First, some statistics
A survey conducted by the highwaysindustry.com suggests that if you were to add up the dimensions of every pothole on UK roads, the combined size would be larger than 2 Isle Of Wights!
This is probably why we have seen a 79% increase in the number of pothole related claims being made by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who have been injured in the last year resulting in a UK total of 32,600 claims.
So who is to blame? Central government say that the local councils are not doing their job properly and local councils say they don’t get enough funding. Both have blamed the weather in the past, which has raised eyebrows. UK weather is nowhere as extreme as many other countries.
Advice if you have been injured as a result of a pothole
To be successful with a pothole claim it is necessary to do the following:
- Take photographs of the pothole – use a familiar object such as a wallet or pound not to give it some scale.
- Gather personal details from witnesses who saw the accident take place or who are from the area and can tell you how long the pothole has been there. This only applies really only if you have had an accident in a residential area.
- Contact a solicitor as soon as possible after the accident. Many people leave it too long and their claims are unsuccessful as a result.
A local council will defend against these claims with gusto so it is important to be smart about it by following the above steps.
When might a claim be unsuccessful?
For a local council to be successful in defending a pothole claim they must evidence a detailed schedule of maintenance showing that regular checks are being made and remedial action taken where necessary.
How do I start a claim?
Russell Worth are happy to help you with this sort of claim should you need it. We have a fantastic and friendly team that can expedite the process of making a claim and we will always strive to achieve the maximum compensation for your injuries on a no win no fee basis
Please note, because of the specialist nature of our firm, we are only able to assist you in your claim if there was an injury that occurred because of the pothole incident.
