Pothole Accidents

All Californians have come across a pothole at some point while on the road. Potholes are not only inconvenient, but they can also cause extensive damage to vehicles. Too many drivers believe there is nothing they can do about these road conditions and simply pay for the repairs to their vehicle out of their own pockets when potholes cause damage. However, it does not necessarily have to be this way. In some cases, particularly if the pothole has caused an accident that resulted in injury, drivers can file a claim to recover compensation for their costs with the help of a San Francisco pothole accident lawyer.

There are many different types of damage a pothole can cause to a vehicle. The most common of these include:

• Tire blowouts
• Damage to the undercarriage
• Damaged fenders
• Cracked tire rims
• Airbag deployment
• Complete loss of vehicle

Compensation for these damages can sometimes be claimed through the driver’s insurance company. In other cases, particularly when the vehicle damage is over $5,000, claims can sometimes be made against the City with the help of an experienced pothole accident attorney in San Francisco.

Potholes are not only a danger to vehicles; they are also a danger to people. This is particularly true for motorcyclists and bicyclists who can easily lose control of their vehicles after hitting a pothole. These injuries are often very serious and include:

• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Eye injuries
• Brain injuries
• Multiple broken bones

These injuries not only take a long time for accident victims to recover from, but also cause victims to incur high medical bills, lose income, and sustain other losses. Accident victims should speak to a San Francisco pothole accident lawyer for help recovering compensation.

When an accident is caused by a pothole or other road defect, the city or county may be responsible. Municipal governments have a duty to properly maintain their roads, and when they do not, it is a type of negligence for which accident victims can hold them liable.

Unfortunately, while all accident claims can be complex, claims against any government agency present their own unique challenges. These claims have strict time limits and different procedural rules than other auto accident cases. As a result, accident victims should never consider filing them without the help of a pothole accident attorney in San Francisco.

Many people do not think much of potholes, other than that they may be an inconvenience. Unfortunately, they are often much more than that. They can cause serious property damage and injuries. When they do, it is important to speak to a San Francisco car accident lawyer who can help. At the Brod Law Firm, we have seen the damage potholes can do and we want to help. If you have been hurt or your vehicle has been damaged, call us today at (800) 427-7020 to schedule your free consultation so we can advise you of your legal options.