Where Can I File a Claim After Hitting a Pothole?

Too many potholes in a crowded city road can present quite a hazard, so they must be reported. If one has caused damage to a car, you need to file a claim after hitting a pothole right away for reimbursement!

Citizen complaints can also help deter minor crimes, such as graffiti, illegal dumping, and handicap spot violations. Unfortunately, the process for contacting your local government isn't always crystal-clear. Don't let the frustration stop you from getting the compensation you deserve: DoNotPay has an easier solution!

How Do I Report a Claim for Hitting a Pothole?

Normally, you would submit pothole damage claims directly to your auto insurer. However, if the incident occurs on a public city road, you must notify the local government directly. They are responsible for maintaining these roads, and therefore are responsible for damages.

Here are the three quickest ways to inform the authorities:

However, even after you file the report, your compensation claim probably won't be processed immediately. In the meantime, you might have a car that needs to be fixed immediately.

It can be hard to locate who you're supposed to contact in the first place. Municipalities often have several offices that handle different issues, and contact info for each can be hidden on outdated government websites.

We recommend using DoNotPay instead because it completely removes the searching from your reporting process. Hours of research can draw out the problem for days and the pothole continues to be a nuisance for other drivers.

My Car Looks Okay. Should I Still Report the Pothole?

Even if your car hasn't sustained any obvious damage, you should always take it to a mechanic for a second look. Potholes can cause:

• The need for wheel or tire replacements (or both)
• Lost hubcaps
• Alignment issues
• Undercarriage damage
• Ruined shocks or struts
• Damaged suspension

Fortunately, you likely won't run into these problems after just one pothole. However, if it never gets fixed, you'll end up running over it many times. This could cause you to pay hundreds of dollars in car repairs.

Can I Be Compensated for Personal Injuries?

Running over a pothole can also cause whiplash or a concussion from hitting your head inside the vehicle. You can sustain even more injuries if you swerve into another object just to avoid hitting the pothole.

However, you also need to check your state's local laws about pothole compensation. Some states have a dedicated process for claiming injury compensation related to potholes, while others won't compensate you at all.

What Evidence Do I Need to Support My Claim?

Whether you or your car has sustained the injuries, you need as much proof as possible about the incident. This includes:

• Detailed before and after photos of the car (or yourself)
• Pictures of the pothole
• The time and date of the incident
• Testimony from any witnesses
• Repair quote or bill from a qualified mechanic
• Any medical bills related to the accident

DoNotPay Can Report Pothole Damage For You

Filing a claim after hitting a pothole is a little more complicated compared to other traffic reports. You want your local government to give you the compensation you deserve after a potentially traumatic accident.

Additionally, you need to report the pothole so that everyone else in your community stays safe. You can report any traffic issue and get compensation fast with DoNotPay. If you want to file a pothole claim but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 6 easy steps:

1. Go to the City Repairs product on DoNotPay.

   

2. Choose one of the following options:
   1. Report a maintenance issue to the city
   2. Send demand letters to the city for compensation

      

3. If you want to report an issue, choose which problem you would like to report (pothole, broken lights, etc.) and tell us more about when you first noticed the issue.

   

4. If you want to request compensation, tell us whether you 1) suffered a personal injury, or 2) suffered from property damage. Then tell us more about the incident date, where it took place, and any expenses you have already paid. Include the names of witnesses if applicable.

   

5. Upload supporting documents and other evidence files.

   

6. Enter the amount you want to be compensated in damages and verify your e-signature.

   

DoNotPay is the best resource for city repairs because:

1. We report your issue immediately after you provide your e-signature.
2. Our process is far easier than doing the research yourself.
3. DoNotPay always gets you as much compensation as possible.

DoNotPay Submits All Kinds of Reports

DoNotPay handles any type of traffic issue, including parking violations and broken streetlights. We can also send complaints directly to other offices, like your local education or health department.

Filing a Claim Is Always Easy With DoNotPay

Complicated reporting processes can make it excruciatingly difficult to get the justice you deserve. DoNotPay understands, and we're always ready to fight for you. We have products for all kinds of victim compensation, workplace discrimination, and small claims lawsuits.