Many people are wondering this time of year if they can receive compensation for damage from Portland’s potholes. The potholes are everywhere, and they cause damage to tires, suspension systems, car bodies, and even injuries.
Why Are Portland’s Potholes So Bad?
Winter rolls around every year. To Portland, that season brings a lot of cold, snow, rain, and potholes. These little pockets in the road- which can also be rather big pockets- can prove to be very dangerous. You can’t always see them as you drive or ride along the road. Potholes damage vehicles, bicycles, and potentially even the people utilizing those methods of transportation. But because these roads are property of the city, and not privately owned, it begs the question of whom is at fault for damage caused.
All streets have essentially been built by using the Macadam method. The core of this method means using soil as the base for creating paved streets. Soil absorbs water, but engineers created a way for water to run off the road before becoming absorbed- which could damage the road. But water can be quite determined, slithering into places where it is unwanted. The soil soaks up the water beneath the rock and stone layers and freezes during the winter. As the water expands, it breaks apart the stones. This is generally why most potholes become even more dangerously evident in the springtime.
Portland Potholes Damage Cars
and Injury People
In Portland, there have been many accidents caused from potholes. For city residents, it’s become second nature to watch out for potholes in secondary streets. But in March 2011, a giant 15-foot pothole opened up on I-95. Potholes are much less common on interstates. This particular one caught Portland drivers completely off guard and caused several flat tires as well as a collision. Traffic was backed up for a few miles until the situation was under control. Luckily, no one was hurt in that accident. Not everyone is in possession of such luck. In April 2016, a woman parked her car alongside a street in downtown Portland. She proceeded to exit her vehicle and ended up falling into a pothole resulting in a broken foot. Her attorney insisted that the city should have been the one to pay for the unfortunate accident. Especially since the city charges for parking- over $2 in some spots- it should be held responsible to ensure those streets are safe.
Portland Pothole Repairs
and Damage Reimbursement
So what is Portland doing to fix this problem that is so chaotically prevalent? Portland’s transportation bureau normally has no more than three road crews in use. But in light of the damage the recent storms have wrought, the city will have between 12 and 15 crews on the clock. The real question is who will be at fault for any accidents that may happen or have happened due to an unnoticed pothole. Tires can be ruined, costing about $200 to replace. That doesn’t even include the rims. If damage reaches the actual body of the car, it can be far more costly. Luckily, the city is now beginning to take responsibility for some of the accidents. The claims are individually reviewed by the city, and then it is determined whether the city is responsible. Early February had 23 claims come in, which is a definite increase from the last two years. The city is self-insured and is willing to reimburse successful claims. Currently, Portland will pay for damages up to $1 million. For now, drivers are encouraged to remain on the lookout while the streets are being mended. Cars and bicycles can be fixed and replaced, but human bodies are not as quickly mended.
“Can I Sue The City Of Portland
For Damage Caused by Potholes?”
Yes, but before filing suit, you might want to first file a claim with the city for pothole damage to your vehicle or bike. The form you need to fill out is located here. Make sure to gather and submit as much evidence as you can, such as: photographs, GPS coordinates, and damage estimates from a mechanic or body shop. If the city refuses to pay for all the damage, contact an attorney right away.