Potholes. We shudder (literally) to even think about them. Unfortunately, along with epic traffic jams, potholes are an all\u2013too common occurrence for Los Angeles drivers.
According to a report (Oct. 4, 2013) by TRIP, a nonprofit national transportation research group, Los Angeles area roads were singled out as the nation\u2019s most deteriorated roads among cities (with more than 500,000 residents), along with the highest annual cost to drivers \u2014 pegged at $800 annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you hit a pothole, be sure to inspect your vehicle for possible damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pothole damage can affect your vehicle in many ways:<\/strong> Some auto manufacturers warn that you can actually trigger your vehicle\u2019s airbags if you strike a large pothole with sufficient force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Filing a claim with the city<\/strong> Here are general guidelines to help when you file your claim:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Identify the exact location. File a claim with your insurance carrier<\/strong> In Los Angeles, you can report a pothole or bad section of road. Call toll free at 1-800-996-CITY or visit the Online Services Request Form<\/a> on the Bureau of Street Services site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Los Angeles now has a free app<\/a> to report non-emergency issues to local government, such as potholes,<\/a> graffiti, missed trash collections, abandoned vehicles, downed trees, broken traffic lights, broken sidewalks, etc. There\u2019s one for the Android and one for the iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tips to minimize damage from potholes<\/strong>
\u2022 Tire puncture damage or wear
\u2022 Wheel rim damage
\u2022 Premature wear on shocks and struts
\u2022 Suspension damage, including broken components
\u2022 Steering system misalignment
\u2022 Exhaust system damage<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your car has been damaged by a pothole, you can file a claim with the City of Los Angeles. A “Claim for Damages Form<\/a>” is available online at the Office of the City Clerk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Take a picture of the pothole and physical damage to your car.
3. List names and address of witnesses, doctors and hospitals.
4. Request street maintenance records for the past year from the Street Services
Bureau for the block where the pothole is located (in case your claim is initially
denied).
5. Complete repairs to your vehicle; save all receipts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Damages to such items as tires or steering alignment may be covered by car insurance<\/a> policies under your collision coverage if the damage is greater than your collision deductible amount. However, filing a claim with your insurance company may not be worth it. Better to file a claim with the city, county or state agency responsible for the problem section of road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Maintain correct tire pressure to provide the proper cushion between the pothole and the rim of the tire. Overinflated tires cause the tire to ride very stiff and can lead to suspension damage from hitting a pothole.
\u2022 Consult your owner’s manual or check the placard on the driver\u2019s door jam, for the manufacturer\u2019s recommended tire inflation pressure (don\u2019t use the maximum inflation pressure rating on the side of the tire).
\u2022 Be alert for potholes by leaving a \u201csafety zone\u201d of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
\u2022 If you can\u2019t avoid a pothole, slow down, if possible, and don\u2019t brake directly over a pothole (weight transfer to the front puts extra stress on the front suspension and tires).<\/p>\n\n\n\n