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The Importance of Documenting Pothole Damage for Cyclists

Cyclists have to be extra cautious when navigating the roads. Potholes can cause serious injuries to cyclists, which is why it is important to properly document the pothole to help you secure the compensation you deserve. This blog post will discuss how to report potholes, how to document damage caused by them, and how to claim for pothole damage from local authorities for such injuries or damages.

Documenting Pothole Damage

Potholes are depressions in the carriageway caused by water seeping into cracks and then freezing, causing the road surface to expand and crack. 

It is important for cyclists to document pothole damage in order to help them prove potential liability. If a cyclist hits a pothole and suffers an injury, documenting the pothole could help prove that it was indeed the cause of their accident. It also helps local authorities identify problem areas so that they can take steps to repair them before someone else gets hurt.

When documenting pothole damage, it is important to get as much information as possible about its location, size, depth, width and any other relevant details such as nearby street signs or landmarks. Take photos of the area around the pothole with your smartphone or camera so you have evidence of its exact location when filing a claim later on. Make sure you note down all relevant information including date and time when taking photos too.

Documenting pothole damage is essential for cyclists, as it can help to protect them from accidents and injuries. It’s also important to report these hazards to the local authority so that they can be fixed in a timely manner. Let’s take a look at how you can do this effectively.

Key Takeaway: It is important for cyclists to document pothole damage in order to protect themselves from potential liability. Get as much information about the pothole’s location, size, depth and width and take photos of the area around it. If injured due to a pothole, contact Cycle SOS ‘The Cyclists National Helpline’ for specialist advice on how best to proceed with your claim.

Reporting Potholes to the Local Authority

Potholes: Who’s responsible? Potholes need to be reported to make sure they are addressed and fixed as soon as possible. Generally, it is the responsibility of local authorities such as city councils or county councils to repair any dangerous potholes (and other road defects) on public roads. If you see a pothole while cycling, contact your local authority so they can fix it.

How to Report a Pothole? It is important to give the council detailed information about a pothole’s location and size when reporting it. Photos will also help the council assess the damage more quickly. Make note of nearby street signs or landmarks that could help you identify the location. After gathering all the information, contact your local authority by phone or email.

Take action on potholes! Don't wait for accidents to happen. Report any dangerous potholes you see to your local authority." #roadsafety #potholes

Most local authorities send out an inspector after receiving your report to assess the damage before deciding whether to make repairs. Smaller holes may be patched with cold asphalt patching material immediately, while larger ones may require excavation and resurfacing later when resources allow. Often, temporary measures like cones are placed until permanent repairs can be made; regardless of the situation, officials ‘should’ always act quickly once they receive reports from cyclists or the public.

Key Takeaway: It is important for cyclists to report potholes to their local authority as soon as possible. Give the council detailed location and size information; this will enable it to assess the severity of the damage quickly.

Seeking Compensation for Damages Caused by Potholes

If you have been injured or suffered damages due to a dangerous pothole while riding your bike, you may be eligible for compensation from the local authority responsible for maintaining the road.

What Types of Damages Can Be Claimed?

When making a claim for damages caused by a pothole, cyclists can seek compensation for any medical costs associated with their injury, as well as lost wages and avoidable pain and suffering. In some cases, they may also be able to receive reimbursement for damage done to their bicycle or other property. In order to find out what kinds of damages you may be entitled to, it is important to seek legal advice from a solicitor. You can reach our team by calling 0808 100 9995.

How To Make A Claim For Damages Caused By A Pothole?

In order to make a successful claim against the local authority responsible for maintaining the road where the accident occurred, cyclists should properly document all the evidence related to their accident. This includes taking photos of the pothole and its location on the roadway as well as obtaining witness statements if available. If you need any help or are unsure of what exactly needs to be documented, simply call our team on 0808 100 9995.

What Evidence Do You Need To Make A Claim?

In addition to documenting evidence at the scene such as photos and witness statements, cyclists may also need additional proof that shows negligence on behalf of those responsible for maintaining roads when filing claims against them. This includes showing proof that there was prior knowledge about potential hazards like potholes but no action was taken within a reasonable timeframe. Our team can help with ensuring you get the evidence needed to have a successful outcome, call us on 0808 100 9995 for expert advice.

Key Takeaway: Cyclists who have been injured or suffered damages due to a dangerous pothole may be eligible for compensation from the local authority responsible. It is crucial for cyclists to document evidence at the scene as well as provide proof of negligent maintenance.

Conclusion

Cyclists should always be aware of the importance of documenting pothole damage for their own safety and to seek potential compensation. Taking photos, noting down details such as location and size, and reporting any dangerous potholes to the local authority are all important steps in ensuring cyclists have a safe journey. By taking these precautions, cyclists can protect themselves from further damages caused by hazardous road conditions.

For more information about our services or to start your claim, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here 24/7 to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.

Written By:

Emily Pheysey

Litigation Executive

Emily has over 7 years of experience in the legal sector, handling road traffic accident claims to recover compensation and support her clients. Her focus is to ensure all clients feel comfortable and at ease with the claims process so that they can focus on their recovery.

Emily considers rapport to be an essential part of the role and strives to always provide excellent client care.

Away from work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling as much possible.

Diane Holderness

Litigation Executive

Diane is a Ministry of Justice (TOJ) Team Leader within our Cycle Department. She has 11 years’ experience managing road traffic accident claims, and 6 years’ experience managing MOJ claims.

Diane enjoys a challenge and always strives for the very best results for her customers; something that is clear in the way her team continually adapts its strategies in order to secure the most desired outcome. Diane has worked her way through the legal ranks here, and is proud to now have a strong, specialist team that is committed to customer satisfaction.

Diane believes that happy clients make a happy working environment, and it is this that ensures a productive and efficient workforce.

Nina Haddock

Chartered Legal Executive

Nina has over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector. She specialises in recovering compensation for injury claimants as a result of road traffic accidents. Her focus for each and every claim is to help her clients secure the funding that they need to pay for ongoing treatment and support.

Nina became a CILEX Fellow in 2006 and now helps her clients and their families at a time when they have been through a traumatic experience, and everything they hold dear to them appears to be changing.

One case Nina is particularly proud of is supporting a client who had successfully sought asylum in the UK, following a road traffic accident. The claim was successfully pursued through the MIB and the client was left with significant injuries. Her client was able to use the compensation to aid family members with their applications to seek asylum in the UK.

Julian Fox

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Julian qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has worked in all areas of personal injury since 2000. Julian has a well-rounded understanding of personal injury law, having represented both claimants and defendants.

Julian always aims for maximum damages to meet his clients’ needs for injury and rehabilitation expenses, and can often secure interim payments to help meet clients’ financial needs. Julian is highly proactive in ensuring cases are progressed, ensuring a timely conclusion.

When not at the office, Julian is a keen cyclist, both on roads and virtually -he will often do an hour of ‘Zwifting’ in the mornings before starting work.

Richard Atherton

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Richard has 12 years of legal experience and qualified as a Solicitor in February 2014. He has been a Team Manager with us since 2019. Throughout his career, Richard has specialised in personal injury, handling an array of Road Traffic Accident cases, in addition to employer and public liability.

Richard prides himself on his very strong strategic and planning skills, which come into their own in complex injury cases where more technical arguments are involved. On every case, he is committed to ensuring that his clients receive full compensation for their injuries.

Away from work, Richard enjoys sport; he is a season ticket holder at St Helens Rugby Club and a Liverpool FC fan. Not only a spectator, Richard also likes going to play golf as often as he can.

Dave Gardner

Litigation Executive

Dave has over 20 years of experience in the legal sector. His specialism is personal injury and he has dealt with hundreds of cycling injury claims during his career. Excellent client care and communication is paramount to Dave. He prides himself on being accessible and available, attending court hearings where damages are in dispute to ensure the best outcome for his clients. One case Dave is particularly proud of is when he supported an elderly client who suffered serious injuries following a road traffic incident. The police had not taken any action against the defendant, so Dave had to be proactive and act within a 24-hour window. The case proceeded and the client was in receipt of £30,000 in damages, which he would not have been entitled to had the client not approached Dave. He is also an avid supporter of Glasgow Rangers and travelled abroad on many occasions to see them play in European competitions.

Gerard Horton

Partner

Gerard is a Senior Solicitor at Cycle SOS. In his 13 years of experience, Gerard has built a national reputation in the catastrophic injury sector, dealing with high value and complex cases. Alongside his legal role, Gerard supports several charities including Headway Central Lancashire, Northwest Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and spinal injury charity, Back Up.

Julia Eyton

Partner

Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Cycle SOS team.

Specialising in representing those who have had life changing injuries, Julia handles some of the most serious and complex personal injury cases both within Cycle SOS and nationally.

She often works on high value claims and is skilled in winning complex liability cases.

NADIA KERR

Partner

Nadia has over 30 years of legal expertise and has represented hundreds of vulnerable road users. With a focus on ensuring timely rehabilitation, speedy repair or replacement of bikes and kit, and securing fair compensation, Nadia is committed to advocating for justice and client rights. Alongside her legal career, Nadia actively participates in national campaigns to benefit vulnerable road users and acts as a Trustee/Director for the national cycling charity, Cycling UK. Nadia was named in Cycling UK’s ‘100 women’ and was a founding member, now running a women’s cycling group, TeamGlow in South Manchester. Among her many achievements, Nadia takes pride in her spot on BBC Breakfast, where she provided expert commentary on long term government funding for pothole repairs.

Caroline Morris

DIRECTOR OF SERIOUS INJURY

Caroline has specialised in personal injury for over 25 years, recovering more than £56 million in damages during that time, to help clients rebuild their lives after injury.

Caroline is committed to achieving rehabilitation options early, meaning her clients benefits from the best care and treatment at the earliest stage possible.