When streets, roads or parking lots weather and fatigue, potholes may form on the surface. These can be slight to extreme dips of several inches. In addition, cold weather can also exacerbate potholes when ice forms beneath the roads and expands, causing the surrounding pavement to crack. When a car, bicycle, or motorcycle rides over one of these bumps, serious harm can be caused to your vehicle, or even your body if it is severe enough. Potholes can be maintained easily if management recognizes cracks, bump, or dips early enough.
If a municipality or owner of a street or lot (including the government) does not fix potholes and allows them to remain and be a hazard to cars on the road, they may be considered negligent. This puts invitees (or motorists) that drive on the road at risk for an accident. If the entity in charge of the road is not providing a reasonable standard of care to those motorists by providing safe roads, the owner(s) may have to provide financial compensation to anyone who incurs damages as a result.
The following negative effects can occur because of potholes:
- Damage to your car’s tires
- Damage to your car’s suspension
- Whiplash
- Increased risk of accident with other cars
- Increased risk of accident at night or in inclement weather
- Other forms of head, neck, or shoulder trauma
If you have been hurt due to a pothole accident, you should not have to face the court system alone. By hiring an experienced attorney, you can make sure to get the representation you deserve in a court of law, which may lead to a more favorable outcome.