No one likes potholes. They can damage vehicles, make a ride down the street annoying, and even damage your tires. In most areas of Philadelphia, potholes are a common spring problem. They occur during the winter months and early spring, but in some communities they are present year-round.
If you are hurt in an accident and a pothole was involved, you need to know why it happened and who is responsible. At Kwartler Manus, our car accident lawyers in Philadelphia can help you determine how a pothole caused you so much upheaval and frustration.
How Potholes Form
Springtime car wrecks happen for many reasons, and potholes are a common factor. Sometimes referred to as “car-eating craters” on the side of the road, potholes form as a result of the freezing and thawing process.
When groundwater gets into the ground located just under the pavement, a common springtime and fall problem, it creates a risk for damage. That water will freeze in that space when the temperatures drop. Frozen water takes up much more room than liquid forms, which means that, as it freezes, the pavement expands under pressure.
The ice then melts when temperatures warm up. It moves into all of the new gaps and voids present, creating the risk of those surfaces freezing again. Over and over again, this happens throughout the fall, winter, and spring in Philadelphia, chipping away at the road's structural soundness.
Potholes Cause Risks to Anyone on the Road
Potholes are not just an eyesore. They are also highly dangerous craters that pose risks to anyone operating on that roadway.
- Drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicle when they strike a pothole. The sudden movement creates a risk for serious damage to the vehicle. The uneven path can cause the driver to lose control. Suddenly, the driver can strike another car or person in the way.
- Motorcycle and bicycle riders are at risk. These riders are particularly vulnerable to accidents when they encounter large or unexpected potholes. This can lead to a sudden jolt and loss of control. It can also create falls from the bike that lead to traumatic head injuries and other losses.
- Suspension and tire damage can occur. Depending on how fast and the overall conditions of the incident, potholes can cause damage to your vehicle’s suspension system, tires, and other mechanical components. This makes it harder for you to operate your vehicle safely.
- Evasive maneuvers are risky, too. Many drivers try to avoid potholes by maneuvering around them quickly and often at the last minute. That extreme maneuvering increases the risk that the driver will strike another vehicle. Even though the person’s natural reflex is to move, doing so can be problematic.
When you encounter a pothole on the roadway, slow down. After checking your mirrors, determine if you can avoid it and go around it. If you cannot do so without striking someone else, slow down to the least amount of speed you can and then move over the pothole carefully.
Be sure to inspect your vehicle after a significant encounter with a pothole. Be sure to check your tire pressure. You also want to learn defensive driving skills that could help limit these risks. Upping your skill can help you to avoid these accidents and strengthen your confidence on the roadway.
Who Is Responsible for Damage to a Car from a Pothole in Philadelphia?
You did the right thing and struck the pothole. Now you want to determine who is at fault for what happened to you. In Philadelphia, most of the time, you are responsible for the damage you cause to your vehicle as a result of striking a pothole. Consider the following scenarios:
- The city. Pennsylvania law typically protects cities and states from liability for damages caused by potholes under the sovereign immunity doctrine. You may be able to file a claim for the damages to your vehicle for these losses, but only if you can prove that the city knew about the pothole and failed to take action in a timely way.
- Private property. If you have damage to your car from driving on private property, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney to go over your case. In many situations, the property owner will need to make good on their losses.
One of the most important steps you can take in these situations is to rely on an attorney. If you were in a serious accident with significant damage to your vehicle, suffered injuries, and are unsure what your legal rights are, contact us.
Let Our Team Guide You to Compensation
At Kwartler Manus, we help victims get answers. If you are hurt by other people's mistakes, reach out to us now. Our car accident lawyer in Philadelphia can help you hold those responsible for the losses you have suffered. Contact us now to learn more at a free consultation. We have decades of combined experience ready to provide you with an honest evaluation of your case, no matter the circumstances.