

    As soon as I pulled onto the roundabout, BANG, front tyre ripped to shreds and I'm fighting with the steering to guide the car to safety.

    Coil spring had unwound itself burying itself deep into the tyre.

    Have a feel around the back of the tyre, my guess is the same thing. The Coil spring snapped when you hit the pot hole and has unwound itself touching the tyre.
  • hundredk
    hundredk Posts: 1,182 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    does this also include speedbumps? nasty things especially if you have a low car
    Not unless there is a problem with the installation, sinage or markings.
  • Inactive
    Inactive Posts: 14,509 Forumite
    So the OP drove the car a mile after the incident and is complaining that his/her car is damaged .. :confused:
  • tylerboyo
    tylerboyo Posts: 212 Forumite
    Inactive wrote: »
    So the OP drove the car a mile after the incident and is complaining that his/her car is damaged .. :confused:
    It just got home, i had no other choice.
This discussion has been closed.
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