Even when they are seemingly miniscule and do not pose a threat, a pothole can cause severe damage to your vehicle. And they become more of a hazard as spring comes around, bringing danger to drivers, motorcyclists, and even pedestrians. In fact, AAA estimates that potholes cost Americans over $26 billion annually in vehicle repairs.
A pothole is formed by the natural cycle of freezing and thawing that the spring season brings; as snow and ice melt and seep into cracks in the road’s surface, the water then freezes overnight as temperatures drop, expanding the ground. This, combined with the constant weight on the road surface by vehicles, expand these cracks even more until they become potholes. Potholes can be small and minor at first but can seemingly become massive in just a few hours of traffic and the freezing and thawing pattern.
Potholes pose a major threat to drivers. The sheer impact a pothole causes can cause major structural damage to your vehicle, and can even harm the driver themselves:
Since potholes are so dangerous to the everyday driver, it is important to know that you can minimize the damage you sustained. The following are a few safety tips for dealing with potholes:
Potholes leave the average motorist almost $400 in repairs annually, which include repairs to tires, suspension components, struts, and exhaust systems. Statistics also show that vehicle traffic is expected to increase by 25 percent by the year 2030, meaning more damaged roads and potholes if repairs are not consistently made. Chances of hitting a pothole and causing injury and damage to your vehicle are higher now than ever, and the chances are likely increasing.
The question arises who is liable should you hit a pothole. Technically, it is the municipality, county, or state where the pothole is located. However, it is often difficult to uphold a lawsuit, as you have to prove that the government was negligent in damaging your vehicle, as well as the following:
Proving all these points may make it difficult to sue or file a lawsuit against the government, but it is not impossible. Some counties and state governments are working with the public to identify potholes out on the road.
If you hit a pothole and suffered severe damage or injury, reach out to the Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Our experienced legal team will investigate the cause of the accident and will fight to secure the compensation for which you are entitled. Call us today at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington DC, Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, we work with clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
Facing the repercussions of a car accident is complicated enough, but things reach another level when…
In the wake of a car accident, individuals often face considerable physical and emotional challenges.…
Evidence plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome of insurance claims and legal proceedings…
These days, more distractions are competing for drivers’ attention than ever before. From smartphones buzzing…
Eye injuries are a common consequence of car accidents, often resulting from the collision's impact…
Motorists drive so often at night that they might not think about the added risks…