Pothole ‘Pandemic’ puts road users at risk of injury
The RAC reported an 11% increase in breakdowns at the end of 2017 as a result of poor roads*. This year’s freezing temperatures and the Beast from the East have wreaked yet further havoc on our roads, with the BBC reporting one in six road surfaces will have to be repaired within the next five years.
Motorists are not the only road users at risk, with cyclists and pedestrians also affected by the pothole ‘pandemic’. In March, the BBC reported that since 2013, 670 cyclists had received a total of £6.7 million in compensation after suffering injuries caused by potholes**. This figure is likely to rise further.
If you are one of those unlucky enough to be injured in this way, it is important to get checked out at the hospital or by your GP and also to record the circumstances. You need to be very specific about the site and should get photographs showing the exact location, ideally with a building or particular tree or something else identifiable in the background, and a photograph showing the size or depth of the hole with measurements. (If you cannot use a ruler or similar, anything with a straight edge and accurate measurement would serve the same purpose).
You will need to show that it was the pothole which caused your injury rather than other factors so you should speak to a solicitor about your claim. They will be able to provide expert advice including arranging medical reports on the extent of your injury.
You will also need to make sure that you gather the right evidence (it will not be possible after the pothole is repaired so this is time critical) – speak to one of our solicitors and they will advise you about exactly what evidence is needed and what to do next.
If the worst should happen, our team of lawyers are here to help. We specialise in cycle claims, road traffic accidents and accidents in public places. For information and advice, please call 0113 232 1030 or email personal.injury@emsleys.co.uk.