What to Do if You Hit a Pothole

On many of Britain’s roads, potholes are becoming an increasing problem. Not only can they cause damage to vehicles, they can also be dangerous for both drivers and other road users.

The severity of potholes on roads varies from area to area, however, you’re likely to encounter them at some point during your daily commute.

Here, we discuss everything you need to know about potholes.

What exactly are potholes?

Potholes occur when moisture spreads into cracks and gaps in the surface of the road. In cold weather conditions, the moisture expands and freezes. Vehicles driving over the top of this can cause a hole to form and get bigger. During cold months, when this process occurs over and over, many potholes occur and get larger.

This is also made worse by attempts to fix the problem by covering over potholes, rather than resurfacing the road properly.

What should I do if I hit a pothole?

1) Firstly, take a look at the damage. Pull over in a safe place, and look over your tyres. If you can’t see any damage right away, be aware that it might not be immediately visible to the eye.

2) Secondly, ensure that you get photographs of the pothole, details of the location of it, as well as taking notes about the incident.

3) Ensure that you report the incident to the relevant body – this could be the local council, city or borough.

4) If your car requires repairs as a result of hitting a pothole, ensure that you keep any receipts of paperwork, in case you wish to make a claim.

5) If you wish to claim for damages, you may wish to speak with the council, or seek advice from a legal professional.

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