Potholes: More Than Just a Nuisance

Now that's a pothole. Or is it a pot-canyon? (cltv.com)

While we’re technically only a third of the way through winter in North America, the chilling season hasn’t really done much in terms of providing severe weather with loads of snow and ice. And many parts of the United States have experienced warmer than expected weather.

Sunny and warm days? Why that just means people will get out and enjoy them. The roads fill with cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles as drivers and their families make their way to intended destinations, even if just for a quick getaway.

But since it is still winter, and because there’s been snow and freezing conditions in large swaths of the country, that also means potholes are popping  in on their annual pilgrimage to blight and disrupt our travels and even to inflict damage to our cars.

You might think we’re being overly dramatic, but potholes are more than minor annoyances. They can make for a bumpy ride for certain, but they can also cause major damage to an automobile – enough to file an insurance claim over in some cases.

You may recall from chemistry lessons in school that water is a solvent. And a rather effective one, especially in regards to damaging roadway surfaces in the winter. Continual freeze and thaw of water does substantial damage to roadway surfaces during the winter.

And as drivers in warmer areas will testify, while they may not be prone to experiencing freezing temperatures, they still see the power of life-giving water, as it can literally undermine and wash a road away.

Let’s take a look at some problems related to potholes.

Damage Potholes Inflict to Your Car

First and foremost in many driver’s minds are the damage potholes can inflict upon their car. The biggest concern is that a pothole will cause a blowout on a tire and destroy an aluminum wheel.

When there’s no blowout, most drivers will be relieved, but these aren’t the only damages potholes can cause. If you experience any of theses two behaviors from your car after hitting one, there’s reason for concern:

• Car now pulls to the left or the right. Your car has likely had its wheels knocked out of alignment. Will cause premature wear of tires if not fixed.
• Car now makes strange sounds. If you’re hearing brand new groaning and creaking coming from one of the front wheels, you might have hidden suspension damage.

In either case, make sure to take your car in for an inspection from a qualified mechanic if either symptom crops up after hitting a pothole.

Potholes a Significant Cause of Accidents

A number of different road conditions can lead to serious car collisions. Many of them relate directly to road design, such as curves that are too sharp leading to poor driver reactions or other flaws in the roadway.

And potholes are a definitive example of flaws in the roadway. Potholes cause accidents in two different ways:

• Drivers making emergency moves to avoid a pothole.
• Drivers running over them.

While you do want to avoid running over potholes, don’t forget your surroundings. An emergency maneuver may seem like the proper response, but not if it causes you to collide with another automobile in your blind spot. Pothole damage is probably going to be a better option than a full-blown car wreck.

What If Your Car Is Damaged By a Pothole?

If your car is knocked out of alignment or suffers minor suspension damage, you’re probably not going to be filing a claim. In fact, as we suggest you never file a claim under $1,000, it’s unlikely you’ll need to do so, unless a pothole lands you in collision.

But that doesn’t mean you’re completely left to cover the costs yourself. Many municipalities and states accept and pay claims from damage arising from potholes. And with the vast number of cities, not to mention 50 different states, you’ll have to research if such a claim is possible where you live.

California, for example, offers claims payment through Caltrans (The California Department of Transportation). For claims under $5,000 a driver should complete a Claim Against Department of Transportation For Amounts $5,000 or Less (Form LD0274). Once you’ve got it filled out, you simply need to file it with the District Claims Office in the county in which the incident occurred.

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